12/02/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, US // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan

Oak Brook, IL—Learning Curve Brands Inc. d/b/a The First Years, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, voluntarily recalled The First Years American Red Cross Cabinet Swing Locks on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010. The CPSC announced the recall after it was discovered that the latches have the potential to break, giving kids potentially access to potentially hazardous items stored in “locked” cabinets.

The First Years recalled the cabinet swing locks due to a defect in which the latches can rupture. If the locks do break, children could gain access to the potentially dangerous items, which may be held in the cabinets.

While no injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled cabinet swing locks, the Illinois-based importer received word of seven instances in which the latches broke. About 41,300 units are affected by the product safety recall.

According to the CPSC news release, “This recall involves The First Years American Red Cross cabinet swing locks with item number Y7181. The latches are mounted on cabinets or drawers to help prevent young children from gaining access and were sold two per blister card. An America Red Cross logo and “cabinet swing lock” is printed on the package. “American Red Cross” is molded onto the front of the lock. A date code is printed on the bottom of the back of the package and on the back side of each latch just above the connection point.”

The risky cabinet locks were made available for purchase at Toys R Us, Babies R Us and other retail stores nationwide between Sept. 2008 and Sept. 2010. The product, which cost approximately $4 per pair, was also sold online.

Consumers have been urged to remove the locks from cabinets, record the product’s data code, which can be found on the back of each latch, and contact The First Years to receive a $5 coupon toward any other Learning Curve product.

The CPSC also advised consumers to make sure hazardous items are stored properly to protect children from potential adverse health effects or injuries.

Individuals with questions or concerns regarding the defective product recall can contact The First Years toll-free at (866) 725-4407 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, or visit the company’s Web site at www.recalls.thefirstyears.com.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan– Legal News for Product Liability Lawyers.

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Url: Sandra Quinlan: West Palm Beach Injury News