In the United States, many consumer products are recalled when a large quantity of the units created is recognized to pose a danger to consumers. Recalls can be issued by the product manufacturer or by the government. Once a product is recalled, the manufacturer or government will notify consumers and let them know what to do with the recalled product. It is most common for consumers to either:
- Dispose of the recalled product and receive a refund;
- To send or bring the product to the manufacturer or distributor for a repair.
Any item produced for sale in the United States can be recalled. Medical supplies, cosmetics, food, medication, and mechanical parts are some product categories that have frequent recalls.
Below are five products that were recalled in October of 2020.
- Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets
On October 2, 2020, pharmaceutical manufacturer Marksans Pharma Limited, India voluntarily expanded its previous recall from June 5, 2020, which includes an additional 76 lots of its Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets. Metformin Hydrochloride tablets are used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. The recalled tablets contain an N-Nitrosodimethylamine(NDMA) impurity. The NDMA in some lots of the tablets exceeds the acceptable daily intake limit of 96ng a day. Marksans Pharma Limited has notified distributors and customers through a letter and press release and is arranging for a return/replacement of the recalled lots. Those who have affected lots of the tablets should return to the place of purchase. Customers taking these recalled tablets should continue taking them until a doctor or pharmacist gives them a replacement or a different option. It can be dangerous for patients with type 2 diabetes to stop taking Metformin Hydrochloride.
- Prestone AntiFreeze Products
On October 7, 2020, Prestone Products recalled 687,000 units of 14 different models of pre-diluted or concentrated antifreeze products due to faulty child-resistant packaging. The antifreeze products were sold under six different brand names:
- Prestone
- AutoZone
- Highline/ Prime Guard
- Supertech
- Prime
- Starfire
Customers in possession of the antifreeze products should immediately inspect the product and twist the cap to ensure the child-resistant mechanism is engaged. To date, there have been no accidents or injuries reported.
- Peloton Bike Pedals
On October 15, 2020, Peloton recalled 54,000 PR70P bike pedals on 27,000 bikes due to a laceration hazard. The pedals can break unexpectedly during the use of the bike which could cause the user to suffer a laceration injury. Consumers in possession of these pedals should immediately stop using the bikes fitted with the PR70P clip-in pedals. Peloton is notifying all affected customers and advising them on how they can receive free replacement pedals. To date, there have been 120 reports of pedal breakages and 16 leg injury reports.
- Jakks Pacific Morfboard Skate & Scoot Scooters
On October 21, 2020, Jakks Pacific recalled 162,300 units of its Morfboard Skate & Scoot Scooter due to a fall hazard. The Morfboard Skate & Scoot Scooters “Y” handlebar joint on the scooter can break which could pose a fall hazard. Consumers in possession of the affected models should cease use of the product immediately and contact Jakks Pacific to receive a free replacement “T” handlebar. To date, Jakks Pacific has received 18 reports of the “Y” handlebars breaking and one injury resulting in a bloody nose.
- Mueller Onion Choppers
On October 29, 2020, Mueller Austria recalled 106,000 units of its Onion Chopper Pro due to a serious laceration hazard. The locking tab on the Onion Chopper Pro can detach from the rest of the unit during use which could cause hands and fingers to slide into the blades. Consumers of this product should cease use of the Onion Chopper Pro immediately and contact Mueller Austria for a free replacement that has a new locking tab. To date, Mueller Austria has received 266 incidents of the tab breaking which resulted in 137 laceration injuries.
Thanks to Eglet Adams. Their experience as defective product lawyers, help provide information on recalled products in October of 2020.