3,000,000 Fitness Balls Recalled Due to Fall Hazard and Explosions
(4/17/2009)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Name of Product: Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit Fitness Balls
Units: About 3 million
Manufacturer: EB Brands, of Yonkers, New York
Hazard: An overinflated fitness ball can unexpectedly burst while in use, causing the user to fall to the floor.
Incidents/Injuries: EB Brands has received 47 reports of fitness balls unexpectedly bursting, including reports of a fracture, and multiple bruises.
Description: This recall involves rubber fitness balls sold in 55-, 65- and 75-cm diameter sizes. The fitness balls were sold with a pump and inflation instructions. The fitness balls were sold in various colors with the Bally Total Fitness, Everlast or Valeo logo printed on the ball.
Sold at: Department stores and fitness retailers nationwide from May 2000 to February 2009 for between $15 and $30.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should contact EB Brands to receive a copy of the updated instructions on how to safely inflate the ball.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact EB Brands at (800) 624-5671 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.ebbrands.com.
Comments:
Friday, April 17, 2009 4:32:19 PM by Anonymous
How does the company and the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission plan to contact individuals that have this ball in their possession? A news announcement on TV?
I heard the story reported on CNN, so buyers have been informed.
Friday, April 17, 2009 5:50:30 PM by Anonymous
Is not the word over-inflated the keyword? Any ball will collapse if over-inflated and subjected to over-weight. Also balls need to be replaced after 6-12 months continous use. Injuries happen when guidelines are ignored.
Friday, April 17, 2009 7:03:24 PM by Anonymous
I have a co-worker who was injured(broke both wrists while using free weights when the ball burst. He had to have surgery and has plates and screws and surgical pins in both wrists.
Saturday, April 18, 2009 1:03:50 AM by Anonymous
Caveat emptor. Bosu balls are better for weight bearing exercises. Incline bench or couch have more structural intensity. I own a Bally Fitness and a Everlast ball. I just use body weight. Great for relieving mechanical back pain.
Saturday, April 18, 2009 8:00:18 AM by Anonymous
It just goes to show ... kudos to those companies who would not compromise product integrity and continue to import only 4 ply pvc high grade material. Their product remained more expensive because of the quality! I've never had a single problem and was one of the first presenters in the industry to demonstrate educational workshops using the Resist-a-Ball. You certainly do get what you pay for ... this should be clarified so the entire stability ball industry doesn't get a bad rap.
It is so disappointing, as a Master Level Certified Personal Trainer & education consultant for FITNESS FIRST: www.fitness1st.com, to read these type of warnings! How discouraging to experience inferior equipment for people trying to improve their health! Or those, who are subconsciously looking for an excuse NOT to exercise, suffer frustration, injuries etc. with inferior equipment! I have witness one incident of a ball cited, that burst. It caused a shocking visual for all in the gym to see it happen. Thank you for identifying some of the defective products in your email. Valerie Pokorny, BSc. of SHAPE MANAGEMENT, Naples, FL
Sunday, April 19, 2009 1:13:57 AM by Anonymous
yet another reason to leave these silly toys out of a weight room
Monday, April 20, 2009 7:54:07 AM by Anonymous
Anyone familiar with the management of EB Brands probably does not find the quality issue surprising.
