Cribs recalled because slats can loosen, fall off causing strangulation risk

Thursday, April 25th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Vermont Precision Woodworks is recalling about 990 cribs because slats can come off, creating an opening that could entrap a child's head or neck and cause strangulation.

The company, based in Morrisville, Vt., has received 21 reports of slats detaching from the cribs' drop side rails, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday. No injuries were reported.

Consumers should stop using the cribs until they are repaired. The company is providing replacement side rails.

The voluntary recall covers cribs sold at children's product and furniture stores nationwide from January 2000 through March 2002 for between $500 an $800.

The models are 7010 Alpine, 7020 Caspian, 7030 Coventry, 7040 Dunmore and 7070 Haystack. The full-size maple cribs were sold in five finishes. A label on the bottom reads ``Vermont Precision Woodworks'' and includes the manufacturing date and model.

The safety commission found that the crib rails did not meet voluntary industry standards.

``Originally, when we started making the cribs we passed all the tests, but for some reason something changed in our manufacturing process to allow this to happen,'' said Ted Weber, the company's sales and marketing manager. ``We've got that all fixed now.''

An opening of more than 2 3/8 inches between crib slats can lead to strangulation, the safety agency says.

Consumers can call Vermont Precision Woodworks toll-free at 866-869-7974 or find information on its web site, Vermont Precision Woodworks.