Three Potentially Serious U.S. Recalls

We have details on 3 major recalls that could cause choking, lacerations or even death. The items are listed in our usual format so they may be checked quickly and easily.

Name of Products: Honda Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

Units: About 167,000

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The cutting blades could rotate under power when the control lever is released. The lawn mowers do not comply with mandatory federal safety standards for lawn mowers. The spinning blade poses a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves Honda walk-behind lawn mowers with model numbers HRB217HXA, HRX217HXA and HRX217HMA. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the mower deck. The lawn mowers are dark gray with a red fan cover. The following serial numbers are included in the recall:

Models	Serial Numbers
HRB217HXA	All
HRX217HXA and HRX217HMA	1000001 - 1513628

Sold by: Honda Lawn and Garden dealers and The Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2003 through November 2007 for between $760 and $900.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these recalled lawn mowers immediately and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer for a free repair. Registered owners will be mailed a direct notice.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com

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Name of Product: Holiday Cosmetics Stuffer Bears

Units: About 80

Importer: Victoria’s Secret, of Columbus, Ohio

Manufacturer: Chang Zhou Ganghua Mfg., of China

Hazard: The neck medallion zipper pull can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: No injuries have been reported.

Description: The cosmetic stuffer bear was designed to hold cosmetics and/or gift cards. It is a plush bear with a zipper down the body. A ‘VS’ neck medallion serves as the zipper pull. The bear was sold in pink and leopard.

Sold by: Victoria’s Secret Web site (www.victoriassecret.com) during October 2007 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the stuffer bears and keep out of the reach of young children. Victoria’s Secret has sent consumers a postage paid return mailer enclosed. Customers returning the bear will receive a refund, postage and a $10 gift certificate.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Victoria’s Secret toll-free at (877) 260-8419 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.victoriassecret.com

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Name of Product: Ski-Doo® Model Year 2008 MXZ X 600 RS Snowmobiles

Units: About 480

Manufacturer: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), of Quebec, Canada

Hazard: A defect in the carburetor can prevent the throttle from freely returning to the idle position. This can result in an unexpected loss of control leading to a collision and cause serious injuries or death.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of snowmobiles with stuck throttles. No injuries reported.

Description: The recall involves Ski-Doo model year 2008 MXZ X 600 RS snowmobiles. The model name is located on the side panels. The snowmobiles were sold in yellow or black/slate.

Sold at: Ski-Doo dealers nationwide during November 2007 for about $9,500.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these vehicles immediately and contact any Ski-Doo dealer to schedule a free repair. Consumers with recalled snowmobiles are being sent direct notices from Bombardier.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Bombardier Recreational Products toll-free at (888) 638-5397 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ski-doo.com

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