Air bag sensor in 200,000 BMWs

BMW AG is recalling 200,000 vehicles over concerns that the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash. The German automaker says the recall involves the 2006 3 Series, the 2004-06 5 Series and the 2004-06 X3 compact sport utility vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a posting on its website Wednesday that small cracks could develop in a seat detection mat and lead the front passenger air bags to be deactivated. It also would turn on the passenger air bag “on-off” light. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says the head protection system would not be affected. BMW AG said there had been no injuries or accidents tied to the problem.

* About 3,500 pairs of 2007 Rossignol HC snowboard bindings, made in China by Rossignol Ski Co., are being recalled because the T-nuts that attach the buckles to the straps on the snowboard’s bindings can detach, posing a fall hazard to consumers. The product was sold at snowboard, ski and sporting good stores nationwide from August 2007 through May this year. Details: (888) 243-6735, www.rossignol.com or www.cpsc.gov.

* Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. said one lot of 75 microgram-per-hour Fentanyl Transdermal System patches is being recalled from wholesalers and pharmacies because some of the lot’s patches have leaked fentanyl gel, possibly exposing patients or caregivers directly to the painkiller. The recalled patches are from lot No. 92461850 and have expiration dates of Aug. 31, 2009. Details: FDA, (888) 463-6332; the company, (888) 667-1508.

* Hop Lee Trading Co. Inc. is recalling 12-ounce plastic packages of Chinese-made Flower brand dried sweet potato because they contain sulfites that are not listed on the label. This could be a problem for people with sulfite sensitivity, such as some asthmatics. No incidents have been reported. The sweet potato was distributed to stores around the country in July and August. Details: (718) 821-2315.