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U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board YouTube Channel Surpasses 400,000 Subscribers, Marking a Major Milestone in Viewership and Engagement
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release:
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U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board YouTube Channel Surpasses 400,000 Subscribers, Marking a Major Milestone in Viewership and Engagement
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's (CSB's) highly popular YouTube Channel recently achieved a significant milestone: surpassing 400,000 subscribers. Such a large number of subscribers reflects the substantial - and growing -- influence of the CSB's channel as a leading source of important chemical process safety information
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release:
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U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board YouTube Channel Surpasses 400,000 Subscribers, Marking a Major Milestone in Viewership and Engagement
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's (CSB's) highly popular YouTube Channel recently achieved a significant milestone: surpassing 400,000 subscribers. Such a large number of subscribers reflects the substantial - and growing -- influence of the CSB's channel as a leading source of important chemical process safety informationand insights into the kinds of serious chemical incidents that continue to occur in this country.
Since its launch, the CSB YouTube Channel has focused on delivering high-quality videos that inform a diverse set of viewers on the details of chemical incidents that occur across the country. By telling the story of each chemical incident with the use of 3D animations which detail the events leading to a catastrophic chemical incident - the channel has built a strong and dedicated audience.
"We are incredibly grateful to all of our viewers, who continue to support and comment on our safety videos and the important work of the CSB," said CSB Video Producer Shauna Lawhorne. "Reaching 400,000 subscribers is testimony to the passion of our team and the enthusiasm of our viewers."
To date, the CSB has produced and posted over 100 safety videos to the agency's YouTube Channel which collectively has been viewed over 70 million times.
The CSB is an independent, nonregulatory federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's core mission activities include conducting incident investigations; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards.
The agency's board members are appointed by the president subject to Senate confirmation. The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
Please visit our website, www.csb.gov. For more information, contact Director of External Affairs Hillary Cohen at Hillary.Cohen@csb.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.csb.gov/the-us-chemical-safety-and-hazard-investigation-board-youtube-channel-surpasses-400000-subscribers-marking-a-major-milestone-in-viewership-and-engagement/
Thirteen Defendants From Across the U.S. Indicted in Cocaine Trafficking Ring
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Dec. 10, 2025:
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Thirteen Defendants From Across the U.S. Indicted in Cocaine Trafficking Ring
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted 13 individuals from Pennsylvania, California, New York, Florida, and New Mexico on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The seven-count Indictment follows a two-year investigation into the drug trafficking organization.
The
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, Dec. 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Dec. 10, 2025:
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Thirteen Defendants From Across the U.S. Indicted in Cocaine Trafficking Ring
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted 13 individuals from Pennsylvania, California, New York, Florida, and New Mexico on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The seven-count Indictment follows a two-year investigation into the drug trafficking organization.
TheIndictment named the following individuals as defendants:
Name ... Age ... Residence
Feng Ruan ... 35 ... Brooklyn, NY
Maoxuan Xia ... 30 ... Flushing, NY
Jhon Canizales-Soto ... 32 ... Miami, FL
Marcos Francisco-Tomas ... 34 ... Riverside, CA
Andres Flores-Cedeno ... 39 ... New Kensington, PA
Eric Vega ... 38 ... Riverside, CA
Manuel Rivera ... 43 ... Coachella, CA
Fernando Gonzalez-Gonzalez ... 24 ... Los Angeles, CA
Julio Flores ... 23 ... Los Angeles, CA
Michael Johnson ... 63 ... Albuquerque, NM
Aaron Mitchell ... 48 ... Pittsburgh, PA
Raymond Simmons ... 54 ... New Kensington, PA
Toriano Wilson ... 46 ... New Kensington, PA
According to the Indictment, from January 2023 to April 2024, Francisco-Tomas, Flores-Cedeno, Vega, Rivera, Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Flores, Johnson, Mitchell, Simmons, and Wilson conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Additionally, on August 30, 2023, Rivera possessed with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. On February 17, 2024, both Francisco-Tomas and Flores-Cedeno possessed with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The Indictment further alleges that, on January 17, 2023, Ruan engaged in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity, and that, from in and around January 2023 through in and around April 2024, Xia, Canizales-Soto, Francisco-Tomas, Flores-Cedeno, Vega, Rivera, Gonzalez-Gonzalez, and Flores participated in interstate travel or transmission in aid of racketeering. Finally, the Indictment charges that, on October 5, 2023, Mitchell possessed a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
For Francisco-Tomas, Flores-Cedeno, Vega, Rivera, Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Flores, Johnson, Mitchell, Simmons, and Wilson, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. For Ruan and Xia, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. For Canizales-Soto, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. In relation to the firearms charge for Mitchell, the law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The HSTF for the Western District of Pennsylvania comprises agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/thirteen-defendants-across-us-indicted-cocaine-trafficking-ring
New Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Dec. 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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New Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY GRANT, 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine pills.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately
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NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Dec. 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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New Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY GRANT, 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine pills.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximatelyJanuary 2022 and March 2024, Grant's co-conspirator, Tyrone Brown, mailed parcels containing methamphetamine pills from Georgia to addresses in New Haven associated with Grant and others. Investigators identified approximately 79 suspicious parcels shipped from Brown to Grant during that time. In January 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of an intercepted parcel and found 16 ziplock sandwich bags containing a total of more than four kilograms of methamphetamine pills, and a firearm. The investigation also revealed that Grant made multiple payments to Brown during the conspiracy.
Grant has been detained since his arrest on March 27, 2024. He pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025. Brown also pleaded guilty and, on December 2, 2025, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service - Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/new-haven-man-sentenced-prison-trafficking-methamphetamine
NHTSA Releases Multi-Year Research Project on Modernizing Safety Standards for Automated Vehicles
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (TNSrep) -- The Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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NHTSA Releases Multi-Year Research Project on Modernizing Safety Standards for Automated Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released the fourth and final volume of its research effort "FMVSS Considerations for Vehicles with Automated Driving Systems." (https://www.nhtsa.gov/document/fmvss-considerations-vehicles-automated-driving-systems-volume-4) This research explored potential technical
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (TNSrep) -- The Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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NHTSA Releases Multi-Year Research Project on Modernizing Safety Standards for Automated Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released the fourth and final volume of its research effort "FMVSS Considerations for Vehicles with Automated Driving Systems." (https://www.nhtsa.gov/document/fmvss-considerations-vehicles-automated-driving-systems-volume-4) This research explored potential technicalchanges to safety standards that would address conformity challenges posed by automated vehicles, which will inform NHTSA's modernization efforts.
This multi-year and multi-phased research project examined 81 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to determine how they could be applied to innovative vehicle designs, with extensive hands-on research.
"The future of automated vehicles is right around the corner. Under President Trump and Secretary Duffy's leadership, it's our mission at NHTSA to design standards that enhance safety and support American innovation. This research will do just that by helping us better understand how our regulations can create barriers to new technologies that will improve safety on our roadways," NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said.
The agency recognizes that the industry is rapidly evolving, with new entrants and business models continually emerging. Accordingly, NHTSA is issuing a new Request for Comment to solicit public input on any industry changes, product plans, new concepts, or emerging issues that may affect the scope of the effort since this research was initiated in 2017.
Additional Information:
Historically, safety rules have been developed with the assumption that a human driver would operate the vehicle. Vehicles designed never to be operated by a human allow for the exploration of entirely different vehicle architectures, including the removal of traditional controls, alternative seating layouts, and redesigned passenger interfaces.
The objective of this research was to gather data and evidence to inform safety-neutral technical translations that would allow for innovative, ADS-specific designs, and to identify potential adaptations to test procedures to ensure NHTSA can appropriately evaluate their compliance with existing safety standards.
The final volume focuses on the remaining 23 FMVSS including the braking and electronic stability control test methods for FMVSS Nos. 135 and 126; the heavy braking and electronic stability control requirements associated with FMVSS Nos. 105, 121 and 136; the technical translations of FMVSS Nos. 122, 122a, 123, 131, 223, 224, 403, 404 and 49 C.F.R. Part 571 Subpart A; and potential unconventional seating barriers associated with FMVSS Nos. 201, 202a, 207, 209, 210, 214, 216a, 219 and 226.
The three previously released research volumes are available:
Volume 1 focuses on 12 FMVSS. It presents research findings on performance requirements and test procedures, focusing on potential regulatory barriers identified for compliance demonstration of innovative vehicle designs, particularly those incorporating ADS. It describes activities focused on six crash avoidance standards (FMVSS Nos. 102, 108, 114, 118, 138 and 141) and six crashworthiness standards (FMVSS Nos. 201, 202a, 203, 204, 205 and 206).
Volume 2 focuses on 18 FMVSS, including nine crash avoidance standards (FMVSS Nos. 101, 103, 104, 110, 111, 113, 124, 125 and 126) and nine crashworthiness standards (FMVSS Nos. 207, 208, 210, 214, 216a, 219, 222, 225 and 226).
Volume 3 focuses on 28 FMVSS, including 11 crash avoidance standards (FMVSS Nos. 105, 106, 109, 116, 117, 119, 121, 129, 135, 136 and 139), 15 crashworthiness standards for conventional seating designs (FMVSS Nos. 209, 212, 213, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305 and 401), one low-speed standard (FMVSS No. 500), and one crashworthiness standard for unconventional seating designs (FMVSS No. 208).
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Original text here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/modernizing-safety-standards-for-automated-vehicles
Company to Pay $102,000 to Resolve Civil Fraud Allegations Related to Pandemic Loan
BURLINGTON, Vermont, Dec. 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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Company to Pay $102,000 to Resolve Civil Fraud Allegations Related to Pandemic Loan
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that WP Deli LLC (WP Deli), a Colorado business, and its majority owner and chief executive, Robert Montuoro, of Stratton, Vermont, will pay $102,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by misusing funds procured through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According
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BURLINGTON, Vermont, Dec. 12 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont posted the following news release on Dec. 11, 2025:
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Company to Pay $102,000 to Resolve Civil Fraud Allegations Related to Pandemic Loan
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that WP Deli LLC (WP Deli), a Colorado business, and its majority owner and chief executive, Robert Montuoro, of Stratton, Vermont, will pay $102,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by misusing funds procured through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Accordingto the settlement agreement, WP Deli, through Mr. Montuoro, submitted an application for a PPP loan in May 2020. The PPP was established pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans suffering economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the program, small businesses could receive loans that the Small Business Administration (SBA) would forgive if the PPP regulations were followed, including rules related to eligible uses of PPP loan proceeds.
The SBA approved WP Deli's loan application, and the company received $40,915 for use on payroll and other authorized expenses. Yet, the government's investigation revealed that in June 2020, Mr. Montuoro diverted some of the PPP funds to cover his own improper, personal expenses. In March 2021, WP Deli, through Mr. Montuoro, submitted a PPP loan forgiveness application, falsely certifying that the PPP requirements for use of the loan had been met. The government alleges that this knowing misuse of the PPP loan violated the False Claims Act, a civil fraud statute.
"PPP loans were meant to provide a lifeline to small businesses during the pandemic but instead were often misused," said First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. "This office will continue to pursue businesses and individuals who wrongly exploited pandemic programs and to recover ill-gotten funds on behalf of taxpayers."
To resolve the claims against them, WP Deli and Mr. Montuoro jointly have agreed to pay to the United States a total of $102,000. This amount reflects Mr. Montuoro's acceptance of responsibility and cooperation with the government investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Cate and Lauren Almquist Lively handled this matter for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont. Investigative support was provided by the United States Secret Service and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
The settlement agreement is available at this link: Settlement Agreement USAVT and WP Deli (https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/media/1420626/dl?inline)
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/company-pay-102000-resolve-civil-fraud-allegations-related-pandemic-loan
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Model Year 2026 Trek-Branded Domane+ ALR 5, Domane+ ALR 6 AXS, Checkpoint+ SL 6 & Checkpoint+ SL 7 Electric Bicycles
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 11, 2025:
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Name of Product: Model Year 2026 Trek-branded Domane+ ALR 5, Domane+ ALR 6 AXS, Checkpoint+ SL 6 and Checkpoint+ SL 7 Electric Bicycles
Hazard: The bolts on the chainring can come loose, causing the chainring to separate from the bike, resulting in a fall or crash hazard to the user.
Remedy: Repair
Recall Date: December 11, 2025
Units: About 700
Consumer Contact: Trek toll-free at 800-373-4594 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/recalls
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 11, 2025:
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Name of Product: Model Year 2026 Trek-branded Domane+ ALR 5, Domane+ ALR 6 AXS, Checkpoint+ SL 6 and Checkpoint+ SL 7 Electric Bicycles
Hazard: The bolts on the chainring can come loose, causing the chainring to separate from the bike, resulting in a fall or crash hazard to the user.
Remedy: Repair
Recall Date: December 11, 2025
Units: About 700
Consumer Contact: Trek toll-free at 800-373-4594 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or online at https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/recallsor go to https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/ and click on "Recalls" at the bottom of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves Model Year 2026 Trek-branded Domane+ ALR 5, Domane+ ALR 6 AXS, Checkpoint+ SL 6 and Checkpoint+ SL 7 electric bicycles. The bicycles come in various colors and sizes. The word "TREK" is located on the downtube of the frame on the bicycle, and the model's name is printed on the top tube.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact an authorized Trek dealer to schedule a free repair at the dealer location. The dealer will tighten the chainring bolts to the correct specification. Trek will provide consumers who participate in the recall with a $20 in-store credit toward Trek, Electra, or Bontrager merchandise. The credit is valid through December 31, 2026.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of the bicycle chainring coming loose on the recalled bikes. No injuries have been reported.
Sold At: Independent bicycle retailers and Trek authorized retailers nationwide and online from July 2025 through September 2025 for between $5,000 and $8,000.
Importer(s): Trek Bicycle Corporation, of Waterloo, Wisconsin
Manufactured In: Cambodia
Recall number: 26-138
Fast Track Recall
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/TREK-Recalls-Electric-Bicycles-Due-to-Fall-or-Crash-Hazard
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Little Bear 2-Pack Soother Clip
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 11, 2025:
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Name of Product: Little Bear 2-pack Soother Clip
Hazard: The wooden button on the soother clips can come off, exposing a sharp screw, which can pose choking and laceration hazards.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: December 11, 2025
Units: About 1,330
Consumer Contact: Primark at 617-946-3236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.primark.com/recall or at www.primark.com and click "Recalls" at the bottom of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description:
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 11, 2025:
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Name of Product: Little Bear 2-pack Soother Clip
Hazard: The wooden button on the soother clips can come off, exposing a sharp screw, which can pose choking and laceration hazards.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: December 11, 2025
Units: About 1,330
Consumer Contact: Primark at 617-946-3236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.primark.com/recall or at www.primark.com and click "Recalls" at the bottom of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description:This recall involves the Primark 2-pack Soother Clip - Little Bear. It is a cloth strap with small bears on it and a wooden button to clip on to a child's clothing, designed to hold a pacifier. The product code, 991139699, is printed on the price tag located on the back of the product packaging.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled soother clips and return them to a Primark store for a full refund in the original form of payment.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received five reports of the wooden buttons on the soother clip detaching, including one report where the screw was found inside an infant's mouth and a second report of cuts to a child's arm.
Sold At: Primark stores located in the northeast and in Florida, Maryland and Illinois from June 2025 through August 2025 for about $5.
Importer(s): Primark US Corp., of Boston, Massachusetts
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 26-139
Fast Track Recall
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Primark-Recalls-Little-Bear-2-Pack-Soother-Clips-Due-to-Choking-and-Laceration-Hazards
