FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2000
Release # 00-082 |
Russ Berrie Recall Line: (800) 272-7877
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063
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CPSC, Russ Berrie & Co. Inc. Announce Recall of Rattles
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Russ Berrie & Co. Inc., of Oakland, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 13,400 rattles. The shape and size of the rattle's handle allow it to become lodged in the throats of babies, posing a choking hazard. The rattles violate the Federal Hazardous Substances Act for the design and construction of baby rattles.
CPSC and Russ Berrie are not aware of any incidents or injuries involving these rattles. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
The Precious KeepsakesTM silver-plated "New Baby" rattle is 6 inches long and consists of a spinning ball on top of an ornate handle, which includes a small bear and a bow. The rattle was sold as item number 10399. The item number appears on the product packaging. A silver tag attached to the rattle with a ribbon reads "NEW BABY."
Specialty and drug stores, and flower and gift shops nationwide sold these rattles from November 1998 through December 1999 for about $14.
Consumers should take these rattles away from babies immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, contact Russ Berrie & Co. at (800) 272-7877 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Russ Berrie & Co. Inc., Attn: Customer Service Dept., 111 Bauer Drive, Oakland, NJ 07436.
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.