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 52 - 2008

Corrigendum:
Notification 1341/08 from week 46 in 2008 has been removed.

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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 1533/08	Sweden	Category: Furniture Product: Upholstery furniture: sofas, recliners and foot stools Brand: Linkwise & Soffine Type/number of model: Sofa 1 seater, black 66-1315 Sofa 1 seater, crème 66-1316 Sofa 2 seater, black 66-1317 Sofa 2 seater, crème 66-1318 Sofa 3 seater, black 66-1319 Sofa 3 seater, crème 66-1320 Sofa bed, black 66-1321 Sofa bed, crème 66-1322 Recliner black 66-1340 Recliner crème 66-1341 Recliner red 66-1342 Recliner black 66-1343 Recliner crème 66-1344 Recliner red 66-1345 Description: Sofa 1, 2 and 3 seater, sofa bed, recliner with stool and relax chair. Colours: black, crème and red Country of origin: China	Chemical The products pose a chemical risk and can cause skin irritation due to the presence of dimethylfumarate (DMF). This substance is a fungicide used to combat mould. The substance is packed in sachets inserted in the arms and/or seats, and/or foam of the furniture. The dimethylfumarate contained in the sachet may be allergenic depending on the speed of release or the quantity released from the sachet, which then impregnates the leather of the sofa or chair. Three incidents reported.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
2 1534/08	Slovakia	Category: Toys Product: Air gun with arrows - Air gun target game Brand: Unknown Type/number of model: on packaging: YF- 138B, on the gun: P 238 Description: A toy air gun with arrows with suction cups and a target. The gun is made from black and grey plastic materials; the dimensions are 13.5 x 9 x 2.5 cm. The target has a diameter of 13 cm and is made from black PVC with varicoloured sections. Eight pink arrows with suction cups, approximately 2.8 cm in length, are included in the set. The product is packed in a blister. Country of origin: China	Suffocation The product poses a risk of suffocation because the arrows of 28 mm are not sufficiently long (minimum length required is 57 mm.) The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standard EN 71.	Sales ban and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
3 1535/08	Greece	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Hydraulic brake accumulator in passenger car Brand: MITSUBISHI Type/number of model: models Pajero / Montero / Shogun (V60W-V70W) Description: The recall concerns 2001 and 2002 model year vehicles, with accumulators produced before 29 July 2003. Country of origin: Japan No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because, due to an improper manufacturing process of the hydraulic brake accumulator, the resin film (diaphragm) inside the accumulator may get damaged. If use continues under this condition, a crack in the diaphragm may occur and the amount of the nitrogen gas enclosed in the accumulator may decrease, resulting in the following phenomenon: 1. braking may be delayed if the user tries to brake rapidly, 2. more effort may need to be applied to the brake pedal when the engine has been started after a long stoppage period.	Voluntary corrective actions take by the importer.
4 1536/08	Germany	Category: Clothing, textiles and fashion items Product: Fleece gloves, olive green Brand: K&M Inter-Fashion Type/number of model: Item n°138788001 Description: Lined gloves in olive green fabric with decorative trimming. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk due to the presence of azo-dyes, with carcinogenic amino components and dispersion dye, which are skin-irritant. The black interior lining of the gloves contains disperse orange 37/76 and 1300 mg/kg 4-aminoazobenzene. The product does not comply with the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor.
5 1537/08	Germany	Category: Toys Product: Magnetic jewellery - MAGCLIKS Metallic Beauty Brand: MAGCLIKS Type/number of model: Series No: 09783 Description: Set of magnetic beads for making jewellery. Country of origin: China	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because the warning is not clearly visible and is incomplete. The following items of information are missing: - magnetic parts could be swallowed, - resulting health risk, - seek immediate medical help if magnets are swallowed. The product does not comply with the Commission Decision 2008/329/EC requiring Member States to ensure that magnetic toys placed or made available on the market display a warning about the health and safety risks they pose.	Sales ban ordered by the authorities.
6 1538/08	Germany	Category: Motor vehicles Product: Yamaha motorcycles Brand: Yamaha Type/number of model: Model MT-01 (construction years 2007/2008), FZ1-N and FZ1-NA (construction year 2008), types RP181, RN165 and RN16A, vehicle identification number ranges: RP181-000301 to RP181-002563, RN165-012454 to RN165-014791, RN16A-000301 to RN16A-002171 Description: Action is being taken under code M897 by the vehicle manufacturer. Information is being provided by the contractual partners. Country of origin: Germany No picture available	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because the plastic joint of the rear-view mirror can be broken by vibrations and the mirror can detach from the vehicle.	Voluntary corrective actions taken by the manufacturer.	Sweden
7 1539/08	Slovakia	Category: Lighting equipment Product: Night lightings Magic Night Light Brand: GLOBO Type/number of model: 1. Art. Nr. 66201 2. Art. Nr. 15972 Description: Night lights for sockets with lampshade in a semicircular shape decorated with pictures. 1. Yellow bird ("Tweety") on a blue background, marking - CE, 23OV, 50Hz, 7W max, E-14. 2. Grey mouse on a bordeaux coloured background with white dots, marking - GLOBO, CE, 230W, 50Hz, 1xmax 10W. Packaging – blister pack on cardboard. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because: - no special screws are used for fixing the lampshade; - the base and the cover are not firmly attached; - the lampshade, which resembles a toy, may break giving access to the light source. The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60598.	Voluntary stop of sales, withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the importer.
8 1540/08	Lithuania	Category: Chemical products Product: Fluid incense - THE REAL POPPERS extra strong Brand: Unknown Type/number of model: Item No. 30-335B Description: THE REAL POPPERS extra strong, fluid incense comes in a brown glass bottle with a brown cap, which can be easily opened by children. The bottle is covered in a transparent plastic film and has a gold-coloured label with markings: "DANGER", danger symbol: F – Highly flammable, DO NOT INHALE, pictures of a flame and a cross. Contents: Isobutyl Nitrite, chemical substance- EINECS Nr. 203-77-8, CAS Nr. 110-46-3, purpose: used as leather cleaner. Country of origin: Canada	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because it contains more than 0.1% of isobutyl nitrite, which is classified as carcinogen and mutagen and therefore banned in the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC.	Sales ban, withdrawal from the market, destruction of the products and information to consumers ordered by the authorities.
9 1541/08	Slovakia	Category: Lighting equipment Product: Table lamp - DOLPHIN Brand: JYSK Type/number of model: model: JYE-014, 1961302, EAN code: 5704158884240 Description: Table lamp, size 24/15 cm, with a blue lampshade in the shape of a dolphin, spiral metallic lamp holder, cable with marking 230V, 50Hz, MAX 7W, E14, CE. Packed in a green, blue and yellow cardboard box with marking DOLPHIN Table lamp, size: 24 cm/15 cm. Country of origin: China	Electric shock The product poses a risk of electric shock because the cross-section of the supply cable wires is 0.5 mm2 (which is less than the requirement of 0.75 mm2). The product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the relevant European standard EN 60598.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
10 1542/08	Slovakia	Category: Childcare articles and children's equipment Product: Children’s highchair Brand: FUN Type/number of model: Code 355 Description: The frame of the chair is made from dark blue metallic tubes. It has 2 front wheels and 2 back gliders at the bottom. The seat is made from plastic with blue textile upholstery printed with "mon petit LAPIN" and 4 animals, and has a seat belt with 5 point fastening. The backrest is adjustable and there is a detachable, cream-coloured plastic tray which can be attached to another blue-coloured tray. Country of origin: Unknown	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because it tipped over during the rearwards stability test. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14988.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the distributor.
11 1543/08	Greece	Category: Clothing, textiles and fashion items Product: Children's jacket Brand: ALOUETTE Type/number of model: Model: 04960009 Jacket Princeton College, Code: 0118 White, Bar code: 5 206123 340343 Description: Jacket in white and blue with a zip and a hood containing red elastic drawstrings. On the front of the jacket there is an embroidered pattern depicting an emblem and the name of the product. There are two cardboard labels attached to the jacket; the first is marked: “Alouette planet kid”. The second label contains the price, the composition, colour and barcode of the product and the following marking in Greek and in English: “Jacket Princeton”. Composition: 100% polyester. Size: 8 years, height 128 cm. Country of origin: China	Suffocation The product poses a risk of suffocation due to the presence of protruding elastic drawstrings in the hood area. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682, according to which on garments for children aged from 7 to 14 years and concerning drawstrings when the garment opening is at its largest and the garment is laid flat there shall be no protruding loop.	Corrective actions by the importer ordered by the authorities.
12 1544/08	Slovakia	Category: Electrical appliances Product: Starter cable Brand: POWER FORCE Type/number of model: EAN: 5050172904694, 120A Description: The starter cable for connecting positive poles of accumulator is black; the starting cable for connecting negative poles of accumulator is red. The product is packed in a transparent plastic bag with marking "POWER FORCE", name of the product in 4 languages, 120A, origin and addresses of distributors for Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland – Tesco chains. Country of origin: China	Fire The product poses a risk of fire because during starting the cables may burn in the area of both handgrips in 4 seconds. In addition, the user’s manual does not include the necessary information for safe use of the product.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
13 1545/08	Greece	Category: Clothing, textiles and fashion items Product: Children's jacket Brand: MFG (Marithe Françoise Girbaud) Type/number of model: Model G16060 Puffer Jacket, code: 8B61421, barcode: 3 143162 296601 Description: Puffer jacket in black with a zip and a collar containing fabric cords. On the inside of the jacket there is a sewn, textile label, marked “Marithe Francois Girbaud” and a label containing washing instructions. Additionally, there are three cardboard labels attached to the jacket with marking: “LE JEAN DE MARITHE FRANCOIS GIRBAUD", "PUFFER JACKET”, Made in Europe, Materials: 100%PA, 100%RPL, the price, the barcode and the size of the product. Composition: base 100% polyamide, padding 100% polyester. Size: 5A (5 years old). Country of origin: Unknown	Suffocation The product poses a risk of suffocation due to the presence of drawstrings in the hood area. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682, according to which garments intended for young children aged from birth to age 7 years shall not be designed, manufactured or supplied with drawstrings, functional cords or decorative cords in the hood or neck area.	Corrective actions by the importer ordered by the authorities.
14 1546/08	Poland	Category: Food-imitating products Product: Candles Brand: AM Dekor Type/number of model: COF-B1, EAN 2010000079713 Description: A box of candles imitating chocolates. Country of origin: China	Choking The product poses a risk of choking because, the form and appearance of the product are such that it is likely that children will confuse it with a foodstuff and consequently either place the product in their mouth, suck or ingest it, which could cause choking. The product does not comply with the Directive 87/357/EEC on products which, appearing to be other than they are, endanger the health or safety of consumers.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
15 1547/08	Greece	Category: Clothing, textiles and fashion items Product: Children's sweatshirt top Brand: D&G JUNIOR Type/number of model: Style: L52188 Plush w/hood, Fabric: OL745, barcode: 8 033270 913437 00003 (size 6), 8 033270 913406 00003 (size 3) Description: Children's top in red and white with two side pockets and a hood with fabric cords. On the front of the top the word “PLAYER” is embroidered in black and white. On the inside, there is a sewn, textile label containing the name of the product "D&G, Dolce & Gabbana JUNIOR" and there is also a cardboard label attached to the top containing the name of the product and the certificate of authenticity in 8 languages. Composition: 65%CO, 6%EA, 18%MD, 9%PC, 2%WO. Size: 3 (98) and 6 (116) (3 and 6 years old). Country of origin: Romania	Suffocation The product poses a risk of suffocation due to the presence of cords in the neck area. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14682, according to which garments intended for young children aged from birth to age 7 years should not be designed, manufactured or supplied with drawstrings, functional cords or decorative cords in the hood or neck area.	Corrective actions by the importer ordered by the authorities.
16 1548/08	Greece	Category: Food-imitating products Product: Candles Brand: ΚΗΙΑΜ Type/number of model: REF: 05907, barcode: 8 431175 059074 Description: Food-imitating decorative candles on a metallic base, in the form of small chocolates with white or brown topping (approximate dimensions: diameter 4 cm, height 4 cm). 6 candles packed inside a transparent box with a cardboard base (approximate dimensions: 13 cm x 8.5 cm x 5 cm), containing warnings in Spanish and details about the manufacturer and the product. The candles cannot be bought separately. Country of origin: Unknown	Choking Due to the characteristic form, appearance, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for a foodstuff (chocolate). This may lead children to put it in their mouth, cut it into pieces and swallow them, which could entail the risk of asphyxia or obstruction of the digestive tract.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
17 1549/08	Cyprus	Category: Jewellery Product: Chain - Fashion Bijoux Brand: C.A. Type/number of model: Unknown Description: A silver-coloured chain with a pendant in the form of an initial. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk due to the release of 1.5 µg/cm2/week nickel. The product does not comply with the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC.	Voluntary stop of sales and withdrawal from the market by the distributor.
18 1550/08	France	Category: Clothing, textiles and fashion items Product: Women's boots Brand: CACHE CACHE Type/number of model: CHAEVA 9933010 boot Description: The product in question is a leather boot. The exterior part of the boot is leather, originating in Portugal or South America. The interior of the boot has a textile strip originating in Italy. The upper part of the boot interior is made of a leather strip about 2 cm wide. This leather is thought to originate from China and could therefore have been treated with dimethylfumarate as there are no sachets either in the boots or the boxes. A composition label is attached to the interior of the boot marked "Made in Portugal". Country of origin: Portugal	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because it contains 19 ppm dimethylfumarate (DMF). Symptoms of the allergy which can be caused by this substance are itching, redness, burning sensations, articular pain and also highly incapacitating, generalised eczema. Furthermore, it appears that the allergy resulting from contact with dimethylfumarate can, when combined with other diseases, cause chronic attacks or serious respiratory problems. The characteristics of this substance, such as its volatility which enables it to cause contamination by diffusion in surrounding products, and its ability to be permanently absorbed in finished products exposed to it, accentuate its dangerous nature. One incident reported.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor.
19 1551/08	France	Category: Decorative articles Product: Wooden Christmas tree and Apple tree Brand: FLORABASE Type/number of model: Wooden Christmas tree (Sapin en Bois): ref. 259273, Apple tree (Arbre POM): ref. 259283 Description: Christmas tree: height 1.40 m, consisting of pieces of wood nailed to a trunk representing branches. Apple tree: imitation apple tree with twigs nailed together as branches. Country of origin: Netherlands	Cuts The product poses a risk of cuts because of several sharp protruding points.	Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the importer.
20 1552/08	Slovakia	Category: Toys Product: Plush dice - Activity & Sport Brand: LiHONG, Healthy & Happy Dodo Type/number of model: on sticker: 117019, EAN code: 8590331170197 Description: Toy - a cube (dice) with a rattle inside. Made from foam material, covered in textile and with plastic dots. Packed in a transparent plastic bag. Country of origin: China	Chemical The product poses a chemical risk because the dots from plastic material contain 17.5% by weight of bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). According to the Chemical Restrictions Directive 76/769/EEC, certain phthalates in toys are prohibited.	Voluntary stop of sales, withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers by the distributor.
21 1553/08	Netherlands	Category: Gas appliances Product: Parasol patio heater Brand: TMC S.R.L. Type/number of model: XRI 15 Description: Flue-less radiant heater for use outdoors or in amply ventilated areas. Country of origin: Italy	Burns The product poses a risk of burns because by changing the pressure from high to pilot light, the product poses a risk of injury due to instable flames. The flames burn behind the burner.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
22 1554/08	Latvia	Category: Toys Product: Children's tricycle Brand: VECON kid Type/number of model: EAN code 6900004104060. Description: Tricycle for children aged 3-5 years, maximum weight 25 kg, with a push-bar and a sunshade. The frame is made of metal; other parts are plastic in blue, yellow and red colours. A dog shaped head is placed on the handlebars, which emits a sound when pushed and is operated by two AA batteries. The tricycle also has a small basket and a long handle to allow an adult to steer. Country of origin: China	Injuries and choking The product poses a risk of: - injuries, because the long handle of the tricycle has sharp edges and the battery holder contains a metal wire, - choking, because the lid of the battery holder can be opened without using any instruments. As a result a child could reach the batteries, place them in his mouth and swallowed them. The product does not comply with the Toys Directive and the relevant European standards EN 71 and EN 62115.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authorities.
23 1555/08	Slovakia	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Mountain bicycle HARRY Roxy 20 Brand: HARRY Type/number of model: Roxy 20", frame No. GH7122571 Description: Mountain bike with 20" wheels and 6 speeds, full suspension, height 740 mm. With various markings - on the frame: "HARRY ROXY"; below the saddle: "ROXY FULL SUSPENSION"; on the fork of the front wheel: "20" FULL SUSPENSION"; on the fork of the rear wheel: "HARRY". Country of origin: Unknown	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because: - the bicycle has no data on recommended tightening of bolted joints, - deformation of the stem due to poor quality materials can result in a loss of function, - the stem-tube of the front fork can break and be detached, - the ream, which forms part of the braking system, has no warning or marking to make the rider aware of the possible dangers caused by the ream wear, - the pedal spindle can fracture and become detached causing the rider to fall, - the bearing system does not meet requirements. In addition the manual for safety use is not complete. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14766.	Sales ban and withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
24 1556/08	Slovakia	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Mountain bicycle Red Fox Kangaroo 24“ Brand: Hawker Type/number of model: Kangaroo 24“, frame No. 07095766, EAN code: 8591720007186 Description: Mountain bike with 24”wheels and 18 speeds, fully suspended, height 740 mm. Country of origin: Unknown	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because: - the design of the brake lever does not ensure a safe grip and the bicycle therefore fails to stop safely, - the stem can crack, - the frame and saddle pillar can crack, - the bicycle is not equipped with a spoke protector on the rear wheel close to the gear-change. By incorrect gear changing there is a risk of stopping rotation of wheels due to interference of chain with wheel spokes, - the bicycle has no data on recommended tightening of bolted joints, - the bicycle has a reference to the European standard EN 14765, which applies to bicycles for young children. The height of this bicycle is 920 mm, and it should therefore be assessed according to the requirements laid down in the European standard EN 14766 for mountain bicycles, which applies to bicycles with a height 635 mm and more. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14766.	Withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.
25 1557/08	Slovakia	Category: Hobby/sports equipment Product: Powerful bicycle Brand: KENZEL Type/number of model: KENZEL POWERFUL 16“, frame No. KEN262870 Description: Mountain bike with 16”wheels and 1 speed. Marking on the frame – Kenzel Powerful, No. of frame KEN262870, KENZEL with No. of standard STN EN 14766, on the front fork sticker with marking KENZEL CHILDREN BIKE Country of origin: Slovakia	Injuries The product poses a risk of injuries because: - the point where the handlebar and stem are assembled does not withstand the fatigue test, - the frame does not withstand the fatigue test with horizontal forces, - the bicycle is capable of being leaned over at an angle of 21ْ instead of the required 25ْ , which may cause the rider to fall from the bicycle. The product does not comply with the relevant European standard EN 14766.	Sales ban, withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers ordered by the authorities.