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CPSC, Three Firms Announce Recall of Bicycle Helmets

Reported: November 17, 2000 Initiated: November 17, 2000 #01032

Product Description

Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" Bicycle Helmets: These helmets are either black, white or chrome. They have a red "X- Games" insignia on the front and "X-Games" is written on the back. A large label inside these helmets reads "SGS CPSC CY50159." And "Variflex Inc." "Static" and "Made in Taiwan" are written on the packaging. NHS TSG Helmets: The Metallic Gold and Gloss Black helmets have "TSG" written on the front and rear of the helmet. The Foundation Blue helmets have the word "Foundation" across the front and a star and moon on the side of the helmet. They have serial numbers beginning SN: 00170 or SN: 00171, and a date code of January, February and April 2000 written on the white label inside the helmets. First Team Sports "Guardian Junior Helmets": They are slate blue, and have "Guardian" written on the front and rear of the helmets. They have model numbers 007471, 007958, 009406, 009437, 009455 or 009830, and date code "2000/04" written on a label inside the helmets.

Reason for Recall

These helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer severe head injuries or death.

Remedy

Variflex Inc.: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund or replacement helmet. NHS: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to NHS Inc., not to the store where purchased, for a refund. First Team Sports: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" Bicycle Helmets: These helmets are either black, white or chrome. They have a red "X- Games" insignia on the front and "X-Games" is written on the back. A large label inside these helmets reads "SGS CPSC CY50159." And "Variflex Inc." "Static" and "Made in Taiwan" are written on the packaging. NHS TSG Helmets: The Metallic Gold and Gloss Black helmets have "TSG" written on the front and rear of the helmet. The Foundation Blue helmets have the word "Foundation" across the front and a star and moon on the side of the helmet. They have serial numbers beginning SN: 00170 or SN: 00171, and a date code of January, February and April 2000 written on the white label inside the helmets. First Team Sports "Guardian Junior Helmets": They are slate blue, and have "Guardian" written on the front and rear of the helmets. They have model numbers 007471, 007958, 009406, 009437, 009455 or 009830, and date code "2000/04" written on a label inside the helmets.. Recalled by NHS Inc., of Santa Cruz, Calif.. Units affected: About 243,000.
Why was this product recalled?
These helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer severe head injuries or death.
What should consumers do?
Variflex Inc.: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund or replacement helmet. NHS: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to NHS Inc., not to the store where purchased, for a refund. First Team Sports: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on November 17, 2000. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 01032.