Petrus Umbrella Stroller Modification Program

WASHINGTON, DC - Petrus Imports, Inc. of Framingham, MA today announced it is voluntarily making available to consumers a free modification kit for approximately 100,000 late model Petrus umbrella strollers.

Undertaken in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the modification program involves Petrus stroller models 1000, 1100 and 1101 sold nationally by Service Merchandise, Caldor's, Zayre's and Ames. Model numbers are found on the instruction sheet and on a label on the stroller's rear legs. On some model 1101 strollers, the label on the stroller is partly handwritten and reads "1101/PTR."

The model 1100 strollers were distributed between November 1987 and December 1988, while the model 1101 strollers were distributed between May 1988 and August 1989. The model 1000 strollers were distributed between November 1987 and June 1988.

The seat belts on these models may not restrain properly, and the tube end plugs may come off on strollers manufactured in Taiwan. (See "Date of Manufacture" label for country of orgin.) When a toddler strapped into the stroller leans too far forward, the child may fall forward and possibly strike his head on the ground or on the front of the stroller.

The Commission and the firm are aware of six consumer complaints associated with the restraint system, including three minor injuries to young children. One other complaint concerned a loose tube end plug found in a stroller box which could pose a choking hazard to a young child who places the plug in the mouth. No choking incidents have been reported.

Consumers should call Petrus Imports, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-752-7740 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) for a free modification kit. Consumers may also write Petrus Imports, Inc., P.O. Box 967, Framingham, MA 01701, Attn: Ms Stamos.

The CPSC is announcing this modification program as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for product safety. Some 15,000 types of products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 30 million injuries and 22,000 deaths.