Original; see modified release: "Alphabet Pal" Educational Pull Toy Recall

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2000
Release # 01-051

LeapFrog Recall Hotline: (877) 477-6641
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
LeapFrog Media Contact: Suzy Schuman, (510) 420-5203 from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT

CPSC, LeapFrog Announce Recall to Repair "Alphabet Pal" Educational Pull Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LeapFrog, a division of Knowledge Kids Enterprises Inc., of Emeryville, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 500,000 "Alphabet Pal" electronic pull toys. The toy has a two-part, red plastic connector on the pull string designed to separate under tension. The plastic pieces can detach from the string when the connector is pulled apart and could pose a choking hazard to young children.

LeapFrog has received nine reports of the red plastic connector detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should cut the red plastic string connector off of these toys immediately, or return it to the firm to receive a free replacement toy without a plastic connector.

The "Alphabet Pal" is a green caterpillar pull toy, about 12 inches long, with four wheels. It has 26 plastic legs, one for each letter of the alphabet. When its yellow pull cord is tugged, the toy sings the ABC Song. Other functions include color and letter name identification, and letter sounds. The antennae on the caterpillar's head lights up. Writing on the toy includes, "LEAP FROGTM" and "Made in China."

Toy, department and specialty stores nationwide sold these toys from June 1999 through November 2000 for about $20.

For more information, call LeapFrog at (877) 477-6641 anytime, write to: LeapFrog, 1400 65th Street, Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608-1071, or visit the firm's web site at www.leapfrog.com.

Toys without plastic connectors on the pull-string are not part of this recall.