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From baby gear to pet products, several consumer products sold in California were recalled in September over potential safety hazards.
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According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, product recalls announced last month involved concerns ranging from loose parts and choking hazards to fire and burn risks.
Some of the recalled products were sold at California stores, while others were available online to consumers across the state.
Here’s what California consumers should know:
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Which consumer products were recalled in California?
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, several consumer products were recalled in September because of potential safety hazards.
The recalls include products for babies and children, household items and other consumer goods.
Here are some of the recalls that affected California consumers:
Which baby toys and gear were recalled in California?
Skip Hop Sesame Street teether
On Sept. 3, New York-based Skip Hop voluntarily recalled its Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teether because the toy’s black eyes can detach if the teether is frozen, creating a choking hazard.
The company recalled about 22,000 units of the teether.
The product is shaped like Elmo’s face and includes a textured blue key and fabric crayon box.
A red tag displaying the Skip Hop brand name and Model No. 9R263210 is attached to the side of the crayon box.
The recalled teethers were sold at Carter’s retail stores nationwide and online from January 2025 through March, according to the recall notice.
Consumers with a recalled teether should visit Skip Hop’s recall website for instructions on how to dispose of the product and request a refund.
Melissa & Doug activity board
On Thursday, Sept. 17, Target listed a recall for the Lights and Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board made by Melissa & Doug.
The toy’s fire hose port can come loose and detach, creating a choking hazard.
The recalled product can be identified by the following information:
- Name: Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board
- Target item number: 204-06-6479
- Online item number: 93554021
- Retail price: $29.99
The activity board was sold exclusively at Target.
Manufacturing company Melissa and Doug is offering a free replacement activity board, a $30 refund by check or a $40 store credit.
If you bought a recalled activity board, register online and follow the recall instructions at melissaanddoug.com/recall.
Love to Dream portable sleep machine
On Sept. 24, Love to Dream Inc. of Delaware recalled its portable sleep machines because the products pose fire and burn hazards.
The machines contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat if the charger used with the unit is incompatible, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“If the product overheats and catches fire, there is a risk of serious burns and/or property damage,” Love to Dream said in its recall notice.
The portable sleep machine plays sounds, has adjustable volume and includes a built-in nightlight and USB charging cable.
“Love to Dream” is printed on the sleep machine and its brown handle.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, only machines with both of the following identification numbers are included in the recall:
- Model No.: LTD-SM23
- Date code: 7W15TN
The model number and date code can be found on the side of the sleep machine or on the back of its box.
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The recalled machines were sold at Target, Walmart and Nordstrom stores nationwide and online through Love to Dream, Amazon, Babylist and Posh Mommy, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
They were sold from February 2025 through September 2026 for about $60.
Eligible consumers can receive either a full refund or store credit, depending on their preferred option and where they purchased the product, according to the Love to Dream website.
Why was hand soap recalled in California?
On Sept. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled six hand soap products because of potential bacterial contamination.
Intercon Chemical Co., based in St. Louis, voluntarily recalled the products after testing raised concerns about possible contamination.
The recalled products include:
- Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe
- Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe
- Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap
- Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent
- Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap
- Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers
The products might be contaminated with several types of bacteria, including pseudomonas aeruginosa, pseudomonas putida, pseudomonas monteilii, serratia marcescens and serratia nematodiphila.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning that using the product can produce temporary health consequences but the probability of a serious health issue is remote.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pseudomonas and serratia bacteria are found naturally in the environment, including soil and water, but some strains can cause infections in people who are medically vulnerable.
Consumers who purchased recalled soap should stop using it and dispose of it properly, according to the FDA.
Which pet products were recalled in California?
On Sept. 3, New York-based Vet Plus, Inc. recalled two supplements for dogs because they might be contaminated with salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide, including in California, both directly to consumers and through online retailers such as Amazon and Chewy, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Salmonella can make animals sick and also pose a risk to people who handle contaminated products or come into contact with an animal’s waste after the animal has consumed the product.
The FDA said the risk is higher for people who do not thoroughly wash their hands after handling the supplements, touching surfaces exposed to the products or cleaning up animal waste.
The recalled products are:
- Fi Calming Supplement for Dogs, 180 grams — Lot No. 26118 with UPC 850064800111
- Fi 8-in-1 Formula Supplement for Dogs, 180 grams — Lot No. 26159 with UPC 850055111684
Consumers who purchased either recalled lot should stop using the product immediately, the FDA said.
Keep the container tightly sealed and throw the supplement away, according to the company.
How can I check whether I have a recalled product?
Federal and state agencies regularly post information about recalled food, medications, pet products and other consumer goods.
Consumers can check recall notices through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, California Department of Public Health and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service websites.
When checking a product, look for the product name, lot number, universal product code or other identifying information available.
Those details can help determine whether a specific item is included in a recall.
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