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Graco recalls 1.2mn “unstable” high chairs
by Neka Sehgal - March 19, 2010 - comments
Graco announced a high chair recall for its Harmony model Thursday, stating that it wasn't safe to use because of defects that can allow it to topple.
There have been quite a few recalls this year, whether for cars or food items. The latest to be pulled off the market is the Graco Harmony high chairs due to safety issues.
Amidst reports of faulty products and injuries, Graco Children's Products Inc., of Atlanta, Ga. announced the recall of nearly 1.2 million high chairs on March 18, 2010.
The recall comes in the wake of an investigation by the U.S. Consumer Public Safety Commission, which found the chairs dangerous because they could become unstable and tip over.
"We take great pride in the quality and safety of our products, and as such, we are disappointed with the performance of the Harmony High Chair," Graco said in a statement.
24 cases of children receiving injuries have been registered, ranging from simple bumps and bruises to the head or body, a hairline fracture to the arm, cuts and scratches on the body.
Defects unearthed in the chairs
The recall has been issued after Graco received more than 460 complaints of instability which could pose a potential danger to minors and children.
The problem detected in the chair was that the screws holding the front legs may loosen and the sitter can fall. Additionally, the plastic brackets on the rear legs can crack causing the high chair to topple unexpectedly.
So far, 24 cases of children receiving injuries, ranging from simple bumps and bruises to the head or body, a hairline fracture to the arm, cuts and scratches on the body, have been registered.
Free repair kit for defective chairs
The recall is made for more than 60 models which were manufactured during 2003 to 2009 and have been sold at the retail price of $70 to $120. The Graco high chairs were sold at stores like Toys R Us, Target, and Wal-Mart.
Consumers have been advised to stop using the Harmony high chair immediately and contact Graco for a free repair kit that includes two replacement screws and a fabric leg brace.
On its blog, Graco said that the company has “taken significant steps to assess and enhance our internal product design review processes and we are continually committed to developing safe products.”
Second major recall by Graco in 2010
This marks the second major recall for the company since January, when it had to recall 1.5 million strollers because of safety risks of finger lacerations.
In September last, Graco had issued a recall of its strollers, making this the third major child-safety recall in six months for the company.