Consumer products are recalled when a large quantity of the product produced is dangerous for consumers, as a product liability lawyer in Las Vegas, NV can explain. There are two types of recalls, mandatory and voluntary. Most recalls are voluntary. This means that the product manufacturer was not mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the defective or dangerous product. Voluntary recalls usually occur when the manufacturer or retailer of a product negotiates with the federal agency in charge of overseeing the safety of that product category.
There are three classes of recalls:
- Class I recalls are for products that could cause serious injury or death.
- Class II recalls are for products that could cause serious injury or temporary illness.
- Class III recalls are for products that are unlikely to cause injury or illness but violate Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.
Below are three products that were recalled in February 2021.
- Enoxaparin Sodium Injections, USP
On February 2, 2021, Apotex Corp issued a voluntary recall of two batches of Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, USP due to a packing error. Enoxaparin Sodium Injections are used to prevent blood clots in the leg of patients who are on bedrest or who are having a hip replacement, knee replacement, or stomach surgery. The recalled injections were incorrectly packaged resulting in some syringe barrels containing 150mg markings instead of 100mg markings and vice versa. This packaging error was discovered during a consumer complaint investigation. Incorrect syringe barrel marking could lead to miscalculation and inaccurate dose administration to patients. Accidental overdosage could lead to bleeding complications and less than required dosage could lead to a patient developing blood clotting conditions.
Apotex Corp is currently notifying its affected direct account wholesalers and warehousing chains via a mailed recall notification letter and is arranging for return of all recalled product. To date, Apotex Corp has not received any reports of adverse events related to the two batches. Learn more here.
- Victory Innovations Electrostatic Sprayers
On February 3, 2021, Victory Innovations recalled 405,000 units of their Protexus Electrostatic Sprayers due to a fire and explosion hazards. The sprayer’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack can overheat and melt which poses a risk of the product catching fire or exploding. The sprayers were sold at chemical and cleaning supply distributors nationwide and on amazon.com, supplyworks.com, and staples.com from January 2016 through November 2020. Owners of this product should stop using the sprayers immediately, remove the battery and dispose of it in accordance with their local laws on disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Consumers can then contact Victory Innovations for a free replacement battery pack. To date, Victory Innovations has received 37 reports of the lithium-ion battery pack overheating, catching fire or exploding, some of which resulted in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
- Enerco Group’s DeWALT Cordless Kerosene Heaters
On February 3, 2021, Enerco Group recalled 4,500 units of its DeWALT cordless kerosene forced-air heaters due to a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning hazard. The heaters can re-start unexpectedly while in standby mode if the room temperature falls below the thermostat set point which could cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. This product was sold at Lowes and farm supply stores nationwide from June 2020 through November 2020. Consumers of this product should cease use immediately and contact Enerco Group for a free replacement corded heater. To date, Enerco Group has received one report of a heater starting unexpectedly. No injuries have been reported.
Thanks to Eglet Adams, defective product lawyers Las Vegas, NV, for their information on recalled products in January of 2021.