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Toy and children's product recalls for choking hazards, lead paint, and other safety issues. Check if your child's toys are affected.
Serious Strangulation Risks Still Exist In Previously Recalled Stuffed Toys NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 1982 Release # 82-048 CPSC Survey Reveals Serious Strangulation Risks Still Exist In Previously Recalled Stuffed Toys WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A survey by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that as many as 180,000 stuffed plush mobile animal toys that were originally voluntarily recalled by R. Dakin & Co. in 1979-80, may continue to pose a strangulation hazard to infants. For this reason the importer of the toys, R. Dakin & Co. of San Francisco, has redoubled its efforts to remove the hazard from consumer's hands. The 1982 CPSC survey analysis (the first of its kind conducted) indicated that a majority of Dakin consumers contacted were not aware of the recall. Some who still owned the toy were using it in a manner that placed their children at risk. An eleven-month-old baby girl and an eight-month-old baby boy strangled in the fall of 1979 where in separate incidents, each became entangled in the elastic strings suspending the toy from a crib bedpost. R. Dakin & Co. had undertaken a voluntary recall program in 1979-80 to notify toy owners of the potential hazard. Over 400,000 toys were then involved. Dakin's renewed efforts include paid ads in magazines aimed at parents of infants and toddlers. Dakin has also agreed to mail safety warning posters to thousands of pediatricians across the country for display in their waiting rooms. Involved in the recall are six different models of stuffed toys which are intended to be suspended by means of three elastic cords. The recalled Dakin toys are: Hummbug Bee Model 34-3645 Embo Elephant Model 34-1972 Jolly Polly Parrot Model 34-3462 Stanley Stork Model 34-3653 Lucky Ladybug Model 34-3662 Duckswoop Model 34-3666 Each toy is covered with plush fabric and contains a musical chime device. The R. Dakin & Co. name appears on a tag sewn on each animal. The stuffed toys were imported from South Korea and sold in the United States approximately $7-10 in toy and other retail stores. For a full refund of the retail purchase price and reimbursement of postage costs , parents should return the animals to R. Dakin & Co., 499 Point San Bruno Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080. Consumers who wish to keep the toys should: 1) cut off the three elastic cords, and 2) phone Dakin, toll-free, at 800-227-6598; in California, 800-632-2179.
Squeeze Toys Recalled by Electra-Plastics NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 1982 Release # 82-047 Happy-Mates Squeeze Toy Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Electra-Plastics, Inc. of Port Newark, New Jersey, today announced a voluntary recall of four "Happy-Mates" squeeze toys because they are small enough to lodge in the throat of a child and obstruct the airway thus causing choking and/or suffocation. Although these particular toys have not been involved in any choking incident known to CPSC, similar shaped toys have been involved in choking deaths. Between 8 pnd 9 thousand of these toys have been distributed primarily in the northeastern states during the last 2 years. All four squeeze toys have bulbous or flared ends measuring 3/4" to 1 l/4" in diameter and handles that are 2 3/4" long. Overall length of the toys is.5". The toys are: orange lion's head with bow tie on orange handle yellow cat's head with bow tie on yellow handle green frog's head with bow tie on white handle pink pig's head with bow tie 'on pink handle The toys are made of soft easily compressed plastic material and are packaged and sold under the brand name "Happy Mates." They are stamped "Taiwan" on the squeaky portion. The packaging bears the number H702. Consumers should remove these products from use immediately and return to the retailer where purchased for full refund. Or consumers may return the toys to Electra-Plastics, Inc., Bldg. 305, Navy and Neptune Streets, Port Newark, N.J. 07114 for a full refund. The telephone number is 201-589-2525. Retailers should remove the toys from sale immediately and return to Electra-Plastics, Inc. for a full refund.
Playmobil Toys Recalled by McDonald's NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 3, 1982 Release # 82-046 McDonald's Voluntarily Stops Playmobil Promotion And Recalls WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today that McDonald's Corporation of Oakbrook, Illinois, has voluntarily stopped further Playmobil toy promotion and distribution as of November 1st. McDonald's made this decision immediately after learning that recent tests showed the Playmobil toys failed to comply with CPSC's regulation designed to prevent choking hazards to children under three. The Playmobil toys, which are manufactured by the Schaper Manufacturing Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota, have not been involved in any known choking incidents. Five toys were to be distributed nationwide through approximately 5,800 McDonald's restaurants. The five toys included a Sheriff, Indian, Sheriff's Horse, Umbrella Girl and Farmer. Approximately 10 million of the Sheriff and Indian Playmobil toys in this promotion were actually distributed from October 22nd through November 1st. The plastic toy figures have movable parts and are accompanied by various plastic accessories. Consumers with children under three who received these Playmobil toys should discontinue their use and return the toys to a McDonald's restaurant in exchange for a box of McDonald's cookies, a cone or a refund.
Swyngomatic Converta Cradles Repaired by Grace Metal NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 1982 Release # 82-044 Voluntary Repair Program Announced For Swyngomatic Converta Cradles WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Grace Metal Products, Inc., of Elverson, Pennsylvania, today announced a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 67,000 "Swyngomaric" Converta Cradles. The repair program is being conducted as a result of alleged insufficient support for the cradle's masonite bottom board which may allow infants to fall out of the cradle if the board is not positioned properly during assembly by the purchaser. The Commission is aware of 36 instances of the bottom collapsing which resulted in children falling out of the cradle to the ground. In at least 13 of these instances, injuries resulted consisting of bruises and cuts to the infants. The repair program applies to Converta Cradles manufactured from September, 1979 through July, 1980. The product is marketed as a 3 in 1 unit which can be used as a cradle, a swing or a carry cradle. The cradle consists of mesh sides with a steel tubular carrying handle which connects to the wind up mechanism. Those cradles which do not have two metal rods supporting the bottom board are affected by this repair program. The products, which were sold exclusively through Grace Children's Products, Inc., for $30 to $45 have been sold in retail stores nationwide under the trade name, "Swyngomatic", models 5900, 5905 and 5970. They were also sold by Sears,Roebuck and Co. in its catalogue under the "Swyngomatic" name, catalogue i/36261 and 36273; J.C. Penney Company in its catalogue under the trade name "Toddle time", catalogue #5161, and Montgomery Ward in its catalogue under the trade name "Wynd-A-Matic", catalogue number 5339. Grace has redesigned the bottom cradle board with floor support rods which they believe will provide an additional safety feature in the event the bottom board is not properly positioned during assembly. Consumers owning affected Converta Cradles should write to Grace Metal Products, P.O. Box 200, Elverson, Pennsylvania 19520 or call the firm on its toll-free telephone number, 800-345-4109 (in Pennsylvania, call 215-286-5951), for a free support kit consisting of two steel support rods, fasteners, and assembly instructions. Until the support rods are received, consumers are cautioned against using affected cradles.
Squeeze Toys Recalled by Reliance NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 1982 Release # 82-022 Reliance "Protecto Hold Me Tite" Squeeze Toy Recalled Because Of A Choking Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Reliance Products Corporation, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 390,000 "Protecto Hold Me Tite" squeeze toys, Assortment #06233, because of the danger of choking and/or suffocation. Since 1974 approximately 390,000 of the toys have been sold for approximately $1.97 each. There have been two separate reports alleging that a four month old and a six month old infant choked and suffocated when the handle of the "Hold Me Tite" squeeze toy lodged in the throat and caused obstruction of the airways. The product is an animal shaped squeeze toy with a handle and a built in squeaker. Three models are involved: a pink elephant, a yellow bear and an orange lion. The product is packaged and sold under the brand name "PROTECTO" and labeled "Hold Me Tite" assortment number 06233. Stamped on the squeaker section on the back of the head is "Reliance Products Corporation, Made in Taiwan." Consumers should remove these products from use immediately and return them to the retailer where purchased for a full refund. Or consumers may return the squeeze toy to Reliance Products Corporation, 108 Mason Street, P.O. Box 1220, Woonsocket, Rhode Island for a full refund. Retailers should remove the toys from sale immediately and return to Reliance Products Corporation for a full refund.
Squeeze Me Bear Toy Animals Recalled by Atlanta Novelty NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 1980 Release # 80-041 "Squeeze Me Bear" Toy Animals Recalled To Eliminate Safety Hazards WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 3) -- A children's stuffed animal sold nationwide as the "Squeeze Me Bear" is being recalled by the importer in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because the toy may present safety hazards which could injure young children. An estimated 53,000 Squeeze Me Bears have been sold since 1979 at retail Prices averaging from $7 to $8 each. The toy bears were manufactured in Taiwan and distributed to various toy stores and other retail outlets by the Atlanta Novelty Co. of Long Island City, New York. The potentially hazardous toys bear the product code number of either 291 or 298. Testing by CPSC of a random sample of the bears showed that one of the bears contained a potentially hazardous sharp wire in the stuffing, leading CPSC staff to believe that a significant portion of the other Squeeze Me Bears in stores and consumers homes also may contain such wires; a similar recall of another importer's brand of stuffed animals was initiated less than a month ago. The potential danger lies in the possibility that the wire may work its through the bear's fur. So far there have been no injuries reported to CPSC. In addition, during CPSC testing which simulated normal use and abuse of the toy by a young child, some noses of the bears fell off, thus posing a potential choking hazard to young children. Accordingly, these stuffed toys have been determined to be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Consumers are being urged to return their Squeeze Me Bears to the retailer where the toy was purchased for a full refund. The distributor will alert each of its customers to the hazards and the procedures to be followed in carrying out the recall. The distributor has ceased making further shipments of this stuffed toy.
Pot Belly Toy Animals Recalled by Daekor NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 31, 1980 Release # 80-039 Millions Of "Pot Belly" Toy Animals Being Recalled To Eliminate Safety Hazards WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 31) -- The highly popular "Pot Belly" line of children's stuffed animals is being recalled by the importer in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because the toys may present hazards which could injure young children. More than five million of the five different types of "Pot Bellies" have been sold nationwide in a variety of sizes since late in 1978. Pot Bellies are distributed to more than 2,800 toy stores, department stores and other retailers by the Daekor division of Hudson Brands, Ltd., of New York City. CPSC has received a number of consumer complaints of small wires protruding from the toy animals; however, there have been no reports of serious injuries to date. Testing by CPSC revealed that a substantial percentage of the toys tested contained sharp wires in the stuffing. When tested under the terms of a CPSC regulation designed to prevent children under the age of three years from swallowing and choking on small parts of toys, some of the Pot Bellies failed the test. Accordingly, these stuffed toys -- until inspected by the importer to ensure their safety -- have been determined to be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Once inspected and found free of wires, the toys may be distributed. CPSC also discovered through testing that the "bean bag" variety of smaller Pot Bellies presents another hazard in addition to the potential presence of small wires. The bottoms of bean bag Pot Bellies are stuffed with crushed walnut shells which could be swallowed by children if the toy animals come apart at the seams (as some did during the CPSC testing). Consumers are being urged to return their Pot Belly stuffed animals to the retailer where the toy was purchased for a full refund or replacement. Pot Bellies have been sold at retail prices ranging from $8 to $30, depending on their size. Refunds only are being offered to consumers who return bean bag Pot Bellies to the retailer. (The importer also has distributed about 5,000 large Pot Belly koala bears and brown bears which are not being subjected to the ban or the recall. These 40-inch-long bears were manufactured by a Brooklyn, N.Y., company which used a different stuffing material.) Hudson Brands will alert each retailer to the hazards and the procedures to be followed in carrying out the recall and inspection program, and also will inspect all further shipments of these toy animals to ensure that there are no wires in the stuffing.
Two "Bristle Block" Components Discarded/Replaced by Playskool NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 1980 Release # 80-038 Company Announces Program Urging That Two "Bristle Block" Components Be Discarded WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 3) -- Playskool, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that two "Bristle Block" components which may detach in use and abuse testing fail to comply with a regulation designed to prevent children under 3 from swallowing small parts. These parts should be discarded and will be replaced without charge to customers. The company is taking this action although no injuries or complaints have been received relating to these components. Bristle Blocks are colored plastic shapes with flexible bristles that interlock. The products are sold and distributed nationally by leading wholesale and retail establishments. The two components to be replaced are Bristle heads contained in Bristle Block set #808 and Bristle wheels-and-axel assemblies included in Bristle sets #806, 807 and 808. Members of the public who have these Bristle heads and wheel-and-axel assemblies are urged to discard their old components and write to the company by postcard or letter requesting a replacement at the following address: PLAYSKOOL, INC. PO Box 200 Pawtucket, RI 02862-0200 Replacement will be provided free of charge by the company by return mail. Consumers with any questions may call the Customer Service Department at Playskool at (800)-752-9755. A copy of a photograph of the two Bristle Blocks components is attached to this document.
Toy Mobiles Recalled by Albert E. Price NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 1980 Release # 80-030 Stuffed Toy Mobiles Recalled Because Of Strangulation Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 21, 1980) -- Approximately 2,300 stuffed mobile toys which may pose a strangulation hazard to infants are being recalled by their importer, Albert E. Price, Inc., of Bellmawr, New Jersey. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall applies to two types of stuffed animal mobiles which are intended to be suspended from ceilings or cribs by a metal spring and two white string cords. Although no deaths or injuries have been associated with these toys, a similar toy imported by another firm was involved last year in the strangulation of an 11-month-old baby girl when she became entangled in the elastic cords suspending it from her crib. Those toys have since been recalled. The Albert Price toys being recalled include a duck, model 9160, and an elephant, model 9161. Both toys are covered with plush fabric. The importer's name is printed on a tag attached to each animal., and the model numbers appear on the boxes in which the toys are sold. Parents immediately should cut off the cords and the spring. To receive a full refund, consumers should return the toy to place of purchase. To verify the model numbers, contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Children's Outdoor Water Toy Corrected by Wham-O NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 1980 Release # 80-007 Wham-O To Correct Potential Hazard In Children's Outdoor Water Toy WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10)-- A program to correct more than 100,000 outdoor "Fun Fountain" water toys which may cause serious injuries to children is being conducted by the Wham-O Mfg. Co. of San Gabriel, California. The firm, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, voluntarily will supply free corrective water flow control valve inserts for its "Fun Fountain" toys produced from 1977 through November, 1979. The toy consists of a clown hat and head which attaches onto the end of a garden hose so that the hat rises in the air when water flows through the clown's head. Children may be inclined to peer into the water outlet and the stream of water could cause serious eye injuries, especially in communities with high water pressure. CPSC so far has been informed of two consumer complaints since June, 1979, involving a six-year-old boy and a seven-year- old boy who suffered eye injuries when struck at close distance by water emitted from the "Fun Fountain" toys. The Wham-O "Fun Fountain" water toys were sold nationwide in toy stores and variety stores for approximately $10.00 each. The model number of the toy, #237, is imprinted on the toy's package. According to the company, the potential hazard has been corrected on all "Fun Fountain" toys manufactured since December, 1979 when the toys began to be produced with a water flow control valve to decrease and control the water flow. Such new editions are readily identifiable since they are equipped with a blue hose connector (the older design has a red connector) at the base of the clown head. The words "Important Notice" and "Safety Check List" also are imprinted on the new toy cartons. If the hose connector is red but contains a blue insert which is clearly visible, then it also has been corrected and is equipped with a water flow control valve. To correct the potential hazard in "Fun Fountain" toys manufactured before December, 1979, parents are urged to go to the place of purchase to receive a free water flow control valve insert, or they may contact Wham-O directly to receive a free valve insert (Customer Service Dept. 7, 835 East El Monte Street, San Gabriel, California, 91778). Consumers also may telephone Wham-O toll-free at 800/423-4174 (in California, call collect at 213/287-9681). The water flow control valve snaps easily into the hose connector and once installed will remain firmly within the connector, according to the company.
February 11, 1980 Release # 80-003 Trolley-Ride Toys To Be Repaired WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 11) -- A program to repair approximately 35,000 "Fun Ride Trolley Ride" toys which may seriously injure children is being conducted by the toy's manufacturer, Davis-Grabowski, Inc., of Miami, Florida. The company is conducting the voluntary program in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toy features four components: the trolley, which consists of two pulley-like grooved wheels encased within a plastic housing which supports two plastic handles; a 35-foot cable of either a single wire or seven intertwined strands of wire; and two clamps which serve to fasten the suspended cable around two tree trunks or posts. Once the cable is suspended, a child can propel himself along the cable by gripping the trolley's two handles. Although the toy is advertised as being capable of supporting an adult's weight, CPSC staff has been informed of nine incidents in which the cable broke under the weight of children and one incident in which it snapped under an adult's weight. These accidents reportedly resulted in concussions to a 9-year-old girl, and a 42-year-old woman, back injuries to a 10-year-old girl, and minor cuts and bruises to two other children. The trolley-ride toys were manufactured between January, 1976, and June, 1979. They have sold nationwide for approximately $15.00 in retail stores and are packaged in boxes labeled with the model number 30/1000. The manufacturer has agreed to mail consumers a free stranded cable to replace the single-wire cable, along with additional clamps to replace those sold with the toy. Anyone whose toy already includes the stranded cable will receive two additional clamps. The stranded cable and clamps can be obtained by writing to: Davis-Grabowski, Inc., P.O. Box 381594, 74 N.E. 74th Street, Miami, Florida, 33138. Consumers should include their names and addresses and specify the type of cable sold with their toy (whether single or stranded wire). Anyone requiring additional information about this program should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772
Stuffed Toy Mobiles Recalled by R. Dakin NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 21, 1979 Release # 79-065 Stuffed Toy Mobiles Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 21) -- Approximately 422,000 stuffed mobile toys which may pose a strangulation hazard to infants are being recalled by their importer, R. Dakin & Company, of San Francisco. The recall applies to eight different types of stuffed animal mobiles which are intended to be suspended from ceilings by means of three elastic cords. Last month an 11-month old baby girl strangled when she became entangled in the elastic cords suspending one of the toys from her crib. The toys being recalled include: Hummbug Bee model 34-3645 Embo Elephant model 34-1972 Jolly Polly Parrot model 34-3462 Stanley Stork model 34-3653 Jingle Frog model 34-3661 Lucky Ladybug model 34-3662 Duckswoop model 34-3666 Jingle Lamb model 34-3690 Each toy is covered with plush fabric and contains a musical chime device. The model numbers appear on a tag attached to the animal's ear. The toys were imported from South Korea and distributed in the U.S. from January, 1977, through October, 1979. They sold nationwide for approximately $7 each in toy stores and other retail stores. Parents should return the toys to the stores where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers who wish to keep the toy should cut off the three elastic cords in order to eliminate the potential safety hazard. Anyone requiring additional information about this recall may contact Mr. Roger J. Burrill, Vice President, R. Dakin & Company, 499 Point San Bruno Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, toll-free telephone 800/227-6598.
Blow-Gun Toys Recalled by Western NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 1979 Release # 79-060 Wisconsin Manufacturer Agrees To Recall 180,300 Blow-Gun Toys WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 26) -- Approximately 180,000 "Soft Shot Star Launcher" blow-gun toys which may pose a choking hazard to children are being recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer, the Western Publishing Company, of Racine, Wisconsin. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toy consists of a white plastic tube and mouthpiece which measure approximately 29 inches in overall length. It is sold with three small cardboard targets and three orange darts molded of soft vinyl, each approximately three inches long. The company is recalling the toys based on consumer reports since July, 1979, of three children who choked on the toy's mouthpiece. In each instance, the mouthpiece reportedly separated from the plastic tube and lodged in the child's throat. No critical injury or illness resulted from any of these incidents, according to the company. A fourth similar incident was reported to CPSC and is being investigated by Commission staff. The company reported to CPSC that, despite the potential hazard, the toy meets or exceeds all existing voluntary product safety standards. Model number 4990 is printed on the toy's package, although the toy itself and its components do not display any distinguishing identification. Manufactured and distributed earlier this year, the toy sold for approximately $2 in toy stores and other variety retail stores nationwide. The manufacturer has directed all retailers and distributors of the toys to stop sales. Parents should return the toy to the retailer from which it was purchased to receive a cash refund. Consumers also can obtain refunds (including reimbursement for postage costs) by mailing the toys to: Western Publishing Company, 1220 Mound Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin, 53404, Attention: Customer Relations Director.
Giggle Stick Toys Recalled by CBS Toys NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 3, 1979 Release # 79-056 4 Million "Giggle Stick" Toys Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 3) -- CBS Toys, a division of CBS, Inc., of New York City, is voluntarily recalling four million units of a toy which may pose a choking hazard to children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced. The toy, called the Gabriel "Giggle Stick", consists of a hollow, yellow plastic tube which, when shaken, produces noises by means of a metal reed fastened inside an interior plastic cylinder. Young children can remove the red end-caps of the toy, exposing the interior plastic cylinder which houses the small reed inside. Some reeds have fallen out of those "Giggle Sticks" designed with open-end caps. Since March, 1979, three children have choked on the reeds, according to CBS Toys. No injuries have resulted. The "Giggle Sticks" have been manufactured since December, 1978, and sold in variety stores nationwide for less than $2. The toys are advertised as suitable for children ages 3 and older. Parents should return the toys to their retailers for a refund or a new "Giggle Stick" which has been redesigned to eliminate the safety hazard. Consumers also can receive a refund or a new "Giggle Stick" by mailing their used ones to: Gabriel Industries, Longmeadow Road, P.O. Box 980, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740. In retail stores, consumers can identify a redesigned "Giggle Stick" by looking for the words, "New, Improved" on the red cardboard flag wrapped around the toy.
Toy Telephones Recalled by Durham NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 1979 Release # 79-054 Cords On Toy Telephones Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 1) -- Durham Industries, Inc., of New York City is recalling the detachable connector cords sold with approximately 97,000 toy telephone sets, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today. The cord connects two battery-operated toy telephones, enabling children to talk to each other. The two-prong plugs at each end of the cord so closely resemble genuine electrical plugs that children may try to force them into household sockets, thereby receiving severe shocks or burns, according to CPSC staff. An 8-year-old girl was burned earlier this year when she was able to force one of the plugs into a wall electrical outlet. The connector cord is sold as part of the model 7028 "Holly Hobbie" dial/intercom toy telephone set. Available in pink and blue, the toy phones are equipped with functional intercoms, signal lights and buzzers. The words "Holly Hobbie" are printed on the center dial of each toy phone. The set has been sold exclusively by the K-Mart Corporation for approximately $9.95. Durham has imported the toy from Yugoslavia since 1977. Parents should return the cords to Durham Industries, Inc., 41 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010, to receive free replacement cords which have been redesigned.
February 5, 1979 Release # 79-007 Toy Cork Gun Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5) -- Eagle Family Discount Stores, Inc., Opa Locka, Fla., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers that about 5,844 double-barreled toy cork shotguns sold in their stores during the 1976 and 1977 Christmas seasons may present a hazard of eye injury to a young child. Consumers who have bought one of these toys should not let their children play with it, and should return it to their nearest Eagle Family Discount Store for a full refund. CPSC believes that serious eye injury could occur if a child abuses the toy by removing the muzzle end of the gun barrel, exposing the ends of two metal rods covered with plastic plunger caps. These caps can be removed by a force of three or four pounds, leaving the ends of the metal rods completely exposed. If the toy gun is cocked and discharged, the exposed ends of the metal rods could then be propelled forward into a child's face or eyes. The double-barreled toy cork shotgun retailed for about $1.27 in Eagle Family Discount Stores located in Florida and in a few stores in Alabama and Georgia, according to Eagle. The words, "Gun Fighter," appear in silver on each side of the toy gun. The stock is colored brown, the gun barrels are black and the cocking lever is chrome-colored plastic. The toy gun was made in Hong Kong or Taiwan, according to Eagle, and was identified as product no. 97-S-510,, which appears on the toy gun's package. To date, CPSC is aware of one incident of eye injury occurring when a three and one-half year-old boy apparently shot the toy gun into his eyes and was struck by the unprotected metal rod. Although the injury occurred to a three and one-half year old, the product's package contains, according to Eagle, a cautionary statement that the toy shotgun is not recommended for children under five years of age. To verify the product number, consumers can call the toll-free CPSC Hotline on 800/638-2772
Battlestar Galactica space toys Replaced by Mattel NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 11, 1979 Release # 79-001 Mattel Announces Toy Replacement Program HAWTHORNE, CALIF. (January 11) -- Mattel, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced that it has voluntarily initiated a "Missile Mail-In" campaign to reduce the possibility of accidents which might occur in connection with four of its "Battlestar Galactica" space toys. Each of the four toys is sold with a set of small red plastic missiles which can be launched from each toy. Although all of the products meet or exceed all existing and ration proposed safety standards, there have been instances of accidental swallowing or aspiration of a missile including one reported death of a four-year-old child. The "Missile Mail-In" plan offers parents and children the opportunity to mail all of their remaining small 1-1/4 inch red plastic missiles to Mattel and receive in return a free "Hot Wheels" car. Missiles should be mailed to: Mattel Mail-In P.O. Box 813 Hawthorne, California 90250, along with the consumer's name and address. To encourage immediate response, this program will expire on March 1, 1979. The missiles accompany Mattel's "Colonial Viper" (No. 2531), "Colonial Scarab" (No. 2534), "Colonial Stellar Probe" (No. 2533), and "Cylon Raider" (No. 2532) space vehicles. Mattel and the Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that the Mail-In program was initiated to remove the possibility of an accident and to inform parents of the need to caution children regarding small objects of any type which might be put in the mouth. At the same time, the offer of a free "Hot Wheels" miniature car is intended to compensate for any loss of play value due to return of the missiles. In addition to the mail program, Mattel announced that it has redesigned the four "Battlestar Galactica" toys for 1979 so that, missiles cannot be launched from the body of the toys. Retail and wholesale inventories of the 1978 product are currently being exchanged for the redesigned toys. For further information, consumers may call Mattel toll-free on 800/421-2826; California residents call collect to 213/644-2752. Letters may be addressed to Mattel, Inc., at 5150 Rosecrans Avenue, Hawthorne, California 90250. To verify model numbers, consumers can call the toll-free CPSC Hotline on 800/638-2772.
Toy Telephone Sets Recalled by Montgomery Ward NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 1979 Release # 79-064 Montgomery Ward Recalls 20,000 Toy Telephone Sets WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 9) -- Montgomery Ward is recalling approximately 20,000 toy telephone sets offered for sale through its mail-order catalog, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced. The phone sets were imported from Yugoslavia and are very similar to the toy telephones recalled last month by another U.S. firm. The sets include two battery-operated toy telephones connected by means of a detachable cord. The two-prong plugs at each end of the cord so closely resemble genuine electrical plugs that children may try to force them into household sockets, thereby receiving severe shocks or burns. While Montgomery Ward has received no consumer complaints of injuries from the cords, CPSC staff reports that an 8-year-old girl was burned earlier this year when she forced a plug from a similar phone set (which was distributed by another company) into a wall electrical outlet. The sets are ivory in color, and are equipped with functional intercoms, signal lights and buzzers. The name "Mehanotehnika" is printed on the bottom of each phone. The sets have been sold through Ward's catalogs since 1975. They are advertised in the current Christmas catalog as a "Desk Phone Set," number 48T20192, at a retail price of $9.96. Consumers ordering the toy phones are being informed that such orders are not being filled until the company can equip the phone sets with cords and plugs which are safe. Consumers should return the toy to any Montgomery Ward catalog store for a full refund.
Water Wiggle Toy Recalled by Wham-O NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 1978 Release # 78-020 Recall Of Wham-O Water Wiggle Toy WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 13) -- Wham-O Manufacturing Co., San Gabriel, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, today announced it is voluntarily stopping sale and recalling its "Water Wiggle" toy. Approximately 2 1/2 million of these toys have been sold throughout the United States over the past 17 years. The toy consists of a seven-foot plastic hose attached to an aluminum water-jet nozzle which is covered by a bell-shaped plastic head. The toy is designed to be attached to a garden hose for water fun. It retails for approximately $3.50. Wham-O stated that the recall is occasioned by the death of a four-year-old child in March 1978. The youngster was playing with some other children in his backyard with a dismantled "Water Wiggle," one from which the bell-shaped head had been removed or had come off. The exposed aluminum nozzle became lodged in his mouth and he drowned. Wham-O stated that it had no knowledge of how or why the toy was dismantled or how the nozzle became lodged in the child's mouth. A "Water Wiggle" was involved in a similar death of a three-year-old boy in 1975. Parents are advised not to allow their children to play with this product. Wham-O requests its retailers to remove all "Water Wiggles" from their shelves. Consumers who own a "Water Wiggle" toy should return the product to the retail store where purchased for a full refund or credit toward another product. Consumers requiring information concerning this recall should contact the Customer Service Department, Wham-O Manufacturing Company, 835 East El Monte Street, San Gabriel, California 91778 (toll free numbers 800/423-4592 and 800/423-4593) or call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free hotline 800/638-2772.
December 8, 1977 Release # 77-120 WASHINGTON, DC (Dec. 8) -- The M.W. Kasch Company, Mequon, Wisconsin, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced the recall of 8,400 sets of wooden toy alphabet blocks. According to CPSC laboratory tests, paint used on some of these blocks has a lead content which exceeds the current permissible level of 0.5%. The agency's lead-in-paint regulation is intended to reduce the risk of lead poisoning in children who may ingest paint chips or peelings. Effective February 28, 1978, the maximum permissible level for paint used on toys manufactured after that date will be reduced to 0.06%. The blocks being recalled were packaged in a plastic bag, either 15 or 28 to a set, with a cardboard label stapled at the top stating "ABC Educational Blocks - Made in Taiwan for Skyline International, Milwaukee, Wisconsin U.S.A." The 15-block set retailed for about $1.35 and the 28-block set for about $3.00. The blocks are painted either red, green, yellow or blue and the letter background is white. The blocks have been sold since March 1976 in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Consumers who have a set of these blocks should return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. A pre-Christmas survey by the Commission of 41 retail stores throughout the U.S. turned up other toys which the agency will be investigating further