Target Recalls to Repair Embark Resistance Cords Due to Injury Hazard
CPSC Recall #11-320 — September 7, 2011
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 11-320 |
| Recall Date | September 7, 2011 |
| Remedy Type | Repair, New Instructions |
| Units Affected | "About 447,000" |
| Importer | "Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, Minn." |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Target stores nationwide and Target.com from July 2009 through August 2011 for between $10 and $20. |
Description
A black plastic ball attached to the resistance cord's door anchor can unexpectedly release and strike the user.
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."
Incidents & Injuries
"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."
Remedy Instructions
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.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair, New Instructions at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
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 (Repair, New Instructions) 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.