Dunecraft Water Balz, Skulls, Orbs and Flower Toys
Details: This recall involves marble-sized toys that absorb water and grow up to 400 times their original size. They were sold as Water Balz (round-shape), Growing Skulls (skull-shape), H2O Orbs “Despicable Me” (round-shape) and Fabulous Flowers (flower-shape). They were sold in packages of six in green, yellow, red, blue and black colors. “Dunecraft,” the name of the toy and the model number are printed on the toy’s packaging.
Why: When the marble-sized toy is ingested, it expands inside the body and causes a blockage in the small intestine, resulting in severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration and could be life threatening. The toys do not show up on an X-ray and require surgery to be removed from the body.
Incidents: The firm received one report of an 8-month-old girl from Humble, Texas, who ingested a Water Balz and suffered an intestinal obstruction in August 2011. The Water Balz had to be surgically removed.
How many: About 94,700 in the United States and 600 in Canada
For more: Dunecraft Inc.; at (800) 306-4168, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or at and click on the recall tab for more information.
LG Top-Loading Washing Machines
Details: The recall involves three LG and three Kenmore Elite Brand top-loading washing machine models manufactured between February 2010 and November 2011. The units come in beige, white and graphite-steel colors. Recalled washing machines have the following model and serial number ranges: LG WT5001CW, LG WT5101HV, LG5101HW (serial numbers 002KW**** – 111KW****); Kenmore Elite models 29002,29272, 29278 (serial numbers 005KW**** – 111KW****). The model and serial number can be found on a label fixed on the rating plate on the top back of the washing machine.
Why: An unbalanced load can cause the washing machine to shake excessively and the drum to come loose during use, posing a risk of injury to consumers and property damage to the surrounding area.
Incidents: LG has received at least 343 reports of washing machines vibrating excessively, of which at least 187 involved minor property damage. One minor injury has been reported.
How many: About 457,000
For more: For LG; toll-free at (855) 400-4639, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT Saturday, or online at and click on Public Notices. For Kenmore or LG washers purchased at Sears or Kmart; toll-free at (888) 812-2935, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Saturday, or at and click on Customer Service Home then Product Recalls in the Product Information section.
Sassy and Carter’s-branded Hug N’ Tug Baby Toys
Details: The recalled toys for infants can be attached to a stroller or car seat using a ring connector on the toy’s head. They have arms and legs that can be easily pulled back and forth for play. The toys are approximately 12 inches tall, made of multicolored fabrics, contain rattle beads inside a clear plastic sphere body and have the face of either a puppy or monkey. Recalled styles include: Sassy Hug N’ Tug Puppy, model #80213; Sassy Hug N’ Tug Monkey model #80214 and Carter’s-branded Hug N’ Tug Monkey, models #61083 that were sold on a blue packaging card and #61540 sold on a grey packaging card. Sassy®-branded toys have “Sassy®” written on the sewn-in label located on the back of the character’s head. The Carter’s®-branded toys have “Carter’s®” written in red on the blue plastic ring connected to the toy’s head and also the sewn-in label located on the back of the character’s head.
Why: The beads inside the clear plastic sphere at the center of the toys can be released and pose a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents: The firm has received 12 reports of beads being released from the plastic clear plastic sphere body on Sassy-branded toys. There have been no such reports on the Carter’s-branded toys. No injuries have been reported.
How many: About 45,300
For more: Sassy at (800) 323-6336 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the and go to the Product Recall Information link.
