MN Dept of Commerce Urges Families to Sign Up for Dangerous Product and Toy Recall Alerts

SAINT PAUL, MN – Concern over hazardous chemicals in children’s products and toys has grown in the past several years. In order for Minnesota families to stay informed of potentially dangerous products, the Minnesota Department of Commerce urges parents to stay vigilant about product and toy safety, and hazardous chemicals, and to sign up for product recall alerts. Families then can receive immediate alerts on recalls without having to monitor the news.

“We want families with infants and children to be safe from dangerous products and toys in Minnesota,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “We will watch for dangerous children's products and toys in the marketplace, and families need to stay alert when it comes to product safety and recalls.”

There are several proactive steps consumers can take to ensure that their homes are free from potentially dangerous products. The Department of Commerce recommends selecting age appropriate toys, observing manufacturer’s warnings regarding safety hazards and monitoring use when necessary. Consumers can also create a toy inventory and record relevant information (manufacturer, serial or model # and purchase dates) to help identify the toy in the event that it is recalled.

Smartphone users can install the RECALLS.GOV mobile application to keep vital safety information in the palm of your hand. The app allows consumers to type in a product’s name to learn immediately whether that product has been recalled due to a safety concern. Photos of recalled products and tips for what to do with recalled products in your home are also available through the app.

In 2013, there have been three different toy recalls, along with numerous baby and child care products. There are several different sources that consumers can rely on for information regarding recalls. Consumers can visit the Commerce Department’s website for an updated list and toy safety tips. Additionally, the Department recommends that consumers sign up directly to receive email alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

2013 Product Recalls:

3/5/2013 Disco Lights Recalled

2/26/2013 Monster High City Motor Scooters

2/26/2013 Hello Kitty City Motor Scooters

2/7/2013 EVO Strollers

2/6/2013 Play Yard Sheets

1/31/2013 World Imports Recalls Bunk Beds

1/31/2013 Kringles Toys and Gifts Recalls High Powered Magnets

1/30/2013 Million Dollar Baby Dressers

1/30/2013 Natart Chelsea Dressers

1/15/2013 Bugaboo Strollers

1/15/2013 Circo Girls Fleece Pajamas

1/15/2013 Children's Two-Piece Pajama Sets

1/8/2013 Fisher-Price Rock 'N Play Infant Sleepers

Consumers can also sign up for alerts at:

· http://www.recalls.gov/

· http://www.saferproducts.gov/Search/default.aspx

· http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/javascripts/widgetrss.html

Visit the Commerce Department’s website for a list of all recalls, and information related to recalls, helpful tips on toy safety and additional resources for parents. Consumers that are concerned they are in contact with a potentially hazardous product should file a report with the CPSC. Instructions for reporting a product via phone, email, or postal mail are included on their website.

Consumers with further questions can contact the Commerce Department’s Consumer Help Line at (651) 296-2488 or (800) 657-3602.

Questions or consumer complaints can also be directed by email to consumer.protection@state.mn.us or by mail to Minnesota Department of Commerce, 85 7^th Place East, Suite 500, Saint Paul, MN 55101.