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CPSC, Safety 1st Announce Recall of Cabinet and Drawer Spring Latches

U.S. CPSCChokingJul 31, 2001
The springs are uncovered on the recalled latches (left). The replacement latches have a plastic tab over the spring (right)
The springs are uncovered on the recalled latches (left). The replacement latches have a plastic tab over the spring (right)

Photos from the official notice: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · image rights

Hazard

If the safety latch breaks, a small spring could be released. Young children could choke on the small spring or gain access to a cabinet or drawer where dangerous items are stored.

Remedy

Consumers should contact Safety 1st for free replacement latches immediately.

Incidents & injuries

CPSC and Safety 1st are aware of 27 incidents with these latches breaking. There have been two injuries reported. A 13-month-old girl placed the broken spring from one of these latches in her mouth and suffered a minor abrasion inside her mouth. Also, a 2-year-old girl was able to open a cabinet protected by a safety latch, gained access to a bathroom cabinet and sprayed tile cleaner into her mouth. She received chemical burns to her throat.

Product description

The latches are made of white plastic with a spring which holds the latch closed. "SAFETY 1 st" is written on the top of the latches. Their packaging reads, in part, "SAFETY 1ST" and "CABINET & DRAWER SPRING LATCHES." They were sold in a package of three or four latches. The straight ends of the metal springs are uncovered on the recalled latches. The replacement latches have a plastic tab over the short straight end of the metal spring.

Sold on

Toy, hardware and department stores nationwide sold the set of three or four latches, from January 1993 through December 1999, for about $7.

Contact the company

For more information, call Safety 1st at (800) 366-1282 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's website at www.safety1st.com

What should I do?

Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.

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