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"Gut Buster" stomach exercise device

CPSC Recall #88-106 - November 28, 1988

Recall Summary

Recall Number88-106
Recall DateNovember 28, 1988
Remedy TypeDispose, New Instructions, Replace
Units AffectedApproximately two million

Product

"Gut Buster" stomach exercise device

Description

WASHINGTON - Some two million "Gut Buster" stomach exercise devices sold nationally by Gut Buster of Canton, Ohio are the subjects of a repair program undertaken by the company in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The product was sold between October 1986 and June 1987 for a price of $19.95. Acting on consumer reports of more than 700 unconfirmed injuries when the exercise spring broke, Gut Buster has developed a method of repairing the device to reduce chances of the spring breaking and injuring users. In some situations, the spring of the "Gut Buster" may be extended too far to withstand the additional stress and could snap. Consumers have allegedly experienced bruises, cuts and lacerations to the face and other parts of the body. Consumers should stop using the exercise device and are instructed to call Gut Buster's toll-free number at 1-800-325-7292 to receive the repair kit. Consumers can also write to Gut Buster at 1400 Raff Road, S.W., Canton, Ohio 44750. Step-by-step instructions will explain how to shorten and retie the safety cord that runs the entire inside length of the exercise spring. Consumers not wishing to repair the device should discard the "Gut Buster" so no one else may use it.  

Hazard

In some situations, the exercise spring of the "Gut Buster" may be extended too far to withstand the additional stress and could snap, posing an injury hazard to users. 

Incidents & Injuries

There have been consumer reports of more than. 700 unconfirmed injuries when the exercise spring broke. Consumers have allegedly experienced bruises, cuts and lacerations to the face and other parts of the body.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the exercise device and are instructed to call Gut Buster's toll-free number at 1-800-325-7292 to receive the repair kit. Consumers can also write to Gut Buster at 1400 Raff Road, S.W., Canton, Ohio 44750. Step-by-step instructions will explain how to shorten and retie the safety cord that runs the entire inside length of the exercise spring. Consumers not wishing to repair the device should discard the "Gut Buster" so no one else may use it.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Dispose, New Instructions, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Dispose, New Instructions, Replace) at no cost to you.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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