CPSC, Kmart Corporation Announce Desk Chair Recall

WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Kmart Corporation of Troy, Mich., is recalling 148,990 desk chairs. The chair's seat post may unexpectedly separate from the pedestal base, causing someone sitting in the chair to fall.

Consumers can identify the recalled chairs by Kmart product code 21-86-61, item code 010218661114, printed on the outside of the retail carton. The chairs do not have an item number printed on them. The chair, which Kmart sold nationwide from July 1993 to March 1995 for $29.99, was packaged unassembled in a cardboard box labeled in part "BASIC DESIGNS ADJUSTABLE OFFICE CHAIR *** MADE IN TAIWAN".

The gray upholstered rotary desk chair has a non-tilt seat and fixed back. The seat is attached to a five-prong metal pedestal base by a one-inch wide steel rod. There are two wheel casters on each prong of the pedestal base. The Kmart Corporation reported this hazard to CPSC after receiving seven reports of the seat unexpectedly detaching from the pedestal base.

Consumers who own these chairs should stop using them immediately and return the chairs to any K-mart store for a refund. Replacement chairs will be available after May 15, 1995. Consumers who need more information about this recall should contact any Kmart store.