CPSC Identifies Manufacturers of Problem Drywall Made in China

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is releasing today the names of the drywall manufacturers whose drywall emitted high levels of hydrogen sulfide in testing conducted for the agency by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). There is a strong association between hydrogen sulfide and metal corrosion.

Of the samples tested, the top ten reactive sulfur-emitting drywall samples were all produced in China. Some of the Chinese drywall had emission rates of hydrogen sulfide 100 times greater than non-Chinese drywall samples.

"Homeowners who have problem drywall in their homes are suffering greatly", said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "I appeal to these Chinese drywall companies to carefully examine their responsibilities to U.S. families who have been harmed and do what is fair and just".

At the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue meetings in Beijing May 24-25, U.S. officials pressed the Chinese government to facilitate a meeting between CPSC and the Chinese drywall companies whose products were used in U.S. homes, and which exhibit the emissions identified during the testing procedures. The Strategic and Economic Dialogue represents the highest-level bilateral forum to discuss a broad range of issues between the two nations.

The following list identifies the top 10 drywall samples tested that had the highest emissions of hydrogen sulfide, along with the identity of the manufacturer of the drywall and the year of manufacture, from highest to lowest.

Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co. Ltd.: (year of manufacture 2005) China
Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2006) China
Shandong Taihe Dongxin Co.: (2005) China
Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin) Co. Ltd.: (2006) China
Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2006) China
Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2006) China
Shandong Chenxiang GBM Co. Ltd. (C&K Gypsum Board): (2006) China
Beijing New Building Materials (BNBM): (2009) China
Taian Taishan Plasterboard Co. Ltd.: (2009) China
Shandong Taihe Dongxin Co.: (2009) China

Other Chinese drywall samples had low or no detectable emissions of hydrogen sulfide as did the drywall samples tested that were manufactured domestically. They include: Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin: (2009) China; Tiger ***ShiGao JianCai***liangpianzhuang: (2006) China; USG Corporation: (2009) U.S.; Guangdong Knauf New Building Material Products Co. Ltd.: (2009) China; 3/8" drywall manufacturer uncertain (date uncertain): China; Knauf Plasterboard (Wuhu) Co. Ltd.: (2009) China; CertainTeed Corp.: (2009) U.S.; Georgia Pacific Corp.: (2009) U.S.; Dragon Brand, Beijing New Building Materials Co. Ltd.: (2006) China; CertainTeed Corp.: (2009) U.S.; Pingyi Baier Building Materials Co. Ltd.: (2009) China; Sample purchased in China, manufacturer unknown: (2009) China; Panel Rey S.A.: (2009) Mexico; Lafarge North America: (2009) U.S.; National Gypsum Company: (2009) U.S.; National Gypsum Company: (2009) U.S.; Georgia Pacific Corp.: (2009) U.S.; Pabco Gypsum: (2009) U.S.; Temple-Inland Inc.: (2009) U.S.; and USG Corporation: (2009) U.S.

Last month, CPSC released the results of drywall emissions tests by LBNL. The studies showed a connection between certain Chinese drywall and corrosion in homes. In addition, the patterns of reactive sulfur compounds emitted from drywall samples show a clear distinction between certain Chinese drywall samples manufactured in 2005/2006 and other Chinese and non-Chinese drywall samples.

To date, CPSC has spent over $5 million to investigate the chemical nature and the chain of commerce of problem drywall. Earlier this year, CPSC and HUD issued an identification protocol to help consumers identify problem drywall in their homes. Last month, CPSC and HUD issued remediation guidance to assist impacted homeowners.

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Claire's Recalls Children's Metal Necklaces Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Best Friends Yin Yang Necklaces Sets

Units: About 67,000

Importer: Claire's Boutiques Inc., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled necklaces contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a set of two necklaces that have a silver-colored metal bead type chain and a lobster-claw clasp. One of the necklaces has a single, metal pendant with the word "Best" attached to a black, yin metal pendant. The other necklace has the word "Friends" attached to a white, yang metal pendant.

Sold at: Claire's stores nationwide from April 2007 through August 2008 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled products away from children and return them to any Claire's store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Claire's at (866) 859-9281 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web sites at www.claires.com

Note: CPSC was alerted to this hazard by the Illinois Attorney General.

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Everlasting Distributors Inc. Issues a Nationwide Recall of Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits Because of Possible Health Risks

Everlasting Distributors Inc., Bayonne NJ is initiating a nationwide recall of all their 3.88oz (110gm) packages of Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits because it may be contaminated with Melamine.

Consumers who have the product which is being recalled should stop using it immediately. If consumers have questions about possible health risks, they should contact their doctor.

Product was distributed nationwide in Asian Grocery stores.

The product comes in 3.88oz (110 gm) blue and red color clear plastic package, labeled “JACOBINA”.

No illnesses associated with this product have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after FDA testing discovered that product was found to contain Melamine. Consumers who have purchased Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 201-823-0800, Monday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00, Eastern Standard Time.

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Halloween Figurines Recalled by Coyne's & Company for Lead Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Casper the Friendly Ghost(r) Halloween Mini-Figurines

Units: About 14,000

Importer: Coyne's & Company Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The recalled Halloween figurines contain high levels of lead in the paint.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled Casper the Friendly Ghost(r) mini-figurines are made of resin and paper, and are three inches tall. They were sold in mini bags decorated with a spider and web design. The Casper the Friendly Ghost(r) figurines are dressed as: Dracula in a red spider bag, Skeleton in a green spider bag, Devil in a purple spider bag, Mummy in an orange spider bag, Casper(r) in a blue spider bag, and Wendy the Witch(r) is in a yellow spider bag. The figurines are stamped with TM & (c)Harvey Ent. "Coyne's & Company" and "CP1030" are printed on a white sticker on the bottom of the bags.

Sold by: Gift, specialty, card, and drug stores nationwide from June 2005 through September 2008 for between $1 and $3.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled figurines away from children and contact Coyne's & Company to receive a full refund or credit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Coyne's & Company at (800) 336-8666 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.coynes.com .

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Lotte USA, Inc. Initiates Nationwide Recall of Koala's March Crème filled Cookies

Lotte USA, Inc., Battle Creek, MI initiated a recall of all Koalas' March Cookies on September 29, 2008 because they were produced in China and they may be contaminated with melamine. The products are packaged in a plastic overwrap and the recall includes the following products:

Koala March King Size Chocolate 1.8 oz 50 grams
UPC 0 81900 00001 7

Koala March King Size Strawberry 1.8 oz/50 grams
UPC 0 81900 00007 9

Koala March King Size White Chocolate 1.8 oz/50 grams
UPC 0 81900 00011 6

Koala March Family Pack Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08001 9

Koala March Family Pack Strawberry 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08002 6

Koala March Family Pack White Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08011 8

Koala March Family Pack Chestnut 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08010 1

Koala March Family Hawaii Chocolate 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08003 3

Koala March Family Hawaii Pineapple 9.5 oz/270 grams
UPC 0 81900 08004 0

The product were distributed nationwide and to Canada through wholesale distributors and retail stores. Lotte USA, Inc. is not aware of any illnesses or injuries associated with these products.

Individuals who have experienced any health problems after consuming the Koala March cookies are advised to contact their health care professional.

Customers who have purchased Koala’s March cookies are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or discard it in their trash. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (269) 963-6664, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00 Eastern Standard Time.

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Infant Death Prompts Recall of Convertible Cribs by Playkids USA; Crib Poses Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Playkids U.S.A. of Brooklyn, N.Y. is announcing today a voluntary recall of about 2,000 convertible cribs. The sides of the convertible crib are made of a mesh that expands, creating a gap between the mattress and the side through which an infant can slip. This poses suffocation and entrapment hazards for young children.

CPSC is aware of the death of a 5-month-old child on August 31, 2008 in Brooklyn, N.Y. The child became entrapped between the mattress and the drop side rail of the convertible crib and suffocated.

This recall involves the Playkids U.S.A. convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PLK-909. "Playkids U.S.A." can be found on the packaging and on a label sewn into the side of the crib. The model number can be found on the packaging. The convertible cribs have a drop side rail, a stationary side rail, a canopy assembly, and a bassinet. The sides of the convertible crib, the mattress support, the bassinet, the canopy and the bedskirt are covered in fabric and mesh. The fabric and the mesh come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The convertible cribs, which were made in China, were sold in juvenile product retailers in New York from March 2007 through September 2008 for about $100.

Consumers should stop using the recalled convertible cribs immediately and contact Playkids USA to receive a full refund.

For additional information, consumers should contact Playkids USA collect at (718) 797-0302 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Toy Boats Recalled Due to Burn Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Battery Operated Toy "Speed Boats"

Units: About 200,000

Importer: Dollar General Merchandising Inc., of Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Hazard: The two battery terminals can come into contact with each other, causing the battery to overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Dollar General has received two reports of the batteries overheating. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled toy speed boats are lightweight plastic toy boats supported by an inflatable hull with "outboard" motors on them. The motor uses two AA batteries. The toy boat measures about 12 inches long by 8 inches wide and comes in various colors and designs.

Sold at: Dollar General nationwide from March 2008 through July 2008 for $3 each.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take these toys away from young children and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dollar General at (800) 678-9258 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.dollargeneral.com

Bar Magnets Recalled by Home Science Tools Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Alnico Bar Magnets

Units: About 400

Manufacturer: Home Science Tools, of Billings, Mont.

Hazard: Surface paints on the magnets contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Alnico 3-inch long bar magnets. The magnets are painted red and blue, and were originally packaged as a pair or as a component of a science kit. The magnets were sold as item number MG-BAR3AL.

Sold at: Web retailers and by mail order between May 2008 and September 2008 for about $6.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled magnets away from children and contact Home Science Tools to receive replacement magnets.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Home Science Tools at (800) 860-6272 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT, or visit the firm's Web site at www.hometrainingtools.com

Wireless Headset Batteries Recalled by GN Netcom Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: GN9120 Wireless Headsets

Units: About 525,000 (an additional 675,000 were sold outside the U.S.)

Manufacturer: GN Netcom Inc., of Nashua, New Hampshire

Manufacturer (battery): Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), of Hong Kong

Hazard: An internal short circuit can cause the lithium-ion polymer batteries to overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: GN Netcom has received 10 reports of incidents involving overheating, including three reports of open flames and property damage to furniture on which the headsets were resting. An additional 37 reports of overheating, three reports of open flames and one report of second degree burns, requiring medical attention, was received outside the U.S.

Description: This recall involves GN9120 wireless headsets with ATL lithium-ion polymer batteries. The headsets are intended primarily for professional use in offices and call centers. The product is sold with three components: a base station, headset and power adapter. "GN Netcom" or "GN9120" is printed on the base station and headset. The affected batteries have part number 603028 and have a white plastic enclosure. The batteries are labeled "Made by ATL (Amperex Technology Ltd.)" and "(ATL P/N 603028)." Batteries sold as a replacement part are labeled "GN9120 battery replacement kit."

Sold through: GN Netcom, authorized distributors and resellers nationwide from January 2005 through September 2008 for between $150 and $350 as part of the GN9120 headset and about $20 as a replacement part.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled headsets. Consumers should contact GN Netcom to receive a replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GN Netcom at (877) 803-6467 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday ET, or visit the firm's Web site at www.jabra.com

Portable Generators Recalled by General Power Products Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Portable Generators

Units: About 13,000

Importer: General Power Products LLC, of Loveland, Ohio

Hazard: The generator's fuel valve can be damaged by the cover plate during shipment and cause a fuel leak and fuel spillage during use, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: General Power Products has received 14 reports of damaged fuel valves. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall includes the General Power Products 6000 Watt portable generator and the Poulan Pro 6000 Watt portable generator with serial numbers 060400483 through 060600725. The serial number is stamped on the engine block which is located on the front of the engine below the generator's control panel. "General Power Products" and "6000 Generator" are printed on the side of the General Power Products generator. "Poulan Pro" and "6000 watts" are printed on the side of the Poulan Pro generator.

Sold at: Hardware and home improvement stores primarily located in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas from June 2008 through September 2008 for between $600 and $800.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the generators and contact General Power Products to determine if the generator's fuel valve is damaged and, if it is, to receive a free repair kit and instructions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact General Power Products toll-free at (877) 428-3769 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit the firm's Web site at www.generalpowerproducts.com

JFC International, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sulfite in "Kyosai Sengiri Daikon" Dried Radish

JFC International, Inc. of 7101 E. Slauson Ave. Los Angeles, California 90040 is recalling all products of Kyosai Sengiri Daikon (40/3.50z) due to the present of undeclared sulfite. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sulfite run the risk of life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Kyosai Sengiri Daikon is sold in 3.5oz, clear plastic package with following UPC Code 0 11152 42327 2 and was distributed nationwide. It is a product of China.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling and lab analysis by Florida State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food Safety revealed the presence of sulfites in Kyosai Sengiri Daikon which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased Kyosai Sengiri Daikon are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 323-887-5232.

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Fineland Corp Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds

Fine Land Corp of 239 Bay 20th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11214, is recalling Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds because it contains undeclared sulfites. Consumers who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds is sold in a 10 ounce, clear plastic package with the following code: EXP 03 25 2010 and was distributed nationwide. It is a product of China.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product has been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Pumpkin Seeds are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-714-1850.

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