A plush teddy bear might seem like the perfect gift, until you discover its button eyes can detach and choke a child. This risk isn’t hypothetical — 2023 marked a 12-year high for consumer product recalls with 322 events affecting 135.2 million units, according to the 2024 State of the Nation Recall Index report. The same report revealed record-breaking fines of $55.3 million, underscoring the serious nature of product safety issues.
Recent Holiday Safety Concerns
The 2023 holiday season brought several dangerous products into homes across America. Here are some of the most significant recalls from December 2023 as reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
- Magnetic Building Sets: High-powered magnetic balls sold through Walmart were recalled due to life-threatening risks. The Relax 5mm Science Kit magnets exceeded federal strength limits and could cause severe injury or death if swallowed.
- Kitchen Appliances: BlendJet recalled 4.8 million of its BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders after discovering they could overheat, catch fire, or have blades break off during use, creating both fire and laceration hazards.
- Recreational Equipment: About 25,000 Hover-1 Helix hoverboards were recalled due to fire hazards from their lithium-ion batteries. This recall was particularly concerning given hoverboards’ popularity as holiday gifts.
- Popular Toys: Over 205,000 toy sets sold on Amazon and Walmart, including the Litti City Premier Doctor Playset and Teacher Purse Set, were recalled after testing revealed dangerous levels of phthalates and lead that exceeded federal safety standards.
How to Track Product Recalls
Three key methods help you stay informed about dangerous products:
- CPSC Website Monitoring: Sign up for email alerts at CPSC.gov, which provides immediate notifications about new recalls.
- Product Registration: Register items immediately after purchase through manufacturer websites or mail-in cards. This ensures direct communication about safety issues.
- Digital Tools: Download the CPSC’s mobile app and enable notifications. Many retailers like Amazon and Target also offer automatic recall alerts for past purchases.
What to Do If You Own a Recalled Product
If you discover you own a recalled product:
- Stop using it immediately. Even if the item appears safe, recalled products can pose hidden dangers.
- Document everything. Take photos of the product, including model numbers and any visible defects.
- Contact the manufacturer. Most recalls include specific instructions for obtaining refunds or replacement products.
- Keep all paperwork. Save your receipts, recall notices, and any correspondence with the manufacturer.
- Consider legal counsel. If the product has caused injury or significant property damage, consult with an attorney who can evaluate your case.
Common Holiday Product Categories to Monitor
- Electronics: Pay special attention to battery-operated devices, as lithium-ion batteries have been a frequent source of recalls. In 2023, over 50,000 power banks were recalled due to fire hazards.
- Toys: Small parts, lead paint, and choking hazards are common concerns. Always check age recommendations and warning labels.
- Clothing: Children’s sleepwear and costumes are frequently recalled for failing to meet federal flammability standards.
Legal Rights and Consumer Protection
The Consumer Product Safety Act serves as your shield, requiring manufacturers to act swiftly when defects are found. Within 24 hours of discovering a hazard, companies must report it and stop selling the product immediately.
Your rights extend beyond just returning the item. If a defective product has caused injury, you deserve full compensation. This includes not just immediate medical bills, but the full scope of how the injury has affected your life — from missed work days to ongoing care needs.
The law recognizes that product injuries can have lasting impacts. Whether it’s a malfunctioning kitchen appliance that caused burns or a toy that created a choking hazard, manufacturers must be held accountable for these consequences.
So to summarize, the Consumer Product Safety Act requires manufacturers to:
- Report potential hazards within 24 hours
- Cease sales of recalled products
- Provide remedy (refund, repair, or replacement)
If injured by a defective product, you can generally seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Care expenses
Preventive Steps for Holiday Shopping
Researching product safety may not be the most exciting part of holiday shopping. When you’re rushing to cross gifts off your list, checking recall histories might feel like an unnecessary hassle. But a few quick safety checks can reduce the risk of serious problems later.
Before purchasing:
- Research products, including safety ratings and customer reviews
- Verify that items haven’t been previously recalled
- Buy age-appropriate toys and gifts
- Keep receipts and packaging until you’re confident in the product’s safety
After purchase:
- Inspect items carefully before use
- Follow assembly instructions precisely
- Monitor children when they use new toys
- Watch for recall notices even months after purchase
The Importance of Quick Action
The June 2023 Baby Shark recall demonstrates why swift action matters. When Zuru recalled 7.5 million bath toys due to impalement risks, 12 children had already been injured — nine seriously enough to need stitches. While the CPSC states there is usually no end date to product recalls, acting quickly on recall notices helps prevent injuries. Even if you discover a recall months or years later, you should still follow the guidance in the CPSC recall notice.
Looking Forward
As holiday shopping continues to shift online, staying informed about product safety becomes increasingly important. Bookmark reliable recall tracking websites, sign up for relevant alerts, and maintain records of your purchases. Remember: manufacturers have a legal obligation to produce safe products. If you discover a safety issue with any item, report it to the CPSC and the manufacturer immediately. Your vigilance could prevent injuries to others and contribute to safer products for everyone.
Get Help From Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
If you’ve been injured by a recalled product, contact the seasoned team of trial lawyers at Penney & Associates, all with deep expertise in product liability cases. Led by nationally renowned personal injury attorney Frederick W. Penney, our firm has a proven track record of success, including a recent $14-million settlement in Riverside County. With offices across California, we are always within easy reach.
Main Offices: Chico, Los Angeles, Rocklin, Roseville, Sacramento, Santa Clara
Satellite Offices: Bakersfield, Corning, Fairfield, Irvine, Red Bluff, Redding, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Santa Rosa, Stockton
Schedule your free consultation today by contacting us or calling (800) 616-4529.
Read More
Product Liability Claims in California: Pursuing Compensation
Why Hiring the Right Lawyer Saves Money in the Face of Inflation
Holiday Party Accidents: Who’s Responsible for Injuries
