SpendWize - Guide to Wiser Consumer Decisions

The garlic duos slicer blades can break during use, posing a laceration hazard to users.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that two firms, Maran Inc., of North Bergen, N.J. and K.S. Trading Corp., of Moonachie, N.J., have agreed to pay a total of $85,000 in civil penalties. The penalty settlements, which have been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolve CPSC staff allegations that the firms knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that childrens hooded sweatshirts or jackets they sold had drawstrings at the neck.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Hill Sportswear Inc., of Paramount, Calif. has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $100,000. The penalty settlement, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolves CPSC staff allegations that Hill Sportswear knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that childrens hooded sweatshirts it manufactured and sold had drawstrings at the neck.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Kohls Department Stores Inc., of Menomonee Falls, Wis. has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $425,000. The penalty settlement, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolves CPSC staff allegations that Kohls Department Stores knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that childrens hooded sweatshirts it sold had drawstrings at the neck.

The recalled sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.

Some of the recalled bandsaws do not have a grounding wire installed, which poses an electric shock hazard to consumers.

The recalled PowerLock connector links, used on bicycle chains, are brittle and can crack, allowing the chain to separate from the bicycle and posing a fall hazard to the rider.

The recalled childrens animal masks and pendants contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

As a new school year gets underway, President Obama launched a major back-to-school campaign today aimed at keeping kids in the classroom. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSC) new Chairman Inez Tenenbaum carried the Presidents message to South Carolina where she met with students and faculty at Rosewood Elementary School in Columbia.

The DVD players circuit board can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.