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

- Weekly overview report of RAPEX notifications -

week 27 - 2008

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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 0727/08	Belgium	Category: Toys Product: Soft toy – "Charlie Caterpillar" Brand: VACO Type/number of model: VL30, 5420021528195. Description: Soft toy approx. 30 cm long. Country of origin: China	Choking The product poses a risk of choking because one foot of the toy can be detached with a traction force of 78.9 N. Two others can be detached with a traction force of between 78.9 and 90 N. The feet fit entirely within the small parts test cylinder. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor.
2 0728/08	Germany	Category: Toys Product: Plastic doll - Doll Judy Collection Brand: AGLOW TOYS Type/number of model: Ref. 23022, EAN 366105023228 Description: Individual packaging; doll with angel wings; blue – pink dress Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because the doll's head contains 27.7 % by weight of Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP). According to the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC, certain phthalates in toys are prohibited.	Voluntary recall from consumers by the distributor.
3 0729/08	Bulgaria	Category: Toys Product: Joke item – shock stapler Brand: SHOCK Type/number of model: RT-05052. bar code 60937053 350520 Description: A product in the form of a stapler which when used produces an electrical shock. Blister packaging with marking “STAPLER SHOCK and “LATEST FASHION UNIQUE” and manufacturer's instructions in English language warning that the appliance should be used at own risk, and is recommended for people aged between 14 to 50 without health problems. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because the peak current and impulse discharges that are generated are above the permitted safety norms and in that respect the appliance should be considered dangerous for the life and health of the user. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60335.	Withdrawal from the market and information to consumers ordered by the authorities.
4 0730/08	Cyprus	Category: Toys Product: Rattle – "Intelligence toys" Brand: FUNNY HAPPY Type/number of model: Item No. 379, Bar Code 2200020022015 Description: A toy attached to a large suction cup used to fix it onto a chair or table. Toy consists of 2 rotating wheels with 3 colourful figurines. It is packed in a colourful cardboard box with the following markings: a pictogram concerning the age restriction (Ages Over 6 Months), "Warning – Choking Hazard small parts" and “CE mark”. Country of origin: China	Choking This toy poses a risk of choking because small parts which fit entirely into the small parts cylinder may be detached from the toy. This toy does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71-1.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
5 0731/08	France	Category: Food-imitating products Product: Decorative articles - artificial grapes Brand: FROSTED BLACK Type/number of model: B-1959; Barcode: 5 414 297 195 922 Description: A bunch of artificial black grapes in a plastic bag. Country of origin: China	Choking The product poses a risk of choking because small parts can be detached with a force of 90N and, due to its characteristic form, appearance, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for a foodstuff. This may lead children to put it in their mouth and swallow it, which could entail the risk of asphyxia or obstruction of the digestive tract. The product does not comply with Directive 87/357/EEC on products which, appearing to be other than they are, endanger the health or safety of consumers.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market.
6 0732/08	Bulgaria	Category: Toys Product: Joke item – shocking cigarette Brand: MarsHero Type/number of model: Unknown Description: A product resembling a packet of cigarettes which when used produces an electrical shock. Manufacturer's instructions in English language warn that the product is not recommended for children or for adults with health problems. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because the peak current and impulse discharges that are generated are above the permitted safety norms and in that respect the appliance should be considered dangerous for the life and health of the user. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60335.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market by the authorities.
7 0733/08	Greece	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Motorcycle frame Brand: KAWASAKI Type/number of model: ZZR1400 (ZX1400A6/7F and ZX1400B6/7F). Description: The recall affects 2006 and 2007 year models with serial numbers: 1. ΖΧ1400Α6/7F : JKBZXT40AAA000004 to JKBZXT40AAA026070 ; 2. ΖΧ1400B6/7F : JKBZXT40ABA000069 to JKBZXT40ABA026279. Country of origin: Japan No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because the frame may crack at the lower rear cross-member. The lower rear engine mount has a threaded collar designed to eliminate clearance between the frame and the engine cases before the engine mounting bolt is installed and tightened. On the affected units, the collar was tightened excessively which created stress across the lower cross-member. This cross-member, which carries significant rear suspension loads, can therefore crack as a result of heavy suspension loading, such as when encountering potholes or rough surfaces. Failure of the frame could result in the rear of the motorcycle collapsing and lead to an accident.	Voluntary corrective action taken by the importer.
8 0734/08	Germany	Category: Toys Product: School pencil case with fibre-tip pens Brand: TipTop Type/number of model: Item No: 47250, EAN-Code: 4044186472509 Description: 50-piece school pencil case; green with racing-car imprint; zip; hinged; with 10 colour felt-tip pens and 10 colour crayons as well as ink cartridges and other accessories. Country of origin: Unknown	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because the benzene content in the ink of the individual fibre-tips exceeds the maximum limit of 5 mg/kg for toys (orange: 10 mg/kg, black: 27 mg/kg, blue: 92 mg/kg, red: 48 mg/kg).	Voluntary withdrawal from the market.
9 0735/08	Spain	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Lamp holder Brand: F. BRIGHT Type/number of model: REF.1200029 E-27 QTY, Barcode: 1843515101190 Description: Brass and porcelain lamp holder. The packaging is marked as follows: F. Bright. 1200029 Portaláparas latonado E-27 QTY: 20 Pcs. (brass-plated lamp-holder E-27 QTY: 27 units). The lamp holders are marked 4A 250 V CE Country of origin China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because the cap of the lamp holder is accessible when connected to the power supply during its insertion. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60238.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
10 0736/08	Germany	Category: Toys Product: Plastic toy house "Intellect Room" Brand: Happy Days Type/number of model: N° 810 Description: Educational toy in the form of a multicoloured shape-sorter made of plastic. Country of origin: China	Choking The product poses a risk of choking because of small parts which can be swallowed by children. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and with the relevant European standard EN 71.	Voluntary stop of sale, recall from consumers and destruction of the products by the importer.
11 0737/08	Spain	Category: Toys Product: Remote control aircraft – "Stunt Bird" Brand: DICKIE Type/number of model: Barcode: 4006333188015 Description: This is a remote controlled aircraft packed in a cardboard box. Country of origin: China	Fire and burns The product poses a risk of fire and burns because during charging the battery temperature quickly rose from 25ºC (ambient temperature) to 146ºC in 10 minutes. Approximately 10 minutes after charging began, one of the cells of the internal battery of the aircraft exploded (the internal battery consists of 5 cells). The temperature at that time was 146ºC. The plastic covering the batteries was partially destroyed due to the high temperature reached by the battery during charging in accordance with instructions in the user manual.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market.
12 0738/08	Germany	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Motorcycles Brand: BMW Type/number of model: Model R1200GS, type R12 Description: Concerns motorcycles built between December 2002 and October 2007. Country of origin: Germany No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because in the event of inappropriate handling, such as pulling roughly, hitting objects while manoeuvring, or if the motorcycle falls over, the hand protector on the handlebar controls can twist. It could then touch the handbrake or clutch control causing brake or clutch malfunction. In addition, if the twisted hand protector lightly touches and operates the handbrake control, the brake linings may touch the brake disc and the resulting heat generation would cause the brake pressure to build up which could slow down the front wheel, even so far as to block it. Three incidents reported.	Voluntary corrective action taken by the manufacturer.
13 0739/08	Poland	Category: Toys Product: Plastic toy steering wheel Brand: TOYS Happy Star Type/number of model: EAN 5900368732207; MPC 73220, NO 3260. Description: A toy steering wheel made of colourful plastic with 8 buttons which when pressed emit a sound. The toy is powered by two AA 1.5 V batteries. The packaging is a transparent, plastic bag. There are two stickers on the packaging with the following inscriptions: “Made in China”, a pictogram concerning the age restriction (0-3), “CE mark”, the name and address of the importer and the barcode. There are also warnings: “Not suitable for children under 3 years old due to the risk of choking small parts”. “Please keep the packaging for future reference”, “Do not mix used and new batteries”. Country of origin: China .	Choking and suffocation The product poses a risk of : 1. choking because : - small parts can easily be detached, - batteries are easily accessible 2. suffocation due to inappropriate parameters of the plastic used for packaging. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standards EN 71 and EN 50088	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.
14 0740/08	Estonia	Category: Toys Product: Rattle for pram "Lntelligence toys" Brand: FRISK ANGELL Type/number of model: Article No. 378 (given by manufacturer) and No.123044 (given by importer) Barcode: 6410411230448 Description: A plastic colourful rattle for a pram comprised of a rubber cord connecting four clown-shaped figures and fixing hooks on both ends of the cord. The toy is packed in a colourful cardboard box, approx. 32 x 11.5 x 4.5 cm, with the following inscriptions: Music Frisk Angell, Lntelligence Toys, Funny Playmate, 3+ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD-Small parts. Not for children under 3 Years, Made in China, CE mark, a pictogram indicating that the toy is not intended for use by children less than 3 years old”, information concerning the importer. Country of origin: China	Choking This toy poses a risk of choking because small parts which fit entirely into the small parts cylinder may be detached from the toy. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71-1.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
15 0741/08	Finland	Category: Clothing and fashion items Product: Scarf Brand: SEPPÄLÄ Type/number of model: Unknown Description: A white cotton scarf with green decoration (stars etc.), size 100 x 100 cm. Country of origin: India	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because it releases benzidine 130 mg/kg and 3,3’-dimethoxybenzidine 140 mg/kg, which exceed the limit of 30 mg/kg. Benzidine levels greater than 30 mg/kg indicate that azocolourants have been used to dye the scarf.	Import rejected by the customs authorities.
16 0742/08	Bulgaria	Category: Toys Product: Joke items - lighter Brand: SHOCK Type/number of model: RT-05060.bar code 6 937053 350605 Description: A product in the form of a lighter which when used produces an electrical shock. Packed in a blister pack with markings: “LIGHTER SHOCK" and “LATEST FASHION UNIQUE”. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because the peak current and impulse discharges that are generated are above the permitted safety norms. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60335.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
17 0743/08	France	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Electric massage machine - Figure improving exercise machine Brand: CRAZY FIT MASSAGE Type/number of model: Crazy Fit Massage CFM-005, RC 01 Description: Vibrating machine for fitness and massage, massage seat (red and black), weight: 50 kg, packaging size: 1.10 x 0.80 x 0.25 m. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because: - the design of the transformer mounted on the electronic board does not meet the requirements for safety transformers according to IEC 61558-2-6. In particular, the creepage distance between the primary and secondary windings, measured at 3.4 mm, is below the prescribed minimum of 6 mm, and the secondary voltage is accessible to the user. - on the electronic board, the creepage distance between the very low voltage section, which is accessible to the user, and the mains voltage section (3.2 mm) is below the prescribed minimum for reinforced isolation (5 mm). The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60335.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
18 0744/08	Cyprus	Category: Lighters Product: Novelty lighters – "Casino" and "Bloody" Brand: 1. ICQ; 2. ATOMIC Type/number of model: Unknown Description: 1. Lighters of various colours with a transparent chamber for the fuel in which there are also dice. The lighters are marked with the inscription “Casino” and various numbers; 2. Lighters of various colours with a transparent chamber for the fuel in which there is a skull. The lighters are marked with the inscription “Bloody”. Country of origin: Unknown	Burns The product poses a risk of fire and burns because it is attractive to children, particularly those under the age of 51 months who may confuse it with a toy.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
19 0745/08	Sweden	Category: Childcare articles and children's equipment Product: Baby's sleeping bag – "Ikea Barnslig" Brand: IKEA Type/number of model: Article numbers: 301.334.09, 701.300.79, 901.300.78, 401.334.04. In Australia the products have different article numbers: 601.470.56, 401.470.57, 201.470.58, 001.470.59. Description: Baby's sleeping bag in two sizes: age 0-6 months, light turquoise and pink; age 6-18 months, red or blue. Identifying marks: The IKEA logo, article name BARNSLIG, 4-digit date stamp (YYMM) and 5-digit supplier number (#17596) are located on a label sewn inside the sleeping bag. Fabric: 100% Cotton Filling material: 100% Polyester Zipper tape: 100% Polyester fabric Zipper teeth: 100% Nylon Bottom End/Puller/Slider: Zinc alloy. Recall of all production with date stamps 0745 (start of production) through to 0824 (production stop). Country of origin: Indonesia	Choking The product poses a risk of choking because the bottom zipper stop detaches during use. The zipper stop prevents the zipper slider from becoming detached. Both the bottom zipper stop and the zipper slider are hazardous small parts and present a potential choking hazard to babies and young children. Two incidents reported.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the manufacturer.
20 0746/08	Czech Republic	Category: Toys Product: Boxing bag with gloves Brand: Unknown Type/number of model: Type Sport Model No. 777, EAN 8594088095345 Description: Boxing bag with gloves decorated with pictures of cats, packed in net bag. On the plastic seal of the net bag there is a cardboard tag with text: "Type Sport Model No. 777", "Made in China", CE mark and information in a foreign language. The surface of the boxing bag is a softened plastic layer in red-yellow-blue colour with green handles. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because the yellow colour of the plastic contains excessive levels of lead - 447 mg/kg (the limit is 90mg/kg) and chromium - 109 mg/kg (the limit is 60 mg/kg).	Sales ban ordered by the authorities.
21 0747/08	Estonia	Category: Childcare articles/Children's equipment Product: Baby's bib "Soft pelican bib" Brand: LIBRA Type/number of model: EAN 5907746000002 Description: Clear plastic bib with printed outline of a cat and blue edging. A coloured card is stapled to the bib with the inscription: “Libra Soft pelican bib. Strong practical - large packet catches crumbs and spills only wipe it." Approximate size : 17 x 22.5 cm Country of origin: Poland	Chemical The product poses a serious chemical risk for child's health because of the presence of DEHP (18.32%) exceeding the permissible limit of 0.1%. According to the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC, certain phthalates in childcare articles are prohibited.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
22 0748/08	Bulgaria	Category: Toys Product: Joke item - "Haoke" chocolate bar Brand: SHOCK Type/number of model: JB-50545 Description: A joke Chocolate bar marked "Haoke" which when used produces an electric shock. Warnings in English: "Use at your own risk. Not recommended for children under 14 years old, adults over 50 years old, or persons with any medical conditions." Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because the peak current and impulse discharges that are generated are above the permitted safety norms and it should therefore be considered dangerous for the life and health of the user. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 60335.	Sales ban, withdrawal from the market and information to consumers ordered by the authorities.
23 0749/08	France	Category: Kitchen/cooking accessories Product: Charcoal barbecue Brand: JOINT Type/number of model: JT SK 601, 602, 633, importer’s reference No: 102104, 120107 Description: 1. SK 601, 602: Table-top barbecue, 2. SK 633: Round barbecue on legs. Country of origin: China	Injuries, Cuts and Burns The product poses a risk of injuries, cuts and burns because: 1. SK 601, 602 - sharp edges are exposed and there are irregularities within the bowl and the grid supports. - the wind break, which is thinner than 0.7 mm, is not covered, folded or curled at the edges and could cause cuts; - the temperature of the base upon which the barbecue sits exceeded the maximum limit of 70° during the test (test stopped at 105° to prevent damage to the test material): risk of burns and fire. 2. SK 633 - the wind break and the bowl, which are thinner than 0.7 mm, are not covered, folded or curled at the edges and could cause cuts; - the diameter of the end of the spit is less than the minimum permitted limit of 1.5 mm (1.15 mm), - the value of the angle at the top is far below the minimum permitted limit of 60° (46°). The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 1860.	Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities. Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
24 0750/08	Bulgaria	Category: Clothing and fashion items Product: Baby pyjamas Brand: VIS VITALIS Type/number of model: Unknown Description: Baby's pyjamas/jumpsuit –trousers and top - printed with different pictures, with textile drawstrings around the neck, coloured jersey: 100 % cotton, label with trademark “Vis Vitalis”, transparent packaging without inscription. Country of origin: Bulgaria	Suffocation The product poses a risk of suffocation because of the presence of drawstrings which is not permitted on children's clothing. The product does not comply with the European Standard EN 14682.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
25 0751/08	Germany	Category: Kitchen/cooking accessories Product: Thermos flask Brand: TOP ACTION Produktions-und Handels Type/number of model: HH thermos flask Article No. 8100992, EAN 4010351009924 Description: Thermos flask with handle and 2 cups, capacity 1 litre. Country of origin: Germany	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because the spacers in the glass vessel inside the flask contain asbestos. If the glass vessel breaks, there is a risk of inhaling asbestos fibres. The product does not comply with the Chemical restriction Directive.	Sales ban ordered by the authorities.
26 0752/08	France	Category: Cosmetics Product: Eyeliners Brand: "MISS EUROPE" and "NOUVEAU STYLE" Type/number of model: Unknown Description: Black eyeliner and black "felt-tip" eyeliner. Bulk product packed in France by ECC. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because it may provoke allergy, burns and dermatitis. The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Directive 76/768/EEC. Seven complaints mentioning sensations of irritation and/or burning or dermatitis.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market.
27 0753/08	Bulgaria	Category: Clothing and fashion items Product: Child’s sweatshirt with hood Brand: VENICE KIDS Type/number of model: Article number AF 12461 Description: Child's green sweatshirt with hood and drawstrings in the area of the neck, with long sleeves, a zip up the front and the trademark VENICE KIDS on the front and inscription on the back. Country of origin: Turkey	Strangulation The product poses a risk of suffocation via strangulation because of the presence of drawstrings which is not permitted in children's clothing. The product does not comply with the European Standard EN 14682.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
28 0754/08	Bulgaria	Category: Clothing and fashion items Product: Child's sweatshirt with hood Brand: STEDA Type/number of model: - art.N°63666, size 22/52-56, barcode 3800855636662 - art.N°63667, size 24/58-64, barcode 3800855636679 - art.N°63668, size 26/64-72, bar code 3800855636686 Description: Child's sweatshirt made of light material with a hood and textile cords, 100% cotton, designed for small children up to 7 years of age. Country of origin: Bulgaria	Strangulation The product poses a risk of suffocation via strangulation to children due to the presence of drawstrings in the hood area. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682.	Sales ban, withdrawal from the market and information to consumers ordered by the authorities.
29 0755/08	Slovakia	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Travel charger for NK-6101 Brand: CPA Type/number of model: On pack: ATCNK6101MCBK, EAN code: 8595097748451, on product: CPA E-08/2005 Description: Black travel charger with marking "Travel charger for NK-6101, input: AC 100-240V, 0,2A, 50/60 Hz, output: DC 5,0V, 400 mA MAX, made in China". Packed in a red cardboard box with transparent plastic opening in the front. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because: - the convertor does not comply with the requirements on distance between primary and secondary windings and reinforced insulation; - part of the cover of the mains plug does not pass the ball test by 12,50 C; - the product does not comply with the requirement on reinforced insulation between output connector (circuit SELV) and the mains plug. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60950. .	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer. Sales ban ordered by the authorities
30 0756/08	Bulgaria	Category: Clothing and fashion items Product: Baby jumpsuit Brand: AOLE RYOZLO BEBE Type/number of model: article 8359, barcode 2708359000020 Description: One-piece, baby's cotton jumpsuit (white and light blue, white and pink, white and yellow and white and green), with buttons at the front. It has a hood with drawstrings and plastic ends. There is an embroidered inscription on the front – “WINTER”. Country of origin: Turkey	Strangulation The product poses a risk of suffocation via strangulation due to the presence of drawstrings in the hood area. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682.	Sales ban, withdrawal from the market and information to consumers ordered by the authorities.
31 0757/08	Bulgaria	Category: Clothing and fashion items Product: Child's tracksuit in 2 parts Brand: LARJ Type/number of model: art. 80-59: - size 28, barcode 28028598; - size 30, barcode 28035591; - size 32, barcode 28032592; - size 34, barcode 28034599. Description: Child's two-piece tracksuit - trousers and jacket with hood containing textile drawstrings with plastic ends, decorated with flowers and the inscription: "Princess", art.: 80-59, composition: 90% cotton, 10% elastic, trademark – "Larj", in different colours and sizes for children up to 7 years of age. Country of origin: Bulgaria	Strangulation The product poses a risk of suffocation via strangulation because of the presence of drawstrings which is not permitted in children's clothing. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682.	Withdrawal from the market and destruction of the products ordered by the authorities.