CPSC Announces Test Results for Halloween Products

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2003
Release # 04-007

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles (301) 504-7052

CPSC Announces Test Results for Halloween Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found one toy labeling violation but no flammability concerns with a Halloween costume cited in the October issue of a widely circulated magazine. The publication conducted its own tests and concluded that one Halloween costume failed the federal flammability test and that a magnet toy needed a choking hazard warning label.

"We look at many products throughout the year and usually announce only the hazardous ones," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "However, since concerns regarding these products were published prior to CPSC testing, we thought it appropriate to correct the public record on the costumes that passed our tests."

Rubie's Nutcracker Barbie ballerina costume passed the federal flammability test, conducted at the CPSC lab. All Halloween costumes must pass the federal Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles which covers all wearing apparel except children's sleepwear, for which there is a separate flammability standard.

Oriental Trading Company distributed a box containing 17 individual packages of Halloween-theme toys including one package containing Halloween-theme magnets. The package of magnets did not bear the federally-required choking warning label "Warning: Choking hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs." Toys that fit into a small parts test cylinder and that are for older children must contain this warning. The firm stopped sale and added the required warning to the package of magnets.

"We welcome reports from consumers, industry, and the media about potentially hazardous products. Once received, CPSC will review these reports and, where appropriate, scientifically test potentially dangerous products to determine the level of hazard" said Stratton.