EUROPA - Consumer Affairs - Unsafe products


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The Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products (RAPEX)

- Weekly overview report of RAPEX notifications -

report 50 - 2007

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No. Ref.	Notifying country	Product (Click on the photo to enlarge)	Danger	Measures adopted by notifying country	*Products were found and measures were taken also in: ()**
1 1313/07	Greece	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Air sport gun Brand: Sheng yuan Type/number of model: GY.758, Item No.: TKD01111, Fact. Code: GY758, Bar Code: 6 930022 000242. Description: Black coloured 1/1 scale high performance plastic model gun (approx. dimensions: L:18cm W:11.5cm), shooting small plastic balls and equipped with a laser beam source. On the barrel the indication: “TACTICAL SMITH & WESSON” is written. The product is sold in blue-black package, with the following warning on it (English): Do not shoot at any human or animals. The best for ages 14 and up. WARNING: Choking Hazard – Small Parts. Not for Children under 14 years. Country of origin: China	Damage to sight The product poses a risk of damage to sight because: - the output irradiance of the laser pointer beam is 4.7mW (the marketing and sale of pointers generating more than 1 mW is prohibited), - the class indicated for the laser pointer beam, namely Class II, is not consistent with the EN 60825-1 standard. Prolonged exposure to moderate levels of laser light may bring about irreversible damage in the eye, particularly the retina and the crystalline lens. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60825.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
2 1314/07	Greece	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Passenger car - Front end accessory drive belt in Ford passenger car Brand: Ford Type/number of model: Passenger cars, models Fiesta, Fusion and Transit (Van) Description: The recall concerns 2008 model year Ford Fiesta, Fusion and Transit cars. More information Country of origin: Germany No picture available	Injuries This product poses a risk of injuries because on the affected vehicles the front end accessory drive belt(s) may delaminate and result in premature failure and subsequent loss of power assisted steering.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the importer.
3 1315/07	Greece	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Passenger car - Brake vacuum pump in Ford passenger car Brand: Ford Type/number of model: Passenger cars, models Focus, C-Max, S-Max & Galaxy with 2.0L DW10 Diesel engine (Recall Ref: 7C127). Description: The recall concerns 2006 and 2007 model year FORD Focus, C-Max, S-Max & Galaxy cars. More information Country of origin: Germany No picture available	Injuries This product poses a risk of injuries because during engine warm up in low ambient temperatures, it is possible that the non return valve within the brake vacuum pump may fail to release and will not continue to supply vacuum to the brake booster. Although the system will continue to meet all legal braking requirements, the customer may experience a hard brake pedal with increased stopping distances if the vacuum stored in the booster is used before the non return valve releases once the engine has reached normal operating temperature.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the importer.
4 1316/07	Greece	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Passenger car Brand: VOLVO Type/number of model: model XC90. Description: The recall concerns 2007 and 2008 model year VOLVO XC90 vehicles. Country of origin: Sweden No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because under certain operating conditions, when starting the engine, the climate control functions may not work as intended, e.g. the defroster function may not be available. This may reduce the sight ability for the driver and become a reason for a road accident.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the manufacturer.
5 1317/07	Bulgaria	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Water heater Brand: Santov Type/number of model: Model 3 kW Description: Electric portable submergible water heater with technical specifications: 220V; 50Hz; 3000W. Country of origin: Bulgaria	Fire and electric shock The product poses a risk of fire and electric shock because: - the products construction creates risk of fire as result of careless and abnormal work, - the water heater is not marked with the declared voltage or voltage range and the power supply type, the degree of protection against water penetration (IP XX), - lack of marking for minimum and maximum level of submerging of the device, - lack of caution against cord replacement in the case of damage and placing the hot device on incombustible surfaces after switching off or removal from the water in the instruction for usage. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European Standard EN 60335.	Sales ban, withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
6 1318/07	Bulgaria	Category: Lighting equipment Product: Desk lamp Brand: VITO Type/number of model: VT-016 Description: Desk luminary consisting of: body with black plastic cover; plug YDP2-1 with technical specifications: 250V, 2,5A, VDE; cable H 0,3 WH2-F, 2x0,5mm2 , VDE; fluorescence lamp 220V, 9WW Technical specifications of the luminary: 240V, 50Hz, 9W,class II,IP20. Country of origin: Bulgaria	Electric shock and fire The product poses serious risk of electric shock and fire because the illuminator turns over when it is placed in adverse working position on a plane at an angle of 0° towards the horizontal line. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60598-2-4.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
7 1319/07	United Kingdom	Category: Food-imitating products Product: Decorative articles – Christmas cookies Brand: Ideal home range Type/number of model: AH11000; Bar code 5 8642335004 7. Description: 4 x Christmas tree decorations in the shape of cookies packed in cellophane bag with tag. Country of origin: China	Choking and injuries These products pose a risk of choking and injuries because, two of the cookies have ‘peanut’ halves on them which become detached by a force of less than 50 N, which then reveals spikes which were deemed to be sharp points. Due to their characteristic form, appearance, colour and size, the products may be mistaken for a foodstuff. This may lead children to put them in their mouths and swallow them, which could entail the risk of asphyxia or obstruction of the digestive tract. The tests confirm that small pieces break off from the ends of the samples. These small parts fit within the small parts cylinder.	Sales ban ordered by the authorities.
8 1320/07	Luxembourg	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Tyres for scooters Brand: DUNLOP Type/number of model: Model SX01 Description: 130/70-13M 63P DUNLOP SX01 and 150/70-13M 64S DUNLOP SX01 manufactured in Thailand between January 2007 and October 2007 and fitted as a replacement and not as original equipment. Code DOT: 3PCN (150/70-13) or3PCWCA5M (130/70-13) and week numbers between 0407 and 4107. Country of origin: Thailand	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because there have been a number of cases of separation of the tread during use (no case of loss of pressure has been reported). The first sign of this problem is vibration during use and it can lead to the tread being torn away. If the user ignores the vibrations and continues to use the vehicle, this can lead to loss of control or an accident, although no such incident has been reported as yet.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
9 1321/07	Netherlands	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Cycling gloves carrying the PRO, SHIMANO or SAINT mark Brand: PRO, SHIMANO or SAINT Type/number of model: all cycling gloves manufactured in Pakistan, (and marketed) bearing the PRO, SHIMANO or SAINT mark Description: The majority of cycling gloves affected by this corrective action will carry a label showing that they were manufactured in Pakistan. However, some cycling gloves which have no visible label may also be affected by this corrective action. Gloves which carry a label indicating that they were manufactured in a country other than Pakistan are not affected by this recall. The label is located on the inside cuff area of the gloves. Country of origin: Pakistan	Carcinogenic The product poses a carcinogenic risk because certain gloves contain the aromatic amine benzidine in levels up to 450 mg/kg in the red part of the gloves race red cw7u107334. Risk-assessment based on a worst case exposure scenario resulted in a slight higher risk level than the NRL (negligible risk level) for Benzidine.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers.
10 1322/07	Spain	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Air gun with laser beam - Rifle with laser Brand: AIR SPORTS GUN Type/number of model: REF JP946 Description: Replica firearm with laser beam. The packaging is a cardboard box carrying a photograph of the rifle and the statements "AIR SPORTS GUN", ITEM No JP946A. Made in China, CE marking "The best for ages 17 and up. Do not shoot at any human or animal", along with other safety and assembly instructions. Country of origin: China	Damage to sight This product poses a risk of damage to sight because it is a Class 3B laser device, and potentially dangerous to the sight in any conditions of use. Prolonged exposure to moderate levels of laser light may cause irreversible changes in the eye, and particularly in the retina and the crystalline lens. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60825.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
11 1323/07	Germany	Category: Lighting equipment Product: Decorative light - 120 L Sunflower Festival Decoration Brand: Fairy lights Type/number of model: GS-TZC_120 Description: Fairy lights for indoor use; protection class II; 120 coloured lamps with receptacle; plastic star-shaped frame; cardboard backing; flashing unit; lead approximately 85 cm in length with moulded Europlug. Country of origin: China	Electric shock This product poses a risk of electric shock because: - the nominal cross-section of conductors is less than 0.5 mm²; - the length of lead between plug and first lamp socket is only 0.85 m (minimum requirement: 1.5 m); - there is no strain relief. This product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor.
12 1324/07	United Kingdom	Category: Cosmetics Product: Toothpaste Brand: Smartoral Mint Ice Type/number of model: Bar code on outer cardboard box 6 901054 301157. Item number T009. Expiry date of 28/03/2007 crimped into bottom of toothpaste tube. Description: The product is sold as a set in a cardboard box containing a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. The toothpaste is marked Cool Toothpaste Smart Oral Mint Ice High Efficiency 2-Ca, 120g. The cardboard box is red/blue/white with a transparent section through which can be seen the toothbrush. 2 boxes were cellophaned together and sold as one unit under a ‘buy one get one free’ offer. Country of origin: China	Poisoning This product poses a risk of poisoning because it contains 1.2% of diethylene glycol, which may be hazardous to consumers.	Voluntary recall from consumers by the producer.
13 1325/07	Slovenia	Category: Chemical products Product: Bicycle repair set with rubber cement RED SUN Brand: RED SUN Type/number of model: EAN 3850359276406 Description: Bicycle repair kit composed of: 1 tube of glue RED SUN, patches for gluing an inner tube, tool. Country of origin: Hong Kong	Chemical This product poses a chemical risk because the solution contains approximately 29% of benzene, which is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic. According to Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations, preparations with mass content of 0,1 % or more of benzene may not be placed on the market.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market. Sales ban ordered by the authorities.
14 1326/07	Germany	Category: Decorative articles Product: Decorative figure - Snowman Brand: Unknown (Blokker B. V.) Type/number of model: Snowman with red hat; no type specification; EAN 8716201473384. Description: The sample is a cloth doll in the form of a snowman. It consists of a white body in two parts with hanging legs made of threaded wooden beads, and black cloth boots with white laces and red edging. It has a red hat, green scarf and blue jacket. The head consists of a solid sphere. All other body parts are stuffed with soft material. A plastic attachment on the hat makes it easy to hang the toy up. The sample is 36 cm long and weighs 91 g. Country of origin: China	Choking This product poses a risk of choking because even though the product is a decoration, its foreseeable use in a manner not intended means that it needs to be as safe as a stuffed animal intended for children under 3 years because children will think it is a toy. The right leg and the nose broke at an applied force of 33 N and 11 N respectively, and should have been able to withstand 88 N. They are small parts which may be swallowed.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor.
15 1327/07	Sweden	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Passenger car - Volvo S40/V50/C30 Brand: Volvo Type/number of model: S40 chassis number: 0162003-0295267, V50 chassis number: 0162669-0312148, C30 chassis number: 0000001-0008766. Description: S40/V50/C30 with D4204T/T2 Engine, 2006 and 2007 –Model vehicles are affected. Country of origin: Sweden No picture available	Injuries This product poses a risk of injuries because the brake assistance vacuum may be reduced under cold start conditions. During engine warm up in low ambient temperatures, it is possible that the non return valve within the brake vacuum pump may intermittently stick, and by that not supply vacuum to the brake booster. If the condition occurs the driver may experience a hard brake pedal, due to the reduced brake vacuum in the brake booster. The brakes are still functioning, even if the brake vacuum assistance is reduced, but the brake pedal must be pressed harder to make up for the lack of brake vacuum assistance and in certain traffic conditions this may lead to an unsafe situation.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the manufacturer.
16 1328/07	Hungary	Category: Toys Product: Toy mobile phone - Super telephone Brand: The Princess and the Pauper Type/number of model: No.: 143-340C Description: White and pink flip-up toy mobile phone operated by button cells. There is a princess and a cat on the lid. Dimension: 98 x 45 x 27 mm. Country of origin: China	Choking This product poses a risk of choking because the cover of the battery holder can be opened without using a tool, by one motion and the button cells become available. The button cells and the cover are small parts. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standards EN 71 and EN 50088.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from the consumers ordered by the authorities.
17 1329/07	Germany	Category: Childcare articles Product: Baby shoes / first socks Brand: Playshoes Type/number of model: 491167 and 491176 Description: Baby shoes in square, transparent packaging measuring 10 cm x 5 cm. Country of origin: Unknown	Choking The product poses a serious risk of choking because the pompons on the laces can easily be removed, since they are only glued on. The pompons fit in the small parts cylinder and when the pompons are soaked, there is a risk of choking.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.
18 1330/07	Austria	Category: Cosmetics Product: Body lotion - Hemp body lotion 150 ml Brand: Hanfwelt Type/number of model: Batch number: 06049; Best-before date: 30.12.2008. Description: Non-transparent, white plastic, screw-top bottles with two stickers, 150 ml, filled with yellow, scented viscous fluid. Country of origin: Austria	Bacteriological The product poses a bacteriological risk because the sample is heavily contaminated with pathogenic micro-organisms (pseudomonas aeruginosa) and harbours an unjustifiably high risk and is therefore to be considered harmful.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the producer.
19 1331/07	Spain	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Air gun with laser beam Brand: AIR GUN Type/number of model: Ref: P-137C Description: Replica firearm with laser beam. The packaging is a cardboard box carrying a photograph of the weapon and the statements: "6 mm B.B. 1:1 Real Scale air gun. For ages 14 and up". Country of origin: China	Damage to sight This product poses a risk of damage to sight because it is a Class 3B laser device, and potentially dangerous to the sight in any conditions of use. Prolonged exposure to moderate levels of laser light may cause irreversible changes in the eye, and particularly in the retina and the crystalline lens. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60825.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
20 1332/07	Spain	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Folding scooter Brand: Wheeworx Type/number of model: DYCO2S-P/SKIN HO 68 Description: Folding metal scooter with two 4" wheels. The packaging is a cardboard box. Country of origin: China	Injuries The product poses a serious risk of injuries because cutting edges exist on various metal parts of the scooter. The product does not comply with the relevant European standards EN 71 and EN 14619.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
21 1333/07	Germany	Category: Decorative articles Product: Decorative figure - Father Christmas figure Brand: Unknown Type/number of model: EAN 8716201431223. Description: Father Christmas figure is wearing a red pointed hat, nickel spectacles and has a white beard. In the left hand he is holding a white bell and in the right hand, a red sack with two packages sticking out. He is wearing a yellow coat with white fur trim and white boots. The body is made of solid material and ends in the trousers with a flat under surface. The trouser legs are not stuffed and hang downwards. This allows the figure to be placed in a sitting position on even surfaces. The figure is 27 cm high and weighs 93 g. Country of origin: China	Choking The product poses a serious risk of choking because one hand and the pine cone became detached at a force of 50 N respective 16 N (should withstanding forces of at least 88 N) and they fit entirely into the small parts cylinder. In view of its foreseeable misuse, the product must be just as safe as a soft toy for children under the age of three. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN-71.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
22 1334/07	United Kingdom	Category: Laser pointers Product: Laser pointer X Rated Brand: HottProducts Unlimited/American Multitrade Inc. Type/number of model: 818631020256. Description: Silver Laser Pointer with four interchangeable caps named as FK Off; Big DK; Nice TS; and Nice A. Contained within a blue blister pack. Country of origin: China	Damage to sight The product poses a serious risk of damage to sight because it incorporates a class III laser, which is potentially dangerous to the sight in all conditions of use. Prolonged exposure to moderate levels of laser light may bring about irreversible damage in the eye, particularly the retina and the crystalline lens. This product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60825.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor.
23 1335/07	Spain	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Air mattress Brand: VIDAL Type/number of model: Ref.: 0217918 Description: Air mattress measuring approximately 183 cm x 76 cm. The packaging consists of a cardboard box bearing a photo of the air mattresses, the brand name Vidal and the wording “Inflatable air bed. With safety valve. Heavy gauge PVC. Neon colour”. There is also a drawing of two children’s heads and the caption “Let’s go to swim!”. Country of origin: China	Drowning The product poses a risk of drowning due to its low puncture resistance, as the product bursts in under five seconds at a force of less than 5N. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 13138-1.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
24 1336/07	Hungary	Category: Toys Product: Gleams ball Brand: Unknown Type/number of model: NO: 9384 Bar code: 5998051105322. Description: Transparent hard plastic ball with soft thimble-formed thorns. It is operated by 4x1,5 V AA batteries. The ball after pressing a red button trembles and lights. Diameter: approximately 12 cm. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because the thorns of the product contain 17,9% by weight of DEHP and 14,7% by weight of DBP. The contents of DEHP and DBP in the toys exceed permitted limit laid down by the Chemicals Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC. The products pose a serious risk for the health of a child.	Import rejected by the customs authorities.
25 1337/07	Germany	Category: Decorative articles Product: Round oil-lamp Brand: Menu A.S. Type/number of model: Art. No: 4740019. Description: Round oil-lamp, 9 cm; Art. No: 4740019; Materials: glass, silver, metal; Size of packaging (cm) (H x W x L): 10 x 10.5 x 10.5; Number of items per package: 1. Country of origin: Denmark	Fire The product poses a risk of fire because: - the lamp has no wick protection, - the filling plug is not safe, - the lamp is not leak-proof. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN14059.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.