Too hot to handle?

            WASHINGTON - MedWatch, the Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and HoMedics notified consumers and healthcare professionals of a U.S. recall of 292,108 heating pads produced by HoMedics and shipped within the U.S. in 2001 and 2002. Some heating pads contain an inadequate connector crimp, which can lead to a high resistance connection that may generate excessive heat. This can pose a risk of minor or first degree burn injuries, fire, or damage to the heating pad itself, or to materials (like bedding and furniture) that come in contact with the pad. Consumers who have any of the heating pads should discontinue use of the product and return it immediately to the retailer of purchase for a full refund. See recall notice for specific model numbers. Read the complete Safety Summary at www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#heatpad.