In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker Household Products Group of Shelton, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 35,000 Surge reversible Shar-pei dog hand puppets. These puppets passed all toy safety tests specified under federal regulations at the time they were shipped. However, in response to recent consumer concerns and product returns, Black & Decker initiated additional testing, which revealed that the puppets' eyes, over time, could detach, posing a potential choking hazard to children. Although no injuries have been reported, the company is taking this action as a preventive measure.
The puppets, which were not manufactured by Black & Decker, were distributed in retail stores throughout the United States from April 1994 through November 1994 as premiums (free gifts) with new Black & Decker SurgeXpress Irons, models F850, F855, F860S, F860SP, F895, F895S, and F895SP. Black & Decker also made the puppets available through direct mail order.
The puppets, all labeled with "Surge " on a sewn-on tag on the bottom, are approximately 11 inches tall and have either brown or amber (orange) eyes.
Consumers should immediately take the hand puppet away from children and call Black & Decker for a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which to return the puppet for a $10.00 refund plus applicable shipping and handling expenses. For more information about this recall and to obtain a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for returning the puppet, call Black & Decker at (800) 318-7508 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.