Galoob Fined $400,000 for Delay in Reporting Sky Dancers Flying Doll Defects
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2000
Release # 01-017
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Contact: William J. Moore Jr, (301) 504-7583
Galoob Fined $400,000 for Delay in Reporting Sky Dancers Flying Doll Defects
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
announced today that Galoob® Toys, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.,
agreed to pay a civil penalty of $400,000. The penalty settles
allegations that Galoob violated the Consumer Product Safety Act when it
failed to timely report to CPSC defects, and injuries to children and
adults, associated with its Sky Dancer® dolls.
Galoob® reported to CPSC shortly after it was purchased by
Hasbro.
CPSC alleges that Galoob® failed to report in a timely manner
that the hard plastic Sky Dancers® propeller-like wings can fly
rapidly in unpredictable directions, and can hit and injure users and
persons nearby. Galoob® received 150 injury reports which include eye
damage (scratched corneas and incidents of temporary blindness), a mild
concussion, a broken rib, broken teeth and facial lacerations that
required stitches.
About 8.9 million Sky Dancers® were recalled by CPSC and
Galoob® in June 2000. The flying doll is inserted into the top of a
launcher feet-first, and a cord is pulled to launch the doll. The
packaging is labeled "Sky Dancers®", "galoob®" and "MADE IN CHINA."
The dolls were sold nationwide from 1994 to June 2000 for between $8 and
$25, depending on the model purchased.
In agreeing to settle this matter, Galoob® denies that it
violated the Consumer Product Safety Act or any other law administered
by CPSC. Consumers should stop using the dolls immediately and call
Galoob® toll-free at (877) 598-5599 to participate in the recall and
get a free replacement toy.
