QVC Recalls Tomato Planters Due to Collapse Hazard

WASHINGTON , D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Topsy-Turvy Deluxe Tomato Planters with Stand

Units: About 82,000

Retailer: QVC, of West Chester, Pa.

Importer: All-Star Marketing, of Hawthorne, N.Y.

Hazard: The legs on the bottom of the planter can detach when the planter is moved or becomes unbalanced. This could cause the planter to fall and injure bystanders.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 347 reports of the planters collapsing; 155 consumers have reported injuries including lacerations, broken toes and bruises. QVC has also received reports of property damage caused when the planter collapsed onto nearby items.

Description: The Topsy-Turvy Deluxe Tomato Planter with Stand (Item Numbers M16702 and M17499) is an upright planter used for growing tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers. The planter consists of a 16" X 15" bag which holds up to 30 pounds of soil and is attached to the top of a 6-foot tall adjustable pole. Three legs are inserted into the pole to form a 36-inch wide base.

Sold through: QVC's televised shopping programs, its Web site, and in QVC's Studio, employee and retail stores from March 2008 through April 2008 for about $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers who have already set up the planter should immediately take it down by having two adults carefully tip it over on its side. Consumers who purchased the planter through a QVC television program or QVC.com were mailed instructions on obtaining a refund. Consumers who have not received instructions should contact QVC. Consumers who purchased the planter at a QVC store should return the planter to any QVC store to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For further information, contact QVC at (800) 367-9444 between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. ET any day, or visit the firm's Web site at www.qvc.com