Recall: Merit Furniture Distributors Recall of Bunk Beds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 21, 2003 Release # 04-034

Company Phone Number: (800) 233-7178 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Merit Furniture Distributors Announce Recall of Bunk Beds

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

Name of product: Merit Bunk Beds

Units: 524

Importer: Merit Furniture Distributors, Inc., Brooklyn, NY

Hazard: The bunk beds have openings between the guardrails and in the end structures that are too large. A child's body could slide between the openings and could become trapped by the head, posing a serious strangulation hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Merit has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Description: The "twin over twin" bunk beds involve model #DLM550, #DLM160, and #860. The wooden recalled bunk beds are labeled with the "Merit" name and specific model numbers on the top front railing system of the bunk beds.

Sold at: Furniture stores nationwide sold the bunk beds from May 2002 through August 2003 for about $150

Manufactured in: Brazil.

Remedy: Consumers should contact Merit for information on how to return their bunk bed and receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Merit at (800) 233-7178 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or log on the company's Web site at www.meritfurnituredistributors.com (note added 01/18/2005 - recall information is no longer on the firm's web site).

Media Contact: Brad Sobel at (718) 922-6090