CPSC Warns phil&teds USA Clip-on Chairs Are Not Safe

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers late last week that tens of thousands of “metoo” clip-on tabletop feeding chairs, imported by phil&teds USA Inc., are not safe, and could result in falls or serious injuries. The CPSC has urged consumers to immediately stop using certain “metoo” clip-on chairs.

The “metoo” is an infant/toddler portable high chair with a nylon fabric seat (red, black or navy) and a metal frame that clamps onto tables using two metal vise clamps. The upper part of each clamp rests on the top of the table and has either a rubber clamp pad on its underside or a rubber boot covering it. The warning includes only chairs that do not have black plastic spacers between the table clamps and the front horizontal metal bar (those that do have the spacers are currently being evaluated).
Plus: Do You Own Recalled Products? Check Our Recall Finder! 

The chairs included in the warning pose serious fall hazards, should the chair detach from the table and fall while the child is seated inside. The chair can detach from a variety of different tables, as well as when kids shift around or use their feet to push off against other objects. Additionally, the chairs can also severely pinch, lacerate, crush or even amputate children’s fingers, should the chair detach. The CPSC is aware of numerous incidents involving these chairs and has made this video to illustrate the chair’s hazards.
Plus: Mom-Tested Baby High Chairs 

A warning is being issued by the CPSC instead of a national recall because it has been unable to reach an agreement with the company on the terms of a recall. Phil&teds has offered a repair kit consisting of rubber boots to fit the upper clamp grips of the chairs, but the CPSC has not approved the kit, despite the company’s prior statement that it was conducting a recall “in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.”
Plus: Space Saver High Chairs 

Tens of thousands of the affected “metoo” chairs may have been distributed since May 2006 for about $50 through nationwide and online retailers, as well as independent juvenile specialty stores.