Consumer Products Recalls

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March 16, 2000Release #00-079 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 CPSC Warns Against Baby Mattresses, Pads That Make Unfounded Claims About Reducing SIDS WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers that certain baby mattresses and mattress pads encourage the potentially deadly practice of placing babies to sleep on their stomachs, and claim that the products reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Despite the claims, CPSC is not aware of any evidence that proves that babies can safely be placed to sleep on their stomachs on these products, or that using the products will reduce the risk of SIDS. Parents and caregivers should never put babies to sleep on their stomachs, whether on these products or any others. The following products make the claims through their advertising and marketing, including their instructions and packaging. Due to the efforts of CPSC, these firms have stopped manufacturing and distributing the products. CPSC also has requested that retailers stop sale and remove the products from store shelves immediately. Product Manufacturer/ImporterEstimated Quantity SoldDescription Baby Air (Breathable Mattress)Kid SafeVan Nuys, Calif. 5,000 A wood frame covered by mesh fabric.Used in place of or on top of mattress. Breathe Easy Vented Infant Sleeping SurfaceU.S. Family ProductsWillard, Mo. 33,000 Ridged foam mattress pad with air holes. Used on top of mattress. Sleep Guardian Sleeping PadSleep Guardian Charleston, S.C. 600 Vinyl pad with open weave fabric cover attached to an air pump. Used on top of mattress. Sleep Safe Mattress CoverJupiter IndustriesOntario, Canada 1,000 Mesh fabric mattress cover. According to CPSC, the risk of SIDS is significantly reduced by placing babies to sleep on their backs in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and no soft bedding. There are about 3,000 SIDS deaths per year--a reduction of about 38 percent in the 5 years following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that babies be placed to sleep on their backs. The four products involved in CPSC's action have been sold for about $30 to $100 in baby, drug and discount department stores; in catalogs; and on the Internet, including the following web sites: www.sidsprevent.com, www.kidsafeprod.com and flashmall.com. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the products and their claims

Nintendo Settlement with New York Attorney General NEWS RELEASE March, 2000 Alert #00-500 Nintendo Settlement with New York Attorney General The New York Attorney General announced a settlement with Nintendo of America, Inc. to protect children from hand injuries sustained while playing the "Mario Party" video game. Protective gloves will be provided to all consumers nationwide who own the video game. Consumers with questions about the settlement should contact the New York Attorney General's consumer help line at (800) 771-7755 or visit his web site at www.oag.state.ny.us. Out of state consumers should call (212) 416-8345. To obtain up to four protective gloves, consumers should contact Nintendo at (800) 521-0900.

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