Halloween Bounce Balls (Target) – Safety Issue (1997)
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
Halloween Bounce Balls Recalled by Novi Kid
Brand
Target
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Target is recalling Halloween Bounce Balls Recalled by Novi Kid. The hazard is: Choking. 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
Halloween Bounce Balls Recalled by Novi Kid NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 29, 1997 Release # 98-018 Company Phone Number: (619) 282-6692 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063 CPSC, Novi Kids Announce Recall of Halloween Bounce Balls WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Novi Kids Inc. of San Diego, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 packages of Halloween Bounce Balls sold exclusively at Target stores. The balls present a serious choking hazard to young children, which can result in death. A sticker on the package suggests the balls are "GREAT for FAVORS and TRICK or TREATS!" If used as Halloween treats, the balls could be given to children under 3 years old. Small balls marketed to young children are banned by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. CPSC and Novi Kids Inc. are not aware of any deaths or injuries involving this toy. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The Bounce Balls are collections of eight multicolored rubber balls that measure 1 inch in diameter. They are packaged in a clear plastic tray with a cardboard backing. The package backing also is multicolored, and contains various Halloween images, including jack-o'-lanterns and ghosts. Target stores nationwide sold the packages of balls beginning October 4, 1997, for about $2. Consumers should take these balls away from young children immediately, and return them to the Target store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should call Novi Kids Inc. collect at (619) 282-6692 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, or write to the company at 10222 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108.
Reported concern (CPSC)
Choking
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