Posted by Marianne Frederick

It's ironic, isn't it? "Safety 1^st" Push n' Snap Cabinet locks are being recalled because the locks fail. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) Inc., of Columbus, Indiana, is recalling 900,000 of these locks made in China and imported to the U.S., because children can gain access to things which may be unsafe. The product was sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond, retail stores throughout the U.S. and by Amazon's online store for approximately $2 to $4, from January 2004 through February 2012.

According to the CPSC, 200 reports have been received by the company, DJG, about faulty locks which did not completely secure cabinets. Some reports noted the locks were damaged. DJG has also been made aware that 140 children from 9 months to 5 years old were able to disengage the locks and gained access to the cabinet's contents. Three children who were able to gain access to items in the cabinets with faulty locks either "handled or swallowed" dishwashing detergent, window cleaner or oven cleaner. The children were treated and released from emergency rooms.

This recall includes Safety 1st Push 'N Snap Cabinet locks model numbers 48391 and 48442. The model numbers are located on the back of the product and on packaging. The locks are supposed to secure cabinets with two straps that wrap around knobs or handles on a cabinet door. Locks manufactured between January 2004 and November 2010 are being recalled. The date of manufacture (DOM) is embossed on the back of the lock. A green triangle on the device is supposed to indicate that the product is in the lock position.

Consumers should immediately remove the locks from their cabinets and contact the company for a free replacement. Consumers should pay special attention to the contents of cabinets that are no longer locked and remove any dangerous items from children's access. To contact DJG toll free, consumers may call 1 (866) 762-3212 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.djgusa.com.

To view photos of the locks being recalled, please visit the CPSC website at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12136.html.

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