Loading...
Loading...
Toy and children's product recalls for choking hazards, lead paint, and other safety issues. Check if your child's toys are affected.
October 28, 1994 Release # 95-014 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, Link and Pan of Texas Inc. of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling more than 4,000 stuffed toy bears. During CPSC testing, the bears' noses and eyes came off presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.Three styles of stuffed bears, all labeled with a "MADE IN CHINA" sewn-on tag on the bottom, are included in this recall: a white bear, a black and white panda bear, and a white bear with two red ears, two blue paws, and two neon yellow paws. The white bear and the black and white panda bear are wearing red sweaters with raised lettering that says "I Love You." The bear with the blue and yellow paws does not wear a sweater. All three bears, measuring 11 inches tall from their permanent sitting position, have black plastic noses and brown/black plastic eyes.The bears were distributed throughout the United States as premiums/prizes between June and August 1994 by three traveling carnivals: The Brass Show and The Hildebrand Show, headquartered in Florida, and the Crabtree Show, headquartered in Texas. Consumers are urged to take the stuffed bears away from young children immediately and call Link and Pan of Texas for a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which to return the toy for an exchange of a similar item. For more information about this recall and to obtain a self- addressed, postage-paid envelope for returning the bears, call Link and Pan of Texas Inc. at (800) 528-8259.Neither CPSC nor Link and Pan of Texas is aware of any injuries involving these stuffed bears
October 20, 1994 Release # 95-011 Washington, D.C. -- CPSC, Deb's Toys Inc. of Eatontown, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 24,400 "Rattlin Rocking Rings," model number 63259, because they pose a choking risk for young children.The Rattlin Rocking Rings are plastic stacking toys that have a yellow and blue rocking base with a cone-shaped pole in the center and six graduated doughnut-shaped rings that stack on top of each other. Three of the rings are clear plastic with multi-colored beads inside.CPSC testing found that the beads can come out and may choke a young child. To date, neither Deb's Toys nor CPSC has received reports of accidents or injuries associated with the Rattlin Rocking Rings. Deb's Toys distributed the recalled toy, which sold for $6.99 each, from January 1993 through May 1994 at Toys 'R' Us and Small World stores nationwide. Consumers can identify the toy by the word "chicco ," which is painted in blue on two sides of the base, and the words "MADE IN CHINA" embossed underneath the base. The cardboard boxes in which the toys were packaged reads, in part, "chicco 'pronounced Kee-Ko' 8 pcs, 6-36m. . . . MADE IN CHINA FOR ARTSANA S.P.A. COMO-ITALY." Consumers should take the toy away from young children immediately and return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund. However, the distributor, Deb's Toys Inc., is out of business and cannot be contacted
October 17, 1994 Release # 95-008 Washington, D.C. - CPSC and the Lyons Group of Richardson, Texas, urge parents who own a 6-inch BARNEY doll with a red and white scarf and red Santa hat to remove a potential choking hazard from the doll. Parents should snip off the small white pom-pom from the tip of the hat to ensure that their child will not choke on the pom-pom.CPSC and the Lyons Group are issuing this safety warning after the company received seven reports of the pom-pom coming off of the hat on the doll. In one case, a child needed medical attention for choking on the pom-pom. The child fully recovered.About 594,000 videotapes and BARNEY dolls with a red and white scarf and red Santa hat were sold nationwide last holiday season in retail stores as the Barney Holiday Gift Pack. The Lyons Group sent notices to retailers, who still have the Santa Barney in stock, to remove the pom-pom before selling the dolls. The Lyons Group, which is also sending 800,000 notices of the choking hazard to members of the Barney Fan Club, removed pom- poms from the dolls for this year's holiday season.Consumers should remove the pom-pom from the doll immediately. The Lyons Group is asking consumers to attach the pom-pom to a 3" by 5" card, with their name and address also written on the card, and send it to the Lyons Group, P.O. Box 9523, Allen, TX 75002. Cards, which are received by Dec. 15, 1994, will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-foot BARNEY or 4-foot Baby Bop doll. One of each doll, retail-valued at approximately $250, will be awarded in a random drawing on or about Dec. 16. More information and complete sweepstakes rules can be obtained by calling (800) 791-8093
September 7, 1994 Release # 94-124 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, Shure Products Inc., Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 14,000 "Kaleidoscope Art" sets, item number 820. Although the product box is labelled "non-toxic" and "conforms to ASTM D4236" (an art products safety labeling standard), these crayons contain enough lead to present a lead poisoning risk to young children, who might eat or chew on the crayons. Shure Products and Toys R Us, the retailer for these sets, initiated the recall after CPSC laboratory analyses showed that Kaleidoscope Art set crayons had high levels of lead.The Kaleidoscope Art sets, which Shure imported from China, were sold nationwide by Toys R Us from January through August 1994. Each Kaleidoscope Art set contains a box of eight crayons, six sheets of "line art" (geometric shapes to color), and a six-inch kaleidoscope. Children are supposed to color in the geometric shapes and view them through the kaleidoscope. The set is labeled "Ages 4 and up."Consumers who own the Kaleidoscope Art sets should take them away from children immediately and return them to Toys R Us for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers may call Shure Products Inc., at (312) 633-9002 or write to Richard Moy, consumer affairs manager, Shure Products Inc., 1474 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, Ill. 60622.CPSC learned of the problem with these art sets from the New York State Consumer Protection Board. According to Shure, they had the products tested in the appropriate manner at a private testing laboratory. Although CPSC and Shure Products Inc. have not received any reports of injuries or illnesses involving Kaleidoscope Art sets, the commission and the company are conducting this recall to prevent the possibility of injury or illness
August 16, 1994 Release # 94-118 Washington, D.C.- - CPSC, Best Wear, Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling three styles of girls romper garment sets that have necklaces with a stuffed doll hanging at the end. The stuffed doll necklaces present a potential strangulation hazard when hung around the necks of crib-aged children. Because the necklaces are about 26 inches long, they could become caught on an object or twisted while around a child's neck and choke the child.The style numbers 84P1580 and 84P1581 rompers are labeled "Baby's 2 PCS ROMPER/DOLL" and the style number 84P1065 rompers are labeled "Baby's 3 PCS BLOUSE/ROMPER/DOLL". The stuffed dolls are about 3 inches tall and 2 inches wide. The dolls are made from the same material as the romper. The necklace is made of string.The rompers with stuffed doll necklaces sold for about $7.50 in retail stores in Los Angeles, Calif., between April 5, 1994 and April 12, 1994. Approximately 1,200 rompers were sold. The rompers were imported from the Philippines. The U.S. Customs office in Los Angeles alerted CPSC to the importation of these potentially hazardous products.Consumers with these rompers should immediately cut the necklaces off of the stuffed dolls, and take the rompers and dolls back to the stores where they were purchased for a refund of the purchase price. However, the distributor, Best Wear, is out of business and cannot be contacted.Neither CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving these products. However, CPSC records show strangulation incidents with similar children's products such as pacifiers on cords. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury or death
MAY 31, 1994 Release # 94-084 PRODUCT: Approximately 12,000 "Surprise Party Time Balls" imported from Taiwan by Toysmith. The balls contain seven to ten trinket toys. Some of the balls also include a sealed clear plastic packet containing several blue and white or green capsules. Each ball is three-inches in diameter. Each ball is wrapped in multi-colored crepe paper. Some of the trinket toys inside the balls may include nylon cord friendship bracelets and rings, paper packets of dinosaurs and monsters, several round reflectors, animal shapes, chess pieces, and plastic cartoon faces. The balls were sold in boxes labeled in part: "SURPRISE PARTY TIME BALL *** SMALL PARTS INSIDE THE BALL NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS *** MADE IN TAIWAN." A sticker on the ball reads "MADE IN TAIWAN." The balls were sold nationwide from January 1991 through May 1994.PROBLEM: The capsules inside the balls can easily pull apart or crumble when pressed, exposing a white hard granular substance. The Monroe County, New York, Public Safety Laboratory, at the request of the Monroe County Health Department, established that the contents of the capsules were not drugs and there is no indication that the material is hazardous. While the capsules are not believed to be hazardous, the appearance of look-alike-drugs in a child's toy is inappropriate.WHAT TO DO: Return the balls to the store where purchased for a refund. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Toysmith at (206) 395-3644.WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Toysmith, Kent, Washington, is voluntarily recalling 12,000 "Surprise Party Time Balls" because some of the toys contain look-alike-drug capsules. All of the balls contain 7 to 10 trinket toys. Some of the balls include a sealed clear plastic packet containing several blue and white, or green gelatin capsules similar to pharmaceutical products. The capsules can easily pull apart or crumble when pressed and contain a white hard granular substance. Extensive tests conducted by the Monroe County, New York, Public Safety Laboratory, at the request of the Monroe County Health Department, established that the contents of the capsules were not drugs and there is no indication that the material is hazardous. While the capsules are not believed to be hazardous, the appearance of look-alike-drugs in a child's toy is inappropriate. The issue of the capsules in the balls was brought to CPSC's attention by Judy Braiman, President, Empire State Consumer Association, Rochester, New York. Each ball is approximately three-inches in diameter and consists of a clear or possibly black plastic ball that separates in half. The ball is wrapped in multi-colored crepe paper with a plastic shrink wrap cover. A sticker label on the ball reads "MADE IN TAIWAN." Some of the trinket toys inside the balls may include a nylon cord friendship bracelet and ring, a paper packet of dinosaurs and monsters, several round reflectors, animal shapes, chess pieces, and plastic cartoon faces. The balls are sold in boxes labeled in part: "SURPRISE PARTY TIME BALL * * * SMALL PARTS INSIDE THE BALL NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS * * * MADE IN TAIWAN."The balls were sold nationwide from January 1991 through May 1994. The balls sold for $1.75. They were imported from Taiwan by Toysmith, located at 6250 South 196th Street, Kent, Washington.Consumers should return the "Surprise Party Time Balls" to the store where purchased for a refund. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Toysmith at (206)395-3644.<br />Neither CPSC nor Toysmith is aware of any injuries involving the balls. This voluntary recall is being conducted to alert consumers to the look-alike-drug capsules inside some of the balls. CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction
May 24, 1994 Release # 94-081 PRODUCT: 8,219 Troll Associates, Incorporated's "Basic Skills Puzzle Sets," and "Wooden Pegged Puzzle Sets." Each set consists of 4 puzzles. The puzzles are labeled: "Hatch-A- Chick," Pretty Posies," "Wacky Creatures," "Animals Friends Train," "Learning World," "On-the-Go," "My Home," and "Animal Friends." The puzzles were sold nationwide through the Learn and Play" mail order catalog from January 1992 through December 1993. PROBLEM: During routine CPSC testing, red plastic pegs attached to each puzzle piece separated, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should immediately take the puzzles away from young children and return the puzzles to Troll Associates, 4600 Pleasant Hill Road, Memphis, TN 38118 for a refund or free replacement puzzles and reimbursement of all shipping and handling costs. Consumers with questions about this recall may call (800) 942-0781. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Troll Associates, Inc., Mahwah, NJ is voluntarily recalling 8,219 "Basic Skills Puzzle Set," model QB448, and "Wooden Pegged Puzzle Set," model QP340. During routine CPSC testing, red plastic pegs attached to each puzzle piece separated, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. The Basic Skills Puzzle Set consists of four wooden puzzles packaged in a cardboard box. The puzzles measure 11 inches by three inches and are labeled as "Hatch-A-Chick," "Pretty Posies," "Wacky Creatures," and "Animals Friends Train." Each puzzle consists of four or five pieces with a red plastic peg attached to each piece. The pegs are used to lift-out puzzle pieces. The labels on the box and puzzles in part read: " 1993 Troll Associates . . . Made in Taiwan." The Wooden Pegged Puzzle Set also consists of four wooden puzzles packaged in a cardboard box. The puzzles measure 11- inches by 8-« inches and are labeled as "Learning World," "On- the-Go," "My Home," and "Animal Friends." Each puzzle consists of eight or nine pieces with a red plastic peg attached to each piece. The pegs are used to lift-out puzzle pieces. The labels on the box and puzzles in part read: " 1992 Troll Associates . . . Made in Taiwan." The puzzles were sold nationwide through Troll Associates' mail order catalog "Learn and Play" from January 1992 through December 1993. The Basic Skills Puzzle Set sold for $14.95, and the Wooden Pegged Puzzle Set sold for $29.95. Consumers should immediately take the puzzles away from young children and return the puzzles to Troll Associates, 4600 Pleasant Hill Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118 for a refund or free replacement puzzles and reimbursement of all shipping and handling costs. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact the Customer Service Department of the Learn and Play catalog toll-free at: (800) 942-0781. Neither CPSC nor Troll is aware of any injuries involving the puzzles. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous toys were identified by CPSC during a routine inspection of the firm. CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction
May 17, 1994 Release # 94-074 PRODUCT: Approximately 2,000 "See-Thru Bi-Planes," model C9071 were imported and distributed by Toy Wonders, Inc. The toy bi-plane is 5-1/2 inches long and 3-1/2 inches high. The plane has a clear body with multi-colored gears inside. It also has yellow wings and propeller, and the pilot's head is red. When the plane is pushed, the propeller spins and the gears turn. A decal on the plane's top wing reads: "907 Skeletplane." "MADE IN CHINA . . . U.S.A. 1992, U.K. 1992 MCT" is embossed underneath the lower wing. The toy was sold in the northeast United States from December 1992 through March 1994 by companies such as I.C.M. Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jack Pot, New York, New York; and Roses Co. PROBLEM: The propellers and exhaust pipes may separate, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. WHAT TO DO: Take the planes away from young children and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a refund. Consumers who have questions may contact Lu Su at Toy Wonders. The toll-free number is (800) 229-1722. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Toy Wonders, Inc., Moonachie, New Jersey, is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,000 "See-Thru Bi-Planes," model C9071. During routine CPSC testing, propellers and exhaust pipes separated, presenting potential choking hazards to young children. The toy bi-plane is 5-« inches long and 3-« inches high. The plane has a clear body with multi-colored gears inside. It also has yellow wings and propeller, and the pilot's head is red. When the plane is pushed, the propeller spins and the gears turn. A decal on the plane's top wing reads: "907 Skeletplane." "MADE IN CHINA . . . U.S.A. 1992, U.K. 1992 MCT" is embossed underneath the lower wing. Two thousand toys were sold in the northeast United States from December 1992 through March 1994 by companies such as I.C.M. Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jack Pot, New York, New York, and Roses Co. The retail price was $3.00 each. Consumers are urged to take the planes away from young children and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a refund. Consumers who have questions may contact Lu Su at Toy Wonders. The toll-free number is (800) 229-1722. Neither CPSC nor Toy Wonders is aware of any injuries involving the toy. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous toy was identified by CPSC during an inspection of Toy Wonders. CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction
May 6, 1994 Release # 94-065 PRODUCT: Approximately 1,000 "Animal Shape Wagons" imported by Etna Products Company, Inc. The wagons were sold through the Fall 1993 Hanover House mail order catalog between October 10, 1993 and November 18, 1993. They were sold nationwide in retail toy stores from June 1993 through December 1993. The wagon is 10-1/2 inches long and 5 inches high and has animal shaped cut-outs on the top and sides. Included with the wagon are 10 colored animal figures that fit through the cut-outs. Two red cylindrical headlights and a pull cord are on the front of the wagon. The four wooden red wheels are connected to the wagon by tacks and wooden axles. PROBLEM: The headlights, tacks, and axles may separate from the wagon presenting a potential choking hazard and the animal shapes painted yellow and green contain excess lead. WHAT TO DO: Return the wagons to Hanover House or to the place of purchase for a full refund and the costs of shipping and handling. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Etna at (800) 841-1007. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Etna Products Company, Inc., New York, NY is voluntarily recalling 1,000 "Animal Shape Wagons," model number 9638. During routine CPSC testing, headlights, tacks, and axles separated from the wagon presenting potential choking hazards to young children and animal shapes painted yellow and green were found to contain excess lead. The Animal Shape Wagon is a 10-1/2 inch long and 5 inch high wooden wagon that has animal shaped cut-outs on the top and sides. Included with the wagon are 10 colored animal figures that fit through the cut-outs. Two red cylindrical headlights and a pull cord are on the front of the wagon. The four wooden red wheels are connected to the wagon by tacks and wooden axles. The label on the box reads in part: "Animal Shape Wagon, ITEM NO. 9638 . . . MADE IN CHINA."The wagons were sold through the Fall 1993 Hanover House mail order catalog between October 10, 1993 and November 18, 1994. They were also sold nationwide in retail toy stores from June 1993 through December 1993. The wagons sold for $7.50 each. Consumers are urged to take the wagons away from young children immediately and return them to Hanover House or the place where purchased for a refund and the cost of shipping and handling. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Etna toll-free at: (800) 841-1007.Neither CPSC nor Etna is aware of any injuries involving the wagons. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Hanover House reported the potentially hazardous wagons to CPSC.CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction
May 6, 1994 Release # 94-067 PRODUCT: Approximately 5,000 "Wooden Armadillos" imported by Colbert Collection and sold nationwide at gift shops and household accessory stores from January 1990 through December 1993. The armadillos are designed to resemble Texas's armadillo symbol. The body of the armadillo is made from a gourd; its four legs, tail, and moveable head are made of wood. The armadillo is available in various sizes. The label underneath the armadillo reads: "HECHO EN MEXICO (MADE IN MEXICO)." PROBLEM: The armadillos' paint (green, red, and purple) contains excess lead. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should take the armadillos away from young children and return the armadillos to place of purchase for a refund. Consumers who have questions may contact Colbert Collection at (203) 379-9289. WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Colbert Collection, New Hartford, CT is voluntarily recalling 5,000 "Wooden Armadillos." The armadillos' paint (green, red, and purple) contains excess lead. The armadillos are designed to resemble Texas's armadillo symbol. The body of the armadillo is made from a gourd; its four legs, tail, and moveable head are made of wood. The armadillo is available in various sizes. The label underneath the armadillo reads: "HECHO EN MEXICO (MADE IN MEXICO)." The armadillos were sold nationwide at gift shops and household accessory stores from January 1990 through December 1993. The armadillos sold from $7.50 for the smallest up to $18.00 for the largest. Colbert did not intend for the armadillos to be used as toys for young children. However, young children may have been given them as gifts. Therefore, consumers should take them away from young children and return the armadillos to the stores where purchased for a refund. Consumers who have questions may contact Colbert Collection at (203) 379-9289. While no incidents of illness or injuries have been reported, the company decided to recall the products promptly to prevent such a possibility. The armadillos were identified by the Texas Department of Health.CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction. Public Affair
April 22, 1994 Release # 94-060 PRODUCT: Approximately 172,000 yellow hard plastic sound- making baseball bats made by the Processed Plastic Company. The words "Thunderbat" and "Tim Mee Toy" appear on the bat's plastic covering. When swung, the soundmaker inside the bat mimics the sound of a baseball being hit. The bats were sold with a white plastic ball and distributed nationwide from December 1992 through September 1993. Only bats with yellow end caps are involved in this recall. PROBLEM: The bat's yellow plastic end cap and noisemaker inside the end cap may detach from the bat during use and strike a bystander. The company has received 5 reports of end caps and noisemakers detaching from the bats while in use. WHAT TO DO: Check to make sure the yellow end of the bat is stapled securely to the bat. If the end of the bat is not secured, return the bat to the place of purchase or call Processed Plastic at (800)323-6165, x223 for a replacement or full refund. WASHINGTON, DC -- Processed Plastic Company, Montgomery, IL, in cooperation with CPSC, is voluntarily issuing a recall of its yellow tipped "Thunderbat" sound baseball bat, model numbers 39600, 39603, 39604, and 39606. The Company is asking that consumers check to make sure that the plastic end cap is stapled securely to the bat. If the end cap is not securely stapled, the end of the bat can separate from the bat and strike a bystander. This recall applies only to Thunderbats with yellow end caps. The Thunderbat baseball bat mimics the cracking sound of a bat hitting a baseball when swung properly. The bat is made of yellow hard plastic, a yellow tip, and sold with a white plastic ball. The sound is produced by a noisemaker (located in the bat) that strikes against an interior wood anvil plastic shield when swung properly. The interior shield is fitted with a stapled yellow end cap. The Company has received five reports of end caps and noisemakers detaching from the bats when the staples at the end of the bat tore loose. Separation of the end cap and noisemaker could result in the noisemaker becoming a projectile hazard and hitting a bystander. Approximately 172,000 Thunderbats were sold nationwide from December 1992 through September 1993. The bat and attached ball sold for approximately $5.00 each. Owners of all Thunderbats should check the bat to make sure the yellow end cap is fastened securely. If the end of the bat is not secured, consumers should return the product to the place of purchase or call Processed Plastic at (800)323-6265, x223 for a replacement or full refund
Weebles Tractor Toys Recall by Playskool NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: phone number change FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nychelle White Originally issued April 16, 1997, Revised October 24, 2002 (301) 504-7063 Release # 97-103 CPSC, Playskool Announce Recall of "Weebles Tractor" Toys WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Playskool of Pawtucket, R.I., is voluntarily recalling over 116,000 "Weebles Tractor" toys (item number 5242). The red plunger located on top of the toy can crack and break apart, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. Playskool has received 42 reports of the toy's plunger cracking or breaking apart. One minor non-choking injury has been reported. The "Weebles Tractor" is a plastic toy recommended for children 9 months old and up. The tractor comes with a colorful farm girl weeble and detachable trailer. The tractor is mainly yellow with blue wheels and a red plunger, and the detachable trailer is mainly red with blue wheels. The tractor rolls along the floor and the weeble spins when the red plunger is pushed. Item number 5242 is imprinted into the bottom of the tractor. Major toy stores and mass merchandise outlets nationwide have sold the toys since January 1996 for about $13. Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and call Playskool toll-free at (800) 752-9755 for a free replacement.
April 6, 1994 Release # 94-057 PRODUCT: Bunk beds imported by the following companies: Firm Number Affected Gold Key Enterprises, Arlington, TX 50,000 Bernards, Inc. Highpoint, NC 11,000 SandA Imports, Inc. Apopka, FL 2,700 Fashion Bed Group, Chicago, IL 4,800 L. Powell Co., Culver City, CA 23,000 Montgomery Ward, Chicago, IL 13,000 Southern Enterprises, Dallas, TX 6,000 Coaster Company, Santa Fe Springs, CA 13,000 Rosalco, Inc., Jeffersonville, IN 175,000 CPSC is continuing to investigate additional bunk bed importers/distributors for potentially hazardous beds. PROBLEM: These bunk beds may unexpectedly collapse during use. Bed occupants may be injured by the falling upper bunk. WHAT TO DO: Stop using the affected beds immediately. To determine if you have one of these beds, contact the retailer for information on the importer or manufacturer of the bed. Contact the respective importer or manufacturer of the bed for information on whether you should receive a replacement bed or a retrofit kit consisting of reinforcement brackets. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC announces corrective action programs for four importers of imported metal bunk beds because of a collapsing risk. Gold Key Enterprises, Arlington, TX. Sold approximately 50,000 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size and twin size/twin size children's bunk beds. All models purchased from 1988 through September 1993 are affected. The beds are similar to other beds sold by numerous other vendors and can be identified by the protruding metal mattress support tongues which extend from the corner posts and slide into the top and bottom mattress frames. Most Gold Key beds also have distinctive scroll work on the head boards, foot boards and guard rails. Bernards, Inc., Highpoint, NC. Sold approximately 11,000 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size children's bunk beds. Model Numbers 354 (black), 364 (white), 464 (red) and 465 (blue) distributed since May 1992 are affected. The beds can be distinguished by the protruding metal mattress support tongues which extend from the corner posts and slide into the top and bottom mattress frames. SandA Imports, Inc., Apopka, FL. Sold approximately 2,700 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size (twin size on top; full size on bottom) children's bunk beds. Four models are affected: Models 6202B (black), 6202L (blue), 6202R (red) and 6202W (white). The beds can be distinguished by the protruding metal mattress support tongues which extend from the corner posts and slide into the top and bottom mattress frames. Fashion Bed Group (previously known as Berkshire Furniture Company), Chicago, IL. Approximately 4,800 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin-size/full-size ("Slumberama") and twin-size/twin-size ("Double Decker") children's bunk beds, imported between January and May 1991, sold in specialty retail stores nationwide. Five previously announced corrective action programs are continuing: - L. Powell Co., Culver City, CA. Sold approximately 23,000 distinctive C-shaped tubular metal frame children's bunk beds in stores nationwide from June 1992 through March 31, 1993. The beds are models 440 (red), 446 (white), 447 (blue), and 448 (black). They use a twin-size mattress on the top and a full- size mattress on the bottom. They have C-shaped headboard and footboard frames, partial guard rails on both sides of the upper bunk, and a middle leg on the side rail of the bottom bunk. Powell's other beds are not affected. - Montgomery Ward, Chicago, IL. Approximately 13,000 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size bunk beds, model number 66-72995 (red or white) manufactured by Yu Wei, Inc. between 1990 and 1991 are affected. Bunk beds with a center, fifth leg on the lower full size bed portion are not affected. - Southern Enterprises, Inc., Dallas, TX. Approximately 6,000 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size children's bunk beds (SEI) #BB-104-2 (red), BB-105-2 (white), BB-106-2 (blue), and BB-107-2 (black) sold since January 1990. (Twin size on top; full size on bottom). All beds subject to this program have rectangular mattress support side rails measuring 3/4-inch by 1-1/2 inches. - Coaster Company of America, Santa Fe Springs, CA. Sold approximately 13,000 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size and twin size/twin size children's bunk beds. Four models are affected: model 2331 twin/full bunk bed, model 2332 twin/full bed with a "C"-shaped frame, and models 2330 and 2335 twin/twin bunk beds. All beds have 13 crossbars on the top and bottom mattress supports, and a center brace on the bottom mattress support. - Rosalco, Inc., Jeffersonville, IN. Sold approximately 175,000 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size children's bunk bed, Rosalco models 3007 (red), 3027 (blue), 3207 (white), and 3227 (black) sold since January 1990. (Twin size on top; full size on bottom.) Also metal frame twin size/twin size bunk beds, Rosalco models 3006 (red), 3026 (blue) 3206 (white) and 3226 (black). All beds have rectangular mattress support side rails measuring 1 inch by 2 inches. CPSC staff is working with about five other firms to obtain additional corrective action programs. These firms imported similar beds but in smaller quantities. CPSC Chairman Ann Brown said, "These tubular metal bunk beds represent an industry-wide problem. The beds may unexpectedly collapse because of weak corner supports. CPSC has taken action to address this hazard." If consumers have a tubular metal bunk bed, they should: - Inspect all eight mattress support corners for cracks in the paint or metal. If cracks are found, STOP USING IT IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait for the bed to creak. - Whether or not cracks are present, call the retailer where the bed was bought to see if it was imported by one of the nine firms involved in the corrective action programs. - If the bed is part of a corrective action program, get the toll free phone number and call for instructions. - If the bed has no cracksin the corner supports, consumers will receive a repair kit consisting of reinforcement brackets. If there are cracks, the consumer will receive a new bed. - If the bed has cracks and is not imported by one of the nine importers, the public should stop using it immediately and contact the CPSC hotline by phoning 1-800-638-2772. CPSC's mission is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction
April 6, 1994 Release # 94-054 PRODUCT: Approximately 4,800 Fashion Bed Group (previously known as Berkshire Furniture Company) high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin-size/full-size ("Slumberama") and twin-size/twin-size ("Double Decker") children's bunk beds, imported between January and May 1991 and sold in specialty retail stores nationwide. PROBLEM: The bunk beds may collapse during use. Bed occupants may be injured by the falling upper bunk. WHAT TO DO: Stop using the beds immediately. To determine if you have a Fashion Bed Group bed, contact the retailer. Consumers with affected Fashion Bed Group beds should call the company toll-free at 1-800-825-5233 for a free retrofit kit to reinforce the bed. WASHINGTON, DC - CPSC, Fashion Bed Group (previously known as Berkshire Furniture Company), Chicago, IL, is voluntarily providing reinforcement brackets for certain children's tubular metal frame bunk beds. The upper level bunk can fall causing the bed to collapse. Collapse of the upper bunk could result in injury to an occupant on the bed. Fashion Bed Group has received approximately 18 reports alleging metal failures and collapse, including three reports of injury. Approximately 4,800 affected bunk beds were imported between January and May 1991 and sold in specialty retail stores nationwide. The beds sold for approximately $179 to $299 each. The affected beds include the twin/full model "Slumberama," and the twin/twin model "Double Decker." The beds have metal frames made of hollow painted tubes. The glossy painted frames are either red, blue, white or black. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected beds. To determine if you have a Fashion Bed Group bed, contact the retailer. Consumers with affected Fashion Bed Group beds should call the company toll-free at 1-800-825-5233 to obtain a free retrofit kit that will reinforce the bed when assembled on the upper and lower corner joints. CPSC is investigating numerous other importers and manufacturers of metal bunk beds that may present a similar risk of collapsing. To date, firms have received over 400 complaints of defective bunk beds industry-wide. CPSC urges consumers to inspect all eight mattress support corners of all metal bunk beds for breaks or cracks in the paint and metal around the weld. Consumers should stop using damaged bunkbeds and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or importer. To assist CPSC in its continuing bunk bed investigations, consumers are urged to call the CPSC toll-free hotline weekdays at 1-800-638-2772 to report incidents or injuries involving metal bunk beds. A tele- typewriter for the hearing impaired is available at (301) 595-7054
March 3, 1994 Release # 94-043 PRODUCT: High gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size bunk beds, sold by Montgomery Ward, model number 66-72995 (red or white) manufactured by Yu Wei, Inc. between 1990 and 1991 are affected. Bunk beds with a center, fifth leg on the lower full size bed portion are not affected. PROBLEM: The bunk beds may develop cracks in the welds and collapse during use, and occupants may be injured. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should immediately stop using the affected beds. Firm is out of business. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products.WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Montgomery Ward and Co., Incorporated, is has recalled certain tubular metal frame bunk beds. The upper level may collapse and possibly result in an injury to an occupant on the bed. The beds sold for approximately $199 each. Out of approximately 13,000 beds sold, 17 reports of welds breaking have been received including eight reports of alleged injury. The bunk beds, model 66-72995, have metal frames made of hollow painted tubes. The glossy painted frame can be either red or white. The beds use a twin-size mattress on the top bunk and a full-size mattress on the bottom bunk. The beds have 18 crossbars to support each mattress. The two rectangular mattress support side rails are 3/4-inch wide and 1-1/2 inches high and a metal ladder attaches to the side of the bed as a separate unit. The affected beds do not include bunk beds with a center fifth leg on the lower full size bed position. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected bunk beds. Firm is out of business. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products CPSC is investigating numerous other importers and manufacturers of metal bunk beds that may present a similar risk of collapsing. To date, firms have received more than 400 complaints of defective bunk beds industry-wide. CPSC urges consumers to inspect all eight mattress support corners of all metal bunk beds for breaks or cracks in the paint and metal around the welds. Consumers should stop using damaged bunk beds and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or importer. To assist CPSC in its continuing bunk bed investigations, consumers are urged to call the CPSC toll-free hotline weekdays at 1-800-638-2772 to report incidents or injuries involving metal bunk beds. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is available at (301) 595-7054
March 1, 1994 Release # 94-039 PRODUCT: Approximately 23,400 distinctive C-shaped tubular metal frame children's bunk beds distributed to stores nationwide by the L. Powell Company, Inc. from June 1992 through March 31, 1993. The beds are models 440 (red), 446 (white), 447 (blue), and 448 (black). They use a twin-size mattress on the top and a full-size mattress on the bottom. They have C-shaped headboard and footboard frames, partial guard rails on both sides of the upper bunk, and a middle leg on the side rail of the bottom bunk. Powell's other beds are not affected. PROBLEM: These "C" beds may unexpectedly collapse. Bed occupants could be injured by the falling upper bunk. CPSC is investigating the collapse of similar beds imported by others. WHAT TO DO: Stop using the bed or place both bunks on the floor immediately; inspect all eight mattress support corners; then call Powell at (310) 204-2224, weekdays between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern time for a free corner kit designed to reinforce the bed and prevent collapse. WASHINGTON, DC -- The L. Powell Company Inc., Culver City, CA, in cooperation with CPSC, is voluntarily providing a free corner kit to reinforce certain distinctive C-shaped children's tubular metal bunk beds imported and distributed by the company. According to Powell, the upper bunk on these beds could fall suddenly --usually after squeaking or creaking that consumers may not recognize as warning sounds -- causing the bunk bed to collapse. Powell's action responds to a CPSC bunk bed industry safety alert. The Powell Company has received 36 reports of "C" beds collapsing, including five reports of injury. Powell imported and distributed about 23,400 "C" beds to stores from June 1992 through March 31, 1993. A large percentage of the beds were sold by Pace Membership Warehouse, Inc. and Costco Wholesale. Powell is one of the largest distributors of children's tubular metal bunk beds. This action is being taken due to the firm's strong commitment to consumer safety. No other Powell beds are affected by this repair program. The bunk beds subject to this program -- models 440 (red), 446 (white), 447 (blue), and 448 (black) -- have metal frames made of hollow, glossy painted tubes, with a twin-size mattress on the top bunk and a larger, full-size mattress on the bottom bunk. In addition, the beds have the following identifying features: - the head and foot end frames are designed in a distinctive C shape; - a middle leg is attached to the center of the side rail of the bottom bunk; - there is a partial guard rail on each side of the upper bunk; - a gold "Warning" label is located on the top of the C-shaped end frame at the head or foot of the bed;the letters "FR" followed by a date code (month and year) are located on one of the two bed end frames or bunk side rails (only beds with date codes before April 1993 (4 93) are included in this program); and - Powell's address, "P.O. Box 1408, Culver City, CA 90232-1408," and the bed model number appear in the instructions and on the packaging. Any consumer who has one of these beds should immediately stop using it as a bunk bed. The bed can be used temporarily if both bunks are placed on the floor. The consumer should inspect all eight mattress support corners for breaks or cracks in the metal or paint around the welds and then call Powell at (310) 204-2224, weekdays between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Any consumer who has a "C" bed made before April 1993 will receive a corner kit free of charge. The kit is designed to reinforce the bed and prevent collapse and has been tested by CPSC. CPSC is investigating numerous other importers and manufacturers of metal bunk beds that may present a similar risk of collapsing. To date, bed suppliers industry-wide have received more than 400 complaints of collapsing bunk beds. CPSC urges consumers to inspect all eight mattress support corners of all metal bunk beds for breaks or cracks in the paint or metal around the welds. Consumers should stop using damaged bunk beds and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or importer. To assist CPSC in its continuing industry-wide bunk bed investigation, consumers are urged to call the CPSC toll-free hotline weekdays at 1-800-638-2772 to report incidents or injuries involving metal bunk beds. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is available at (301) 595-7054
March 1, 1994 Release # 94-041 PRODUCT: Three wooden pull toys SKU# 1197598, imported by Pier 1 Imports and sold in its stores nationwide during the 1993 holiday season. The toys came in three styles: a gray elephant, a red and black soldier, and a brown bear. Each toy has a wooden base with wheels and a pull string with a bead at the end. PROBLEM: During CPSC testing, the wooden beads at the end of the pull strings separated and various other wood chips separated during impact testing, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. WHAT TO DO: Consumers are urged to take the pull toys away from young children immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund or exchange for other merchandise. Anyone with questions about this recall may contact Pier 1 Imports at 1-800-245-4595. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Pier 1 Imports, Fort Worth, TX is continuing its voluntary recall, initiated in December of 1993, of three wooden pull toys. The pull toys came in three styles: a brown bear, a gray elephant, and a red and black soldier, each on a wooden base with wheels and a pull string that has a bead at the end. Each toy is approximately 6 inches high, 6 inches long, and 3 inches wide and has a white sticker on the underside of the base that reads, "Made in Sri Lanka 1197598 100/1001 7.99." The toys were sold for $7.99 during the 1993 holiday season. CPSC tested the pull toys and found that the small wooden beads at the end of the pull strings separated during tension testing, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. In addition, various other wood chips separated during impact testing. Consumers are urged to take the pull toys away from young children immediately and return them to any Pier 1 Imports store for a full refund or exchange for other merchandise. Anyone having questions about this recall may call Pier 1 toll-free at 1-800-245-4595. Neither CPSC nor Pier 1 Imports is aware of any injuries involving these pull toys. Pier 1 Imports took corrective action immediately after it was made aware of the potential problem and is conducting the voluntary recall in order to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous pull toys were identified by the Public Interest Research Group in Washington, DC. CPSC is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products
February 8, 1994 Release # 94-036 PRODUCT: Approximately 18,400 Kouvalias Musical Toys, model number 960. The wooden toy boxes consist of a wooden platform with a ball connected to the platform and nine more balls in various colors attached by metal coil springs. The boxes were distrubuted from 1989 through mid-July 1993 at various retail stores nationwide. They sold for $44.95 each. PROBLEM: The colored wooden balls and pieces from the music box underneath separated during routine CPSC testing, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Reeves at: 1-800-444-4775. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Reeves International, Inc., Pequannock, NJ is voluntarily recalling 18,400 "Kouvalias Musical Toy" model number 960. During routine CPSC testing, colored wooden balls and gear components from the musical box underneath the toy separated, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. The musical toy consists of the following parts: a wooden base (5 inches in diameter) that houses the musical box; a wooden platform that measures 3-1/2 inches in diameter and is attached to the base; and a wooden ball (2 inches in diameter) connected to the platform. Nine wooden balls in various colors are attached to the 2- inch diameter wooden ball by 1-1/2 inch metal coil springs. The music box is activated when the platform is turned; a song is played while the toy rotates. The label underneath the base reads: "A. Kouvalias S.A. . . .MADE IN GREECE." The "Kouvalias Music Toy" was imported by Reeves from Greece and distributed nationwide at various retail stores from 1989 through mid-July 1993. The musical toys sold for $44.95 each. Consumers are urged to take the toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Reeves toll-free at: 1-800- 444-4775. Neither CPSC nor Reeves is aware of any injuries involving the musical toys. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous toys were identified by CPSC during a routine inspection of the firm. CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction
January 31, 1994 Release # 94-035 PRODUCT: Toy charm necklaces and bracelet, imported by Dillon Importing Company from China. The necklaces and bracelet are plastic colored figures or plastic square pieces with "charms" attached, strung on a piece of thin elastic. The jewelry was sold in retail chains, discount stores, catalog outlets, toy stores, and other outlets in 24 states from August 1992 through July 1993. The jewelry was sold without packaging, usually hanging from a store display rod or placed in open bins or baskets. The jewelry sold for about $1.00 each. PROBLEM: When tested, CPSC found that small parts separated when the elastic band broke, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. WHAT TO DO: Consumers are urged to take the toy jewelry away from young children immediately and return the jewelry to the place were purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Dillon Importing Company at 1- 800-654-3696. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Dillon Importing Company (Division of M G Novelty Co., Inc.), Oklahoma City, OK is voluntarily recalling two charm necklaces and one stretch bracelet. CPSC tested the jewelry and found that small parts separated when the elastic band broke, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. The 18-inch plastic necklaces (#16-791 and #16-1135) consist of small figures (bear, duck, butterfly, fish, cross, child, rabbit, dog, star, clown, flower) in assorted colors separated by white beads strung on a piece of thin elastic. The necklaces were sold without packaging, usually hanging from store display rods, or placed in open bins or buckets. The 6-inch plastic stretch bracelet (#16-1133) consists of six square assorted pieces separated by two white beads with one colored charm attached to each square. The charms include a heart, cross, rabbit, and fish. The bracelet was also sold without packaging, usually hanging from store display rods or placed in open bins or buckets. Only the bracelets carries a label that reads, "MGNOV MADE IN CHINA." The toy jewelry was imported by Dillon Importing Company from China and distributed in 24 states (Ohio, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Washington, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland) through retail chains, discount stores, catalog outlets, party stores, toy stores, flea markets, fund raisers, and premium offers. Approximately 32,000 pieces of toy jewelry were distributed from August 1992 through July 1993 for approximately $1.00 each. Consumers are urged to take the toy jewelry away from young children immediately and return the jewelry to the place where purchased for a full refund. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Dillon Importing Company toll-free at 1-800-654-3696. Neither CPSC nor Dillon Importing Company is aware of any injuries involving these toys. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. CPSC is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction
DECEMBER 13, 1993 Release # 94-024 PRODUCT: Approximately 6,000 high gloss, tubular metal frame, twin size/full size children's bunkbeds, Southern Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) #BB-104-2 (red), BB- 105-2 (white), BB-106-2 (blue), and BB-107-2 (black) sold from January 1990 to present. (Twin size on top; full size on bottom). All beds subject to this program have rectangular mattress support side rails measuring 3/4-inch by 1-1/2 inches. PROBLEM: The bunkbed may unexpectedly collapse during use. Bed occupants may be injured by the falling upper bunk. WHAT TO DO: Stop using affected beds immediately. To determine if you have an SEI bed, contact the retailer for information on the importer or manufacturer of the bed. Consumers with affected SEI beds should call the company toll-free at (800) 633-5096 for a free retrofit kit to reinforce the bed. WASHINGTON, DC - CPSC, Southern Enterprises, Inc. (SEI), Dallas, TX, is voluntarily providing reinforcement brackets for certain children's tubular metal frame bunkbeds. The upper level can fall unexpectedly causing the bunkbed to collapse. SEI has sold about 6,000 such beds since January 1990 in retail stores nationwide. The beds sold for approximately $150 to $300 each. SEI has received about 15 reports of these beds breaking, including 6 reports of alleged injury. SEI is offering free reinforcement brackets to avoid further incidents. The bunkbeds subject to this program (models BB- 104-2, BB-105-2, BB-106-2, and BB-107-2) have metal frames made of hollow painted tubes. The glossy painted frame can be either red, blue, white or black. The beds use a standard twin-size mattress on the top bunk and either a twin or full-size mattress on the bottom bunk. The beds have 18 crossbars to support each mattress. The two rectangular mattress support side rails are 3/4-inch wide and 1-1/2 inches high and a metal ladder attaches to the side of the bed as a separate unit. Consumers should immediately stop using affected beds as bunkbeds. To determine if you have a SEI bed, contact the retailer for information on the importer or manufacturer of the bed. Consumers with affected SEI beds should call the company toll-free at (800) 633- 5096. SEI is offering consumers a retrofit kit that will reinforce the upper bunk when assembled on the upper and lower corner joints. The CPSC is investigating numerous other importers and manufacturers of metal bunk beds that may present a similar risk of collapsing. To date, firms have received over 300 complaints of defective bunk beds industry-wide. CPSC urges all consumers to inspect all eight mattress support corners of all metal bunk beds for breaks or cracks in the paint or metal around the weld. Consumers should stop using damaged bunk beds and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or importer. To assist CPSC in its continuing bunk bed investigations, consumers are urged to call the CPSC toll-free hotline weekdays at (800) 638-2772 to report incidents or injuries involving metal bunk beds. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is available at (301) 595-7054