What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for specific digital wall clocks manufactured by Leon Rading. This action is necessary because the products fail to meet mandatory federal safety standards regarding the containment of coin batteries, creating a potential danger for households. The recall, which was officially announced on May 15, 2025, targets a particular line of wall-mounted timepieces that were sold exclusively through Amazon.com. If you purchased a Leon Rading digital clock from Amazon recently, it is important to verify whether your specific unit falls under this safety notice.
The affected items are rectangular, black digital wall clocks identified by the model number PH-05. These clocks are designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, featuring a solid black casing that allows them to blend into most home decor styles. A key visual identifier for these units is a yellow label located on the rear of the clock face. This label contains customer service information and explicitly states: "Contact for warranty! support@te-rich.com." Additionally, the product packaging is white and clearly prints the text "MODEL: PH-05" on the exterior, making it relatively easy to identify the model even if you still have the original box.
A critical component of this recall involves the remote control that comes bundled with each clock. Each unit is equipped with a black, nine-button remote control used for setting the time and adjusting settings. It is within this remote that the safety violation occurs. The remote contains a lithium coin battery that powers its wireless functionality. According to the CPSC, the battery compartment in these specific remotes does not adequately secure the battery, allowing it to be easily accessed by children. This design flaw is what triggers the recall, as it violates federal regulations requiring consumer products with button cell or coin batteries to prevent child access.
The scope of this recall covers all units of the Leon Rading PH-05 digital wall clock sold through Amazon.com. While the CPSC has not released a specific total count of the number of units involved in this batch, the exclusivity of the sales channel means that anyone who bought this specific model from Amazon is potentially affected. The agency notes that Leon Rading and Amazon are working together to contact all known purchasers directly regarding this issue. However, relying solely on direct notification may not be sufficient for every consumer, which is why identifying your product by its physical characteristics and model number is essential. If you have a black, rectangular digital wall clock with a matching nine-button remote, and it bears the Leon Rading branding or the PH-05 model designation, you should treat it as part of this recall until you can confirm otherwise through official channels.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific design flaw within the remote control that comes with the Leon Rading digital wall clock (Model PH-05). While the clock itself displays the time, the power source for its remote lies in a small, disc-shaped lithium coin battery. Under normal circumstances, these batteries are securely enclosed to prevent contact. However, the CPSC has determined that the casing on this particular remote allows children to easily access the battery compartment. This accessibility transforms a standard household item into a severe ingestion hazard, triggering violations of federal safety regulations designed specifically to keep such power sources out of reach.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it is important to look at what happens physically when a button cell or coin battery is swallowed. The danger does not primarily come from the battery being a foreign object in the throat; rather, it stems from what occurs once the battery settles in the esophagus. When a lithium coin battery becomes lodged against the moist tissue of the esophagus, it completes an electrical circuit between the body’s natural fluids and the battery itself. This process, known as hydrolysis, generates an external electrical current that flows through the surrounding tissue.
This electrical current triggers a rapid chemical reaction. Within just two hours of ingestion, the battery can cause severe alkaline burns to the esophageal lining. These are not superficial abrasions; they are deep internal injuries that can lead to permanent scarring, narrowing of the esophagus (which may require multiple surgeries to repair), and in tragic cases, perforation of the tissue. If the battery erodes through the esophagus wall, it can damage adjacent major blood vessels, such as the aorta, leading to fatal hemorrhaging. The CPSC notes that these injuries can result in serious harm or death, which is why this violation of consumer product regulations is treated with such urgency.
Compounding the physical risk is a regulatory oversight regarding warning labels. Federal law, specifically Reese’s Law, mandates that products containing coin batteries include clear warnings about the ingestion hazard. The Leon Rading clocks in question lack these required notices. Without explicit warnings, caregivers may not realize how quickly a swallowed battery can cause damage, potentially delaying critical medical attention. The combination of an accessible battery compartment and missing safety labels creates a perfect storm for accidental injury, particularly among young children who are naturally curious and may not recognize the remote control as a source of danger.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger from this recall are young children, particularly those under the age of five. This vulnerability stems directly from the specific design flaw identified in the Leon Rading digital wall clock’s remote control. The device houses a lithium coin battery that is not sufficiently secured against accidental removal by small hands. Because toddlers and preschoolers are naturally curious and explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths, a loosely accessible battery compartment transforms a harmless-looking remote into a significant ingestion hazard. Children in this age group often lack the motor skills to recognize that batteries are dangerous or the understanding of why they should not be placed in their mouths, making them uniquely susceptible to accidental swallowing.
Beyond young children, individuals with cognitive impairments or developmental disabilities may also be at heightened risk. Adults or older children who have conditions affecting their judgment, memory, or fine motor coordination might inadvertently access the battery compartment. For instance, someone using the clock to manage daily routines but struggling with complex tasks could accidentally pry open the remote’s casing while trying to change settings. Once the battery is exposed, the same severe medical risks apply. The ease with which the battery can be accessed means that even well-meaning users who are not typically prone to putting things in their mouths could end up in a dangerous situation if they drop the remote or handle it carelessly.
The severity of the risk for these groups is compounded by the nature of lithium coin batteries themselves. When swallowed, these batteries do not just cause a blockage; they can create an electrical current that generates heat and causes internal chemical burns to the esophagus and stomach tissue within just two hours. This rapid onset of injury means that the window for safe intervention is extremely narrow. For elderly individuals who may already have swallowing difficulties or underlying health conditions, the stress of such an incident could lead to further complications. Additionally, caregivers responsible for both young children and vulnerable adults must be doubly vigilant, as they are often the ones handling these devices during setup or maintenance, increasing their exposure to the hazard before they realize the danger.
While no incidents have been reported as of the recall date, the potential for harm is real and immediate. The Leon Rading clock was sold exclusively on Amazon.com, meaning a wide variety of households—single parents, grandparents, renters, and students—could have purchased this item without realizing its specific risks. Anyone who has bought this rectangular black clock with the yellow warranty label should consider themselves potentially part of the at-risk group until they verify their unit is safe. The lack of required warnings under Reese’s Law further exacerbates the risk, as users were not alerted to the danger upon purchase. Therefore, the responsibility now falls on every owner to act quickly, recognizing that the hazard does not discriminate by age but thrives on opportunity and access.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you purchased a digital wall clock from Amazon.com recently, it is important to take a moment to inspect your device carefully. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) targets a specific product line manufactured under the brand name Leon Rading. Because online marketplaces often carry similar-looking items from various sellers, verifying the exact details of your clock is the only way to be certain whether your unit is part of this safety alert. Do not rely solely on the appearance of the clock; you must check the specific identifiers printed on both the packaging and the device itself.
Start by looking at the box or packaging where the clock originally arrived. The recall specifically affects units where "MODEL: PH-05" is clearly printed on the white product packaging. If your box is white and features this model number prominently, it is a strong indicator that you may have one of the affected items. However, if the packaging is different in color or does not list this specific model number, it is likely not part of this recall, though you should still verify the physical clock.
Next, examine the digital wall clock itself. The recalled units are rectangular in shape and black in color. A key identifier to look for is a yellow label located on the rear side of the clock face. This label will state "Contact for warranty! support@te-rich.com." If your black rectangular clock has this specific yellow sticker on the back, it matches the description of the recalled product. Additionally, check the remote control that accompanies the clock. The affected clocks come with a black nine-button remote control. While the remote itself is not marked with the model number in the same way, its inclusion with the described clock and packaging confirms the system identity.
You should also consider where and how you bought the item. This recall applies to products sold exclusively on Amazon.com. If you purchased a similar Leon Rading clock from a physical retail store, a different website, or a second-hand marketplace, it is not subject to this specific recall action. The remedy and refund process are coordinated directly between Leon Rading, Amazon, and the consumers who bought these units through that specific platform. By checking the white packaging for "MODEL: PH-05," inspecting the black rectangular clock with the yellow rear warranty label, and confirming your Amazon.com purchase history, you can confidently determine if your device is part of this safety notice.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Leon Rading digital wall clock with model number PH-05, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of your household by neutralizing the hidden danger within the device. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides a specific, multi-step remedy that you must follow carefully. This process is designed not only to secure a refund for you but also to prevent any potential ingestion accidents involving the lithium coin battery housed in the remote control. Please read these instructions closely and act promptly. First, stop using the digital wall clock’s remote control immediately. Do not leave it within reach of children or pets. The primary hazard is the lithium coin battery inside the remote, which can be easily accessed by young fingers. Because button cell batteries pose a severe risk of internal chemical burns and death if swallowed, removing this component is critical. Carefully open the battery compartment on the back of the black nine-button remote. Once you have removed the lithium coin battery, do not toss it into your regular household trash bin where it might be handled carelessly or accessed by others. Instead, dispose of or recycle the battery in accordance with your local hazardous waste procedures. These protocols are in place to ensure that hazardous materials are managed safely and do not pose a risk to sanitation workers or the environment. Second, you need to clearly mark the remote control to indicate its status. Take a permanent marker and write the word "RECALLED" directly on the body of the remote. This simple step serves as a visual warning to anyone who might encounter the device later, ensuring they understand that it is no longer safe for use. After marking it, place the marked remote into your trash or hazardous waste bin as noted above. Third, you must document this action to claim your refund. Take a clear photo of the remote control being disposed of in the trash. You will then need to email this photo to recall@lianaocoltd.com. This documentation is required for Leon Rading to verify that you have taken the necessary safety steps. Once they receive your email and review the photo, they will process a full refund for the recalled digital clock. Please note that Leon Rading and Amazon are also contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye on your inbox or order history for their communication. If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact Leon Rading via email at recall@lianaocoltd.com. By following these steps, you not only protect your family but also participate in the broader effort to remove unsafe products from circulation.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own the recalled Leon Rading digital wall clock, specifically the model PH-05, your primary and most immediate option is a full refund. The manufacturer, Leon Rading, along with Amazon, has established a clear pathway for consumers to recover their money, but there are specific steps you must follow to ensure your claim is processed correctly. It is important to understand that this is not a standard return through the retailer’s usual interface; it is a direct remediation process managed by the company to address the serious safety violation regarding the coin battery in the remote control.
The remedy requires you to take physical action with the hazardous component before you can receive your financial reimbursement. First, you must immediately stop using the remote control that came with the clock. Because this remote contains a lithium coin battery that children can easily access, leaving it assembled poses a severe ingestion risk. You need to open the remote and carefully remove the battery. Once removed, you should dispose of or recycle the battery according to your local hazardous waste procedures. This is not just a formality; button cell batteries are chemically active and can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed, so proper disposal is a critical part of your safety duty as well.
After the battery is removed, Leon Rading requires you to document the disposal for their records. You should write the word "RECALLED" in permanent marker on the now-empty remote control. This labeling helps ensure that the device is not accidentally reused or given away. Next, take a clear photo of the marked remote being disposed of in the trash. This visual proof is necessary to trigger the refund process. You must then email this photo to recall@lianaocoltd.com. Once they receive this documentation, you will be issued a full refund for the recalled digital clock.
Please note that Leon Rading and Amazon are also contacting all known purchasers directly. If you bought the item on Amazon, you may already have received an email or notification with instructions tailored to your order. However, if you do not hear from them, or if you purchased the item through another channel (though the recall states these were sold exclusively on Amazon.com), you should proactively reach out via the email address provided above. There are no repair options available for this product because the hazard is inherent in the design of the remote’s battery compartment, which violates federal safety regulations. Therefore, the only viable path forward is the refund process described. Do not attempt to fix the battery cover or modify the remote yourself, as this does not eliminate the risk and may void your eligibility for the refund.
- Step One: Stop using the remote control immediately.
- Step Two: Remove the lithium coin battery from the remote.
- Step Three: Dispose of or recycle the battery via local hazardous waste guidelines.
- Step Four: Write "RECALLED" on the empty remote with a permanent marker.
- Step Five: Take a photo of the marked remote being thrown away.
- Step Six: Email the photo to recall@lianaocoltd.com to receive your full refund.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to throw away a perfectly functional-looking digital wall clock. The device works, the time is accurate, and the remote control seems like just another piece of plastic clutter on your nightstand or desk. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is leaving a silent, high-risk hazard in plain sight within your home. The core danger here is not that the clock will stop working or catch fire, but that its design allows for catastrophic harm through ingestion. By continuing to use the remote control as intended, you are keeping a source of lethal energy easily accessible to anyone in your household who might wander into the room, particularly young children who explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths.
The specific risk lies in the lithium coin battery housed within that black nine-button remote. Because the clock violates federal safety regulations regarding the secure enclosure of such batteries, the compartment is not sufficiently protected against curious fingers or teeth. If a child manages to pry open the battery door and swallow the button cell, the consequences can be rapid and severe. Once inside the body, particularly if it becomes lodged in the esophagus, the battery completes an electrical circuit with bodily fluids. This triggers a chemical reaction that generates heat and produces caustic hydroxide ions almost immediately.
This process does not take days to manifest; serious internal chemical burns can begin in as little as two hours. The tissue damage occurs because the electrical current causes liquefactive necrosis, essentially dissolving the soft tissues of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This is not a minor irritation; it can lead to perforation of the digestive tract, severe bleeding, infection, and permanent scarring that may require multiple surgeries to repair. In many documented cases involving button battery ingestion, death has occurred due to these internal burns or subsequent complications like aortic erosion. The fact that no incidents have been reported yet for this specific Leon Rading model is fortunate, but it does not change the physics of the hazard. A clock that looks harmless on the wall contains a component that is effectively a small, accessible bomb waiting for the wrong trigger.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are retaining a product that also violates the warnings mandated by Reese’s Law. This federal law requires clear, prominent labeling to alert consumers to the dangers of button batteries. The absence of these required warnings on your unit means there is no visual cue to warn others in your home—such as grandparents, babysitters, or visiting relatives—that this specific remote control poses a unique threat. By keeping it, you are depriving everyone in your household of the information they need to stay safe. The risk is not theoretical; it is a known, preventable tragedy that has claimed many young lives in recent years. Disregarding the recall leaves you vulnerable to a sudden, irreversible medical emergency that could have been avoided with a five-minute disposal process.
- Rapid Tissue Damage: Ingested batteries can cause severe chemical burns within two hours, leading to permanent damage.
- Lethal Potential: There is a documented risk of death from internal bleeding or organ perforation.
- Silent Hazard: Without the required Reese’s Law warnings, other caregivers may not recognize the danger of the remote control.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a dangerous oversight regarding coin batteries in digital clocks, the underlying principle is one that applies to nearly every electronic device in your home. Button cell and coin batteries are not just power sources; they are potent chemical hazards when mishandled. To keep your household safe from similar ingestion risks, it is essential to treat all small batteries with the same caution you would apply to medication or cleaning supplies. This means storing them in their original packaging or in dedicated, child-resistant containers that require dexterity and strength beyond the reach of young children. Never leave loose batteries lying on tables, countertops, or floors where a curious toddler might find them. If you buy new electronics or toys that use these batteries, inspect the battery compartments immediately upon unboxing. Many modern devices have secured screws or complex mechanisms to prevent easy access, but older or cheaper models may not. Always ensure that any screw is tight and that the compartment door clicks firmly shut before handing the device to a child.
Beyond immediate ingestion prevention, it is wise to develop a routine for checking your home’s electronics against federal recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues hundreds of recalls each year for products ranging from cribs and helmets to kitchen appliances and toys. These recalls often stem from design flaws that manufacturers missed or changes in safety standards that older models no longer meet. You can stay informed by signing up for email alerts on the CPSC website, which allows you to receive notifications about new recalls relevant to your household. Additionally, when you purchase electronics online, consider registering your products with the manufacturer. This ensures that if a safety issue is discovered later, you are among the first to know and can take action before an accident occurs.
Finally, remember that prevention is a layered approach. While securing batteries is critical, it should be part of a broader strategy for home safety. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them monthly. Ensure that heavy furniture, televisions, and dressers are anchored to the wall to prevent tip-overs, which can also expose hazardous components or cause crushing injuries. By combining vigilance with proactive measures like anchoring furniture and staying updated on safety alerts, you create a safer environment for everyone in your family. Safety is not about living in fear; it is about taking simple, consistent steps that significantly reduce the risk of serious harm.