Canada has been included in a massive recall of several brands of Graco
strollers after reports that five children in the U.S. have had their
fingertips severed by the stroller's folding hinge mechanism since 2004.
In the United States, Graco has received seven reports of children placing
their fingers in the stroller's canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was
being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two
fingertip lacerations.
Health Canada says it has not received reports of similar injuries in
Canada.
The recall involves Graco-brand Passage, Alano, and Spree strollers,
distributed by Elfe Juvenile Products.
Approximately 28,430 of the strollers were sold at Wal-Mart and other
retailers across Canada between October 2004 and January 2010.
The Canadian recall follows one issued in the U.S., where 1.5 million of the
strollers have been recalled.
While Graco is only recalling those strollers with a certain plastic,
jointed hinge mechanism, Health Canada on Wednesday issued a reminder to
parents and caregivers to use caution when using any type of folding
stroller with hinge mechanisms.
This is the latest of several recalls recently issued due to child safety
issues.
In November, 2.1 million baby cribs with drop-down sides were recalled in in
the United States and Canada due to a potential suffocation hazard. In
December, more than 50 million Roman shades and roll-up blinds were pulled
from shelves due to the risk that children could be strangled by the cords.
Graco owners are advised to stop using the strollers and contact the company
to receive a free repair kit.
The following model numbers are included in this recall:
Model Numbers
6F02FOR 6303MYC 6330CAP
6330THR 6838MYC 7F00LPE
7F00RSH 7F01FOR 7F08BET
7G00DLS 7G04KRA 7G09GPK
7240DNB 7241PPH 7255CSA
7256SPM 7260BAN 7260CLT