April 21, 2009 | Uncategorized

Fitness Balls Recalled by EB Brands Due to Fall Hazard

Beware of your bubble bursting: EB Brands recalled three million fitness balls because they may unexpectedly burst during use, says the U.S. Consumer Product Association. The recall involves Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Body Fit Fitness, and Valeo rubber fitness balls advertised on the packaging as being burst-resistant.

To date, EB Brands has received 47 reports of the fitness balls bursting, including accounts of a fracture and multiple bruises. However, the company is keeping the products on store shelves without changes to the design or manufacturer. Safety instructions that accompany the fitness balls are now bolder and easier to read, a company spokesperson said.

Guidelines stress that balls should not be inflated past a certain point, which ranges based on the ball size. Consumers who already own an EB Brands ball should contact the company for a copy of updated instructions. The company is offering free replacements or refunds for customers whose fitness balls have exploded.

The rubber fitness balls were sold in various colors and sizes with the Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, or Valeo logo printed on them. EB Brands distributed the balls at department stores and fitness retailers nationwide from May 2000 to February 2009.

AUTHOR: Annette Hulbert