In 2010, consumers saw the head of a car company issue an apology and were sickened by food products, including eggs and celery (where does the proposed food safety bill stand?). They also learned that their children might be using hazardous strollers and cribs. (One product was banned.)

Here's how you can let the government know of any problems you have:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
It handles cars, car seats, tires and vehicle equipment
Call: (888) 327-4236

Consumer Product Safety Commission
What: Consumer products (toys, baby products, grills and more)
Call: (800) 638-2772

Food and Drug Administration
What: Foods, medicines, cosmetics and medical devices
Call: (301) 443-1240 (emergency); (800) 535-4555 (non-emergency)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What: Foodborne illnesses
Call: (800) 232-4636.

USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service
What: Meat, poultry or egg products
Call: (888) 674-6854

January recalls
Toyota, which announced a recall of 4.3 million vehicles in 2009 because of problems with floor mats, recalled 2.3 million more because of problems with accelerator pedals. It also suspended sales of eight models. Fatalities were reported.

More recalls:

*About 1.2 million pounds of Italian sausage products were recalled after dozens of people in many states were sickened by salmonella.

*Dorel Asia recalled about 635,000 cribs that posed suffocation and strangulation hazards to children. One death has been reported.

*Graco recalled about 1.5 million strollers because they pose a risk of a potentially serious injury and laceration hazards. Seven injuries have been reported. Cybex strollers also were recalled.

*Tylenol Arthritis Caplets were recalled because of a moldy smell that can cause these symptoms. This recall was expanded to include additional over-the-counter drugs.

February recalls
More than 500,000 drop-side cribs sold at stores including Buy Buy Baby, Kmart and Wal-Mart were recalled because they pose suffocation and strangulation hazards. Three deaths have been reported.

More recalls:

*Toyota recalled about 437,000 Prius and Lexus hybrids because of problems with slipping floor mats and sticky accelerator pedals. The problem is suspected in four crashes resulting in two minor injuries.

*A Massachusetts importer was fined $200,000 for violations of the federal lead paint ban with pails and tops imported from China, including those with Thomas and Friends, Curious George and Winnie the Pooh graphics.

* About 132,000 tea kettles were recalled because the handle can come loose or warp. The reports of problems include a minor burn to hands.

*About 360,000 Discovery Kids lamps were recalled because a defect posed a fire and burn hazard. Nine incidents have been reported.

March recalls
About 1 million Infantino "SlingRider" and "Wendy Bellissimo" infant slings were recalled because of a risk of suffocation. Three deaths have been reported.

About 65,000 Hitachi Koki coil nailers were recalled because faulty feed mechanisms could allow nails to be ejected sideways. Five people were partially blinded in 37 reports of sideways ejections.

More recalls:

*About 1.2 million Harmony high chairs from Graco were recalled because the high chair can become unstable and tip over. Of the 24 children injured, one reportedly had a hairline fracture of the arm; others had bumps and bruises.

*Two lots of crushed red pepper were recalled in connection with an investigation into the source of salmonella in Italian sausage products.

*Retailer Daiso agreed to pay a $2 million fine and reportedly stop importing children's products and toys that violate U.S. laws on lead content, parts for children under 3 and warning labels.

*About 150,000 Gator machetes were recalled because of laceration hazards. Five people reportedly were cut severely enough to require stitches.

*More than 180,000 Evenflo safety gates were recalled because slats broke or detached. Two children reportedly fell down stairs.


April recalls
Toyota agreed to pay a $16.4 million fine over its response to the problem of sticking gas pedals.

All Simplicity full-size cribs with tubular metal mattress-support frames were recalled because of entrapment, strangulation, suffocation and fall hazards. A 1-year-old reportedly died after he became trapped between the mattress and the frame and suffocated.

More recalls:

*Graco recalled 217,000 drop-side cribs after several reports of children falling and one of a concussion.

May recalls
About 1.8 million toy dart gun sets sold only at Family Dollar stores were recalled because of an aspiration hazard. Two deaths have been reported.

About 350,000 woven storage trunks were recalled after reports of the lids suddenly closing. One girl reportedly received a traumatic brain injury.

More recalls:

*About 170,000 Sorelle and C&T drop-side cribs were recalled because of an entrapment hazard. Six infants reportedly got bruises and abrasions after the sides dropped.

*About 900,000 GE coffee makers were recalled because they might overheat. Three people reportedly had minor burn injuries.

*Romaine lettuce sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands was recalled because it might be contaminated with E. coli. At least 19 people in three states reportedly became ill.

*About 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride riding toys were recalled because the handle might detach. Two of the 28 reportedly injured required professional medical treatment.

*Caldwell Fresh Foods recalled raw alfalfa sprouts after at least 22 people in 10 states reportedly became ill from salmonella.

June recalls
About 40 Sprout Stuff infant ring slings were recalled because of a suffocation risk. On infant reportedly died. About 3.4 million roller, Roman and roll-up blinds were recalled by Ikea because of a strangulation hazard. A 1-year-old girl reportedly became entangled and died.

More recalls:

*More than 2 million drop-side cribs from seven manufacturers were recalled after reports that children became entrapped or fell from them.

*All Marie Callender's Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen entrees were recalled because they were linked to a salmonella outbreak that reportedly has sickened at least 29 people in 14 states.

*About 28 million boxes of cereal were recalled by Kellogg's after some consumers reported that an unusual smell and flavor made them ill.

July recalls
About 20,000 Tots in Mind Cozy Indoor Outdoor Portable Playard Tents were recalled because of a strangulation hazard. One child reportedly died.

More recalls:

McNeil expanded its recall of over-the-counter medications to include 21 lots of Motrin, Children's Tylenol and Benadryl.

More than 2,500 stadium light poles at least 70 feet tall were recalled because they can fracture or crack and fall over. Although there have been no injuries, there reportedly have been some close calls.

August recalls
About 550 million shell eggs from Iowa farms were recalled because they were potentially contaminated with salmonella. At least 2,000 people reported that they had become ill after eating the eggs.

More recalls:

Valley Meat Co. of Modesto, Calif., recalled about 1 million pounds of frozen ground beef patties because of possible E. coli contamination. At least seven people reportedly became ill.

Ford Motor Co. recalled 575,000 Windstar minivans because of an axle problem. At least one fatality has been linked to the problem.

September recalls
About 192,000 random orbit sanders were recalled by Black and Decker because they might break or fall apart. One person reportedly had a serious facial laceration, and 14 others were injured from flying pieces.

More recalls:

More than 7.2 million trikes were recalled by Fisher-Price because children can get hurt falling against the pretend key. Of the 10 incidents reported, six involved young girls who required medical attention.

More than 1 million high chairs were recalled by Fisher-Price because children can fall on or against the pegs on the rear legs. Of the 14 incidents reported, seven children required stitches.

About 1.4 million rechargeable halogen spotlights were recalled by Innovage because the battery can rupture and leak. At least 13 people reported minor burns to skin or clothing, upholstery, and carpeting.

Pro-Pac Distributing agreed to pay a $125,000 fine for failing to report drawstrings on children's clothing.


October recalls
Sangar Fresh Cut Produce was shut down by the state of Texas after chopped celery was recalled. It has been linked to at least four deaths and several illnesses from listeria contamination.

About 2 million Graco strollers were recalled because of the risk of entrapment and strangulation. Four infants reportedly died, and others were injured.

About 516,000 Spa Factory Aromatherapy Kits were recalled because the jars can explode. More than 13 children reportedly have been injured.


November recalls
About 495,000 Roman shades and 28,500 roller/roll-up blinds were recalled by Hanover Direct because of a strangulation hazard. One child reportedly died.

More recalls:

Gouda, pepper jack and other cheeses were recalled by Bravo Farms because of contamination concerns. At least 25 people in five states reportedly became ill.

About 23,000 infant car seats have been recalled by Britax because they can present laceration and choking hazards. There have been four reports of injuries.

December recalls
Drop-side cribs have been banned by the United States after at least 30 deaths and numerous injuries were reported over the years.

More recalls:

Sally Jackson Cheese recalled all of its products because of concerns about E. coli contamination. At least eight people reportedly became ill.

Winter Bee was fined $200,000 in connection with its alleged failure to report drawstrings on children's sweatshirts.