| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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| September 10, 1987 |
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| Release # 87-048 |
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Stuffed Animal Mobiles Recalled Because Of Strangulation Hazard - Recent Death Cited
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Calderon Company, Inc., Locust Valley, New York, is recalling its large stuffed animal mobiles. When hung within the reach of an infant, a 26-inch nylon cord poses the potential for entanglement and strangulation.
The Commission and the firm are aware of the September 1986 fatal strangulation accident of a 15-month-old Pennsylvania boy. The boy became entangled in the nylon cord attached to the wings of a "Toucan" model which was hung over a crib and post. A label sewn into the mobile, warning against use by children under three, had been removed after purchase.
Other models of the colorful, soft, stuffed animal mobiles include giraffes, pelicans, elephants, ducks, and penguins. The recalled mobiles may be identified by a cloth label sewn into the stuffed toy. It bears the words "CALDERON CO, INC., CONTENTS: ALL NEW MATERIAL, PLUSH AND FILLING (FILLING: POLYSTER FIBER & PLASTIC PELLERS) NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE) MADE IN TAIWAN . " A nylon cord about 26 inches long attaches to one wing, arm, or ear, passes through a white ring connecting two springs, and then attaches to the other wing, arm, or ear (see attached sketch). This allows the wings, arms, or ears to flap as the animal bounces up and down. It also makes a squeaking noise as it bounces or is handles.
Approximately 16,000 of these mobiles were imported from Taiwan and sold nationwide since 1979. The large stuffed mobiles retail for about $10.00. Consumers should take the mobiles away from children and cut the 26-inch nylon cord and springs. Send the detached cord and sprints to: Calderon Co., Inc., 480 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley , NY 11560. Calderon will send you a free plush toy in return.
To report an unsafe consumer product or receive safety information, consumers may call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-G38-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-6X-8270.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC 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.