Bicycle helmet recall by Bell Sports because of head injury hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Full-face bicycle helmets

Units: About 31,100 in the United States, and about 2,500 in Canada

Importer: Bell Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif.

Hazard: The plastic buckle that connects the chin straps can fail, causing the helmet to come off the wearer's head. This poses a head injury hazard to riders in the event of a fall.

Incidents: The firm has received one report of a buckle failing during an accident, resulting in an injury that required stitches below the wearer's eye.

Description: This recall involves Bell Exodus full-face helmets with a plastic buckle on the chinstrap and model and part numbers listed below. The helmets have an angled visor and were sold in youth size. The model and part number can be found on a removable sticker located on the side of the helmet.

Color Part/Model Number
Orange/Grey/Black 1003825/035011898025
Blue/Grey/Gold/White/Black 1006714/035011917719

Sold by: Walmart stores nationwide and Amazon.com between August 2009 and March 2011 for between $50 and $60.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the helmets immediately and contact Bell Sports for a replacement or refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information call Bell Sports toll-free at (866) 892-6059 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, via email at answer_desk@bellsports.com, or visit the firm's website at www.bellsports.com