Target Recalls to Repair Embark Resistance Cords Due to Injury Hazard

CPSC recall 11320 · announced September 8, 2011 · Target · 447,000 units affected

The product

This recall involves Embark brand individual resistance cords and cord kits listed below. The resistance bands are made of green, blue or black rubber with black foam handles and a door attachment. A strap of nylon webbing is looped onto the band with a plastic ball attached or encased that serves as a door anchor. "Embark" is printed on either the black strap attached to the foam handle or on the middle of the rubber cord itself. Style Description: Embark Light (tension) Resistance Cord (green) Embark Medium (tension) Resistance Cord (blue) Embark Heavy (tension) Resistance Cord (black) Embark Resistance Cord kit (set of 3 cords in green/blue/black stored in a mesh bag)

The hazard

A black plastic ball attached to the resistance cord's door anchor can unexpectedly release and strike the user, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

What to do (per CPSC)

Consumers should immediately stop using the resistance cords and remove the door anchor strap before resuming use or contact the company to receive instructions to repair the cords to eliminate the hazard. Remedy type: New Instructions Repair

Official CPSC recall notice →

Notes

Incidents (per CPSC): Target has received three reports of incidents in which consumers were struck in the eye by the door anchor ball. Two incidents resulted in permanent vision loss, and the severity of the injury in the third incident is unknown.
Sold at: Target stores nationwide and Target.com from July 2009 through August 2011 for between $10 and $20.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.target.com

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.