| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Nychelle White |
| September 11, 1996 |
(301) 504-7063 |
| Release # 96-188 |
| |
CPSC and Gerber Products Co. Announce "Flip Fingers Rattle" Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gerber Products Co. of Fremont, Mich., is voluntarily recalling approximately 60,000 Flip Fingers Rattles in one style. The spherical end-caps of the rattle may separate releasing small parts, such as spinning pieces and noise-making beads, which present a choking and inhalation hazard to young children.
Gerber received five reports of these rattles breaking. CPSC and Gerber have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
This recall involves Flip Fingers Rattles with red, U-shaped handles embossed with the word "Gerber." The rattles, measuring 5.25 inches long by 2.5 inches wide, have yellow spherical ends holding multi-colored spinning parts. Flip Fingers Rattles with green handles are not included in this recall.
Grocery stores and a few specialty stores sold the rattles nationwide from May 1996 through September 1996 for about $1.40. The rattles came in clear plastic packages on a blue card labeled in part, "Gerber Flip Fingers Rattle ... number 76250."
Consumers should take the rattles away from children immediately and call Gerber at (800) 4-GERBER. Gerber will send consumers mailing materials and instructions for returning the rattles to the company to receive a refund. For more information, consumers should call (800) 4-GERBER.
Media inquiries should be directed to Van Hindes at Gerber Products Co., (616) 928-2782, or Gary Rudnick at Golin/Harris, (312) 836-7112.
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.