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CPSC recall · Reported August 16, 2012

Gerber Recalls Machetes Due to Laceration Hazard

A weakness in the area where the handle meets the blade can cause the handle or the blade to break during use, posing a laceration hazard.

Recall #
12248
Affected scope
About 119,000
Verify with CPSC →
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The CPSC recalled The recalled product is a curved blade machete with an overall length of 19.5 inches and … - a moderate-severity action.

Gerber Recalls Machetes Due to Laceration Hazard was recalled and listed by the CPSC in August 16, 2012. Reason: A weakness in the area where the handle meets the blade can cause the handle or the blade to break during use…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Parang machetes and contact Gerber L…. Verify recall #12248 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-A weakness in the area where the handle meets the blade can cause the handle or the blade to break during use….

Moderate
severity level
August 16, 2012
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #12248 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #12248) was formally reported on August 16, 2012. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records list the affected scope as About 119,000.

The documented reason for this recall is: A weakness in the area where the handle meets the blade can cause the handle or the blade to break during use, posing a laceration hazard. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Parang machetes and contact Gerber Legendary Blades to receive a free replacement. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Household Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record

50100150200250 20052008201120142017202020232026 115
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 119,000

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recalled product is a curved blade machete with an overall length of 19.5 inches and a blade length of 13.5 inches. The handle is a dark gray textured rubber grip with wrist lanyard, orange trim and a stylized "BG" on it. The blade is marked with the "GERBER®" trademark and a stylized Bear Grylls trademark. The machete comes in a black nylon sheath with orange and gray trim. The machetes were sold separately or as one of the products in Gerber's Apocalypse Survival Kit. The model numbers are on the package. Model numbers are: 31-000698, which has "Survival Series" printed on the package; and 31-001507, which was sold only at Walmart. Model number 30-0006010 is for the Apocalypse Survival Kit, which includes a Parang machete among other items in a foldable black cloth case with "GERBER" printed in orange on the inside right.

Reason for recall

A weakness in the area where the handle meets the blade can cause the handle or the blade to break during use, posing a laceration hazard.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Parang machetes and contact Gerber Legendary Blades to receive a free replacement.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 12248
Date reported August 16, 2012
Date initiated August 16, 2012
Recalling firm Not disclosed
Affected scope About 119,000
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Parang machetes and contact Gerber Legendary Blades to receive a free replac…

  • Check the recall number (12248) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The recalled product is a curved blade machete with an overall length of 19.5 inches and a blade length of 13.5 inches. The handle is a dark gray textured rubber grip with wrist lanyard, orange trim and a stylized "BG" on it. The blade is marked with the "GERBER®" trademark and a stylized Bear Grylls trademark. The machete comes in a black nylon sheath with orange and gray trim. The machetes were sold separately or as one of the products in Gerber's Apocalypse Survival Kit. The model numbers are on the package. Model numbers are: 31-000698, which has "Survival Series" printed on the package; and 31-001507, which was sold only at Walmart. Model number 30-0006010 is for the Apocalypse Survival Kit, which includes a Parang machete among other items in a foldable black cloth case with "GERBER" printed in orange on the inside right.. Units affected: About 119,000.
Why was this product recalled?
A weakness in the area where the handle meets the blade can cause the handle or the blade to break during use, posing a laceration hazard.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Parang machetes and contact Gerber Legendary Blades to receive a free replacement.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on August 16, 2012. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 12248.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (12248) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported August 16, 2012. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.