What was recalled
In September 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving childproofing hardware manufactured by North States Industries. Specifically, the agency targeted the company’s Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches. These products are designed to help parents and caregivers secure kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and other furniture doors to prevent young children from accessing hazardous items like cleaning supplies or sharp objects. While the intent behind these products is safety, the specific units included in this recall were found to have a critical design flaw that inadvertently created a new danger.
The recalled items are white plastic latches sold in packages containing four individual units. Each latch is relatively compact, measuring approximately 3 13/16 inches wide, 1 3/8 inches high, and 1/2 inch deep. The packaging indicates that each set comes with application adhesive for easy installation on cabinet surfaces. The North States Industries brand name is printed clearly on the center of the latch itself, serving as a primary identifier for consumers who may have purchased multiple childproofing products over time. However, because these latches look similar to other models, checking the specific model number and UPC codes is essential to determine if your product is part of this recall.
To confirm whether you possess the affected units, you need to look closely at both the product and its original packaging. The model number 6178 should be printed on the top left corner of the package. Additionally, the Universal Product Code (UPC) numbers are located on the bottom left-hand corner of the packaging. You should check for either UPC number 0-26107-06178-2 or 0-26107-06177-5. If your package matches these identifiers, it is part of the recall. These latches were sold through various retail channels across the United States, making it important for consumers to inspect any childproofing hardware they have installed or stored in their homes.
The scope of this recall is substantial, involving a large number of units distributed nationwide. North States Industries has been proactive in addressing the issue by providing clear instructions for consumers to verify their products and seek remedies. The company emphasizes that if you have these specific latches, you should stop using them immediately. The recall highlights the importance of regularly reviewing safety notices for childproofing devices, as even well-intentioned products can sometimes pose unexpected risks when components fail.
If you are unsure whether your cabinet latches are part of this recall, do not guess. Take a moment to examine the packaging or the latch itself for the model number 6178 and the specified UPC codes. Keeping track of product labels and receipts can simplify this process, especially if you have purchased multiple child safety items over the years. By verifying your products now, you can take swift action to ensure your home remains a safe environment for your children.
The recall underscores the need for vigilance in home safety. While North States Industries is known for producing reliable childproofing products, this incident serves as a reminder that no product is entirely immune to defects. By identifying the recalled items and following the provided instructions, consumers can mitigate risks and maintain peace of mind. If you have any questions about your specific product, contacting North States Industries directly will provide clarity and assistance in resolving the issue.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, the North States Industries Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches appear to be a simple, static piece of white plastic hardware. However, the core issue lies in the dynamic connection between the main body of the latch and its small operating button. These devices are designed to rotate or slide to lock and unlock cabinet doors, providing a barrier against curious toddlers. The mechanism relies on a specific internal component—the latching button—staying firmly seated within the larger plastic housing. In this recalled product, that connection is not secure enough for the rigors of daily use. Over time, as parents open and close cabinets or as children press against the latches, the force applied can cause the small latching button to dislodge completely from its housing.
When this failure occurs, the button does not simply break off; it detaches entirely from the main unit. This creates a small, hard plastic object that is no longer attached to anything. For an adult, this might be a minor annoyance or a nuisance to clean up. For a young child, however, this detached piece becomes a significant choking hazard. The size and shape of these buttons are particularly dangerous because they are small enough to fit entirely into a toddler’s airway but large enough to create a complete seal, blocking airflow. Unlike larger objects that might cause gagging or vomiting, objects of this specific size can lodge deeply in the throat, leading to suffocation.
The severity of this risk is not theoretical. North States Industries has documented 19 incidents where the latching button dislodged or detached from the cabinet latches. Most concerning among these reports is an incident involving a child who gagged on a dislodged button. While gagging is a protective reflex that may have prevented a more tragic outcome in that specific instance, it highlights the immediate physical danger present when these components fail. The hazard is not just about the latch stopping working; it is about the creation of a loose, swallowable object in an environment where young children are likely to put their hands and mouths on surfaces.
This type of failure is common in low-cost hardware where plastic clips or snap-fit mechanisms degrade or fail to engage properly from the factory. When the button detaches, it often falls into cracks between cabinet doors, onto floors, or into drawers where a child might find it. Because the product is marketed as a safety device for childproofing, parents may feel a false sense of security, potentially overlooking the fact that the safety device itself has become the source of danger. Understanding this mechanism helps explain why immediate removal and disposal are critical steps in the remedy process.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk in this recall consists of toddlers and young children, specifically those who are naturally curious, mobile, and prone to exploring their environment by putting objects in their mouths. This hazard is particularly acute for children under the age of three, a developmental stage characterized by rapid physical growth and an intense drive to investigate how things work. At this age, children often lack the cognitive maturity to understand danger or the fine motor control required to avoid small, detachable parts. The recalled North States Industries Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches are designed to secure cabinets that may contain household items of interest to a child, such as cleaning supplies, medications, or sharp utensils. Ironically, while these latches are intended to make homes safer by restricting access to hazardous areas, the specific defect in this model introduces a new, immediate threat from within the safety mechanism itself.
The vulnerability stems directly from the design failure of the latching button. When this small plastic component dislodges or detaches, it becomes a loose object in an environment where young children are likely to be crawling or playing on the floor. For toddlers, any small, roundish object is often perceived as a toy or a snack. Because their airways are significantly narrower than those of older children and adults, even a small plastic button can completely obstruct breathing if inhaled. This condition, known as choking, can lead to suffocation within minutes if not addressed immediately. The fact that North States Industries has already received reports of a child gagging on such a button underscores that this is not merely a theoretical risk but a documented incident that highlights the severity of the danger for the youngest members of the household.
While older children and adults are physically capable of handling small parts without choking, they may still be at indirect risk. Parents and caregivers who install these latches to protect their children are relying on them for peace of mind. If the latch fails or detaches during use, it could cause frustration or require immediate intervention, potentially distracting a caregiver from other safety duties. Furthermore, elderly individuals or those with limited dexterity might find it difficult to manage loose small parts, increasing the risk of accidental ingestion or loss. However, the most critical demographic remains infants and toddlers who are in the oral exploration phase of development. Their tendency to mouth objects is a normal part of learning about their world, making them uniquely susceptible to hazards that other age groups would simply discard or ignore. Therefore, households with children under three years old must prioritize the removal of these latches immediately to eliminate this preventable choking hazard.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased childproofing supplies or are auditing the safety of your home’s cabinet locks, identifying whether your specific latches fall under this recall is straightforward, provided you know exactly where to look. North States Industries has issued a very specific set of identifiers for these products. The primary thing to recognize is the brand name printed directly on the device itself. You should see the words "North States" clearly printed in the center of the white plastic latch. If your latches do not bear this branding, they are likely not part of this particular recall, though it is always wise to verify any child safety product you own.
The most reliable way to confirm if your item is affected is by checking the packaging or the physical unit for specific model and barcode numbers. If you still have the original box, look at the top left corner of the product's packaging. The model number 6178 should be printed there. This number is critical because it distinguishes this rotating cabinet latch from other North States products that may look similar but are not part of this safety notice. Additionally, check the bottom left-hand corner of the packaging for the Universal Product Code (UPC). You are looking for either 0-26107-06178-2 or 0-26107-06177-5. If you have thrown away the box, these numbers might not be visible on the latch itself, so relying on the model number and brand name becomes even more important.
When examining the physical latches, note their dimensions and composition. The recalled items are white plastic rotating cabinet latches designed to secure cupboards and drawers from toddlers. Each individual latch measures exactly 3 13/16 inches wide by 1 3/8 inches high by 1/2 inch deep. They were typically sold in packages containing four latches, and each unit came with application adhesive for installation. If your latches are a different color, such as black or beige, or if they have a different size profile, they are not part of this specific recall. However, given that these were sold to childproof homes, it is worth taking the time to locate the model number on any white plastic North States latches you currently use, just to be absolutely certain. If you cannot find the model number 6178 or the correct UPC codes, and the branding does not match, your product is likely safe from this specific issue. When in doubt, contacting the manufacturer with photos of your product is the safest course of action.
What to do — step by step
If you have one of the recalled North States Industries Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches in your home, the most important thing you can do is stop using them immediately. This is not a situation where you should wait for a convenient time to address the issue or try to "make do" until you find another product. The hazard is active and present every time the latch is engaged or disengaged. By ceasing use right now, you eliminate the immediate risk of the latching button dislodging and becoming a choking hazard for young children who might be playing nearby or reaching for the cabinet. Your first step is to physically remove these latches from your cabinets or drawers. Do not simply leave them in place under the assumption that they are harmless because no incident has occurred yet. The potential for harm exists as long as the component remains attached and accessible. Once you have removed the latches, you need to prepare for the next phase of the remedy process, which involves contacting North States Industries directly. You can reach their customer support team toll-free at 888-243-8350. Their representatives are available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle this digitally, you can visit their official recall page at https://northstatesind.com/recall or navigate to the "Recall Information" section on www.northstatesind.com. When you make contact, whether by phone or online, be prepared to provide specific details about your product. This ensures that the company can verify the unit is part of this specific recall batch and not a different model that may have been manufactured with safer components. After you have initiated contact, North States Industries will ask you to take clear photographs of both the front and the back of the recalled latch. These images are crucial for their internal records and quality control analysis, allowing them to confirm the defect mechanism without needing to physically retrieve the item immediately. Along with the photos, you must confirm that you have destroyed or disposed of the latches. This is a critical safety step; do not donate them, sell them, or give them away. Destroying them ensures they cannot be reused by anyone else and definitively removes the hazard from circulation. Finally, upon receipt of your photographs and confirmation of disposal, North States Industries will issue a refund. The standard refund amount is $5.50. However, if you have kept your original purchase receipt, you may be eligible for a refund equal to the actual price you paid. This distinction is important, so check your records before completing the process. By following these steps precisely—stopping use, contacting the manufacturer, documenting the product, destroying it, and receiving compensation—you ensure your home is safe and that you are made whole for the defective product.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled North States Industries Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches in your home, it is important to understand that this specific recall does not offer a repair kit or a direct replacement unit. Instead, the remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and North States Industries is a full refund. This approach is taken because the defect—the potential for the latching button to dislodge and detach—is inherent to the design of the latch mechanism itself. Since the hazard poses a serious choking risk to young children, sending you a new unit with the same design would not resolve the safety issue. Therefore, the company has chosen to refund your money so that you can remove the dangerous product from your home entirely and potentially purchase a different childproofing solution that does not have this specific flaw.
The process for receiving your refund is straightforward but requires you to take specific steps to verify that the hazardous item has been removed from your household. North States Industries wants to ensure that the recalled latches are no longer accessible to children before issuing any financial restitution. To initiate this process, you will need to contact the company directly. You can do this by calling their toll-free number at 888-243-8350. The customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle things digitally, you can visit their official recall page at https://northstatesind.com/recall or go to www.northstatesind.com and click on the "Recall Information" link. These online portals are designed to guide you through the verification process without needing to wait on hold.
Before they will issue your refund, North States Industries requires proof that you have safely disposed of the recalled product. You will be asked to take clear photos of both the front and the back of the latching button assembly. These images serve as critical documentation for their safety records, confirming that the defective part is no longer in use. Along with these photographs, you must explicitly confirm that you have destroyed or disposed of the latches. This step is non-negotiable; it ensures that the choking hazard is completely eliminated from your environment. Once they receive your photos and confirmation via their designated channels, they will process your refund.
Regarding the amount you will receive, the company has established a standard refund value. You will be issued a refund of $5.50 per item. However, if you still have your original purchase receipt, you may be able to claim the actual price you paid for the product instead. This means that if you bought the package at a discount or a higher markup, the receipt allows you to recoup the exact cost of your purchase rather than the standardized rate. It is always wise to check your receipts, but even without one, the $5.50 refund ensures you are not left out of pocket for a defective safety product. Remember, this remedy is exclusively for the latches themselves; any adhesive residue or mounting hardware left on your cabinets is considered part of the disposal process and does not require separate handling beyond safe removal.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why a recalled product might stay in your home for longer than necessary. Perhaps you simply forgot about the notification, or maybe you are waiting for a convenient moment to dispose of the item. However, continuing to use the North States Industries Toddleroo rotating cabinet latches after this recall is not just a matter of ignoring a piece of mail; it is an active gamble with the safety of young children in your household. The core issue here is not a minor inconvenience or a cosmetic flaw. It is a structural failure point that has already been linked to serious physical harm. When you leave these latches installed, you are leaving a detachable component within easy reach of anyone who can crawl, stand, or pull themselves up to the cabinet.
The danger lies in the specific design of the latching button. These buttons are small, often visually appealing to toddlers due to their shape and color, and they are made of hard plastic that does not break down easily if bitten or chewed. If the adhesive fails or the mechanism wears out, the button can dislodge and detach completely. Once detached, it becomes a classic choking hazard. For an adult, swallowing a small plastic button might be unpleasant or require medical attention to remove from the digestive tract. For a young child, however, the consequences are far more severe. A small object of this size can easily block the airway, leading to suffocation. Even if it does not cause immediate death, it can lead to gagging, panic, and potential injury from the struggle to breathe.
We do not need to rely on hypothetical scenarios here. The manufacturer has received 19 reports of these buttons dislodging or detaching from the cabinet latches. Among these reports is at least one confirmed incident where a child gagged on a dislodged button. While North States Industries may not have reported fatalities in this specific recall, the nature of choking hazards means that any incident could escalate quickly and without warning. Children’s airways are significantly smaller than those of adults, making them uniquely vulnerable to obstruction by small objects. Ignoring the recall means you are ignoring these 19 documented failures and the one confirmed gagging incident.
Beyond the immediate risk of choking, there is also the risk of secondary injury. If a child pulls on a cabinet door secured by a failing latch, they may fall forward or pull heavy items down with them. While the primary hazard is choking, the reliability of the safety device itself is compromised. You cannot trust a latch to keep a cabinet closed if its own components are prone to falling off. By ignoring this recall, you are essentially leaving a known trap in your home, hoping that the button stays attached forever. Given that it has already come loose 19 times, hope is not a safety strategy. The potential outcome of inaction is a medical emergency, trauma for your child, and significant stress for your family—all of which could have been avoided by simply destroying the latches and claiming your refund.