CPSC and Sanrio Inc. Announce Recall of Mascot Plushes Animal Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sanrio Inc., of South San Francisco, Calif., is recalling about 29,000 stuffed Mascot Plushes animal toys. The small bells on these stuffed toys can become detached, presenting an aspiration hazard to young children, which could result in death.

CPSC and Sanrio Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The Mascot Plushes involved in this recall are 5-inch-high bean-stuffed animals. They include Hello Kitty, a cat, item 014388; Keroppi, a frog, item 014389; Pochacco, a dog, item 014390; and Badtz Maru, a penguin, item 014391. Each animal comes with a quarter-inch wide metal bell. A card tag, attached to the toy when sold, shows each individual character's name, the item number and also reads, "Sanrio Inc." and "Made in China."

The plush toys were sold at Sanrio's stores and various other retail stores nationwide in October 1997 for about $5.

Consumers should take these stuffed toys away from young children immediately, and either remove the bell from the toy, or return the toy to the store where purchased for a full refund. The toy also can be returned by mail for a full refund plus the cost of postage to Sanrio, Attn: Quality Assurance Dept., 570 Eccles Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080. For more information about this recall, consumers should call Sanrio at (888) 311-6720 between 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday.