Novelty Purses (Payless) – Design Risk (1998)
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
Payless ShoeSource novelty purses
Brand
Payless ShoeSource
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Payless ShoeSource is recalling Payless ShoeSource novelty purses. The hazard is: Poisoning. Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: remedy information, UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
Child's Novelty Purses Recalled by Payless ShoeSource NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 1998 Release # 98-111 Company Phone Number: (800) 444-7463 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063 CPSC, Payless ShoeSource Announce Recall of Child's Novelty Purses WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Payless ShoeSource Inc. is recalling about 6,000 novelty purses. The purses contain a petroleum distillate, used as a decorative liquid in the purse flap, that could be harmful or fatal if ingested. CPSC and Payless are not aware of any injuries involving these purses. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The purses are made of clear plastic and measure about 5 inches long by 5 inches wide. The purses' flaps contain two bright colored liquids, glitter and decorative foil confetti. The purses were available with liquids in green and yellow, pink and orange, and purple and blue. Inside the purse are two tags: a warning label regarding the hazardous liquid in the purse, and a tag with the products' identification number, "3659," and the words, "Made in China." The purses were sold at Payless ShoeSource stores nationwide from Feb 1998 through May 1998 for about $8. Consumers should immediately take these purses away from children, and return them to their local Payless ShoeSource store for a refund and an additional $10 gift certificate. For more information, consumers can call (800) 444-7463 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. CDT Monday through Saturday. Consumers also can mail the purse to Payless ShoeSource Purse Recall, 3231 E. Sixth St., Topeka, KS 66601 with their return address enclosed for a full refund and a $10 gift certificate issued through the mail.
Reported concern (CPSC)
Poisoning
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026