Several consumer products sold in California were recalled in September after manufacturers and federal agencies identified potential safety or health risks.
The recalls covered a range of products, including children’s toys, baby equipment, household hand soaps and supplements made for dogs. Reported hazards included choking risks, fire and burn dangers, and possible contamination with harmful bacteria.
Some of the products were sold through major retailers and online marketplaces, meaning California consumers may have purchased them without realizing they were later subject to a recall.
Here are the major recalls consumers should know about.
Baby Sesame Street Elmo Teether Recalled Over Choking Risk
Skip Hop recalled approximately 22,000 Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teethers after discovering that the toy’s black eyes can detach when the teether is frozen.
A detached component could pose a choking hazard to young children.
The teether is designed in the shape of Elmo’s face and includes a textured blue key and a fabric crayon box. The recalled product has a red Skip Hop tag attached to the side of the crayon box.
The affected teethers were sold at Carter’s stores across the country and online between January 2025 and March 2026.
Consumers who have the recalled teether should stop allowing children to use it and follow Skip Hop’s recall instructions for disposal and refunds.
Melissa & Doug Fire Truck Activity Board Recall
Another children’s product affected by a September recall was the Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board from Melissa & Doug.
The product was sold exclusively through Target.
The recall was issued because the toy’s fire hose port can become loose and detach. The detached part could create a choking hazard for young children.
The recalled product can be identified using the following information:
- Product: Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board
- Target item number: 204-06-6479
- Online item number: 93554021
- Retail price: Approximately $29.99
Melissa & Doug is offering consumers several remedies, including a replacement activity board, a $30 refund by check or a $40 store credit.
Anyone who purchased the affected product should check the manufacturer’s recall instructions before continuing to use it.
Love to Dream Portable Sleep Machine Recalled
Parents may also want to check whether they own a Love to Dream portable sleep machine included in a September recall.
Love to Dream Inc. recalled certain machines because their lithium-ion batteries can overheat when an incompatible charger is used. In some circumstances, overheating could result in a fire or serious burns.
The affected machine plays sounds, has adjustable volume, features a built-in nightlight and comes with a USB charging cable.
Importantly, the recall applies only to products carrying both of these identification details:
- Model: LTD-SM23
- Date code: 7W15TN
The model and date code can be found on the side of the machine or on the back of its packaging.
The machines were sold through retailers including Target, Walmart and Nordstrom, as well as online through Love to Dream, Amazon, Babylist and Posh Mommy.
They were available between February 2025 and September 2026 and sold for approximately $60.
Consumers with an affected unit should follow Love to Dream’s recall instructions to determine whether they qualify for a refund or store credit.
Six Hand Soap Products Recalled Over Possible Bacterial Contamination
The September recalls also included several hand soap products.
Intercon Chemical Co. voluntarily recalled six products after testing raised concerns about possible bacterial contamination. The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning exposure could cause temporary health problems, although the likelihood of a serious medical outcome is considered low.
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 may contain bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens and Serratia nematodiphila.
These organisms can be found naturally in the environment. While exposure does not necessarily result in illness, certain bacterial infections can pose greater risks to people with weakened immune systems or other medical vulnerabilities.
Consumers who have one of the recalled products should stop using it and follow the FDA’s disposal guidance.
Dog Supplements Recalled Over Possible Salmonella Contamination
Pet owners should also check their supplies following a recall involving two dog supplements manufactured by Vet Plus Inc.
The products were distributed nationwide, including California, and were sold directly to consumers as well as through online retailers such as Amazon and Chewy.
The FDA said the affected supplements may be contaminated with Salmonella.
The recalled products are:
Fi Calming Supplement for Dogs
- Size: 180 grams
- Lot number: 26118
- UPC: 850064800111
Fi 8-in-1 Formula Supplement for Dogs
- Size: 180 grams
- Lot number: 26159
- UPC: 850055111684
Salmonella can cause illness in animals. It can also create a risk for people who handle contaminated products or come into contact with contaminated surfaces or animal waste.
The risk can be higher when people do not wash their hands thoroughly after handling the supplements or cleaning up after an animal that has consumed a contaminated product.
Pet owners who have one of the affected lots should stop giving it to their dogs immediately. The manufacturer recommends keeping the container sealed and disposing of the product according to its recall instructions.
What Should California Consumers Do If They Own a Recalled Product?
If you discover that something in your home has been recalled, don’t continue using it simply because it appears to be working normally.
First, identify the exact product and compare its model number, lot number, UPC or other identifying information with the official recall notice.
Depending on the product, the manufacturer may offer:
- A refund
- Store credit
- A replacement product
- Instructions for safe disposal
- Other corrective measures
For products that could pose an immediate health or safety risk, follow the agency’s instructions carefully rather than attempting to repair or modify the product yourself.
Where Can You Check for Product Recalls?
Consumers can check official government recall databases for the latest information.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes recalls involving products such as toys, household goods and other consumer merchandise.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides recall information involving products such as medications, cosmetics, medical products, food and certain animal products.
California residents can also check recall information from the California Department of Public Health, while the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service publishes recalls involving meat, poultry and certain other food products.
When checking a recall, don’t rely solely on the product’s brand name. Look carefully at the model number, lot number, UPC, date code and other identifying information because recalls often apply only to specific batches.
The Bottom Line for California Consumers
The September recalls affected products used by families, children, pet owners and households across California.
The most important step is to check whether the specific product you own matches the identifying information in an official recall notice. A brand or product category being recalled does not necessarily mean every item is affected.
If you find a recalled item, stop using it and follow the manufacturer’s or government agency’s instructions for obtaining a refund, replacement or safe disposal.
Because recalls can be announced or expanded after products have already been purchased, regularly checking official recall databases can help California households identify potential safety risks before they cause harm.
