CPSC and Kreiner Imports Announce the Recall of Kinder Chocolate Eggs Containing Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kreiner Imports Inc. of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,000 Kinder chocolate eggs, which Kreiner imported into the United States and which contain a surprise toy within a plastic capsule. Some of the toys have small parts that present a serious choking and aspiration hazard to children under three years of age.

CPSC considers the toys within the eggs as presently imported and sold to violate CPSC's small parts regulation with respect to children under three.

The Ferrero Group, the manufacturer of Kinder chocolate eggs, does not market this product in the United States. Ferrero said that it markets the product in other countries solely for children three and older and designs these toys to be assembled by older children. Ferrero considers the product safe for children three years and older. Ferrero said it is working with Customs and CPSC and is pursuing legal action against parties involved in illegal imports.

CPSC and Ferrero are not aware of any injuries in the United States involving these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury to children under three years of age.

The Kinder eggs are hollow milk chocolate eggs about the size of a large hen's egg in an orange, white and blue foil wrapper. The toy within the egg is contained in an oval-shaped plastic capsule. The toy requires assembly and each egg contains a different toy. The labeling is in German. The foil wrapper of the egg is labeled in part, "Kinder UBERRASCHUNG ...FERRERO."

Kreiner Imports Inc. imported and distributed Kinder eggs from March 1997 through August 1997 through the following small candy and specialty stores in the South, Midwest and West.

CPSC and Ferrero believe that other companies have imported and sold additional Kinder eggs in the United States -- without Ferrero's knowledge or authorization -- under the Kinder Surprise label. These eggs are labeled in English and other languages. The foil wrapper of the egg is labeled in part, "Kinder Surprise...Containing Surprise Toy...MADE BY FERRERO."

Consumers should take these toys away from children under three years of age immediately. If purchased at the above listed stores, consumers should return the toys to the store for a full refund. Otherwise, consumers should call Ferrero U.S.A. Inc at (888) 393-2849 for instructions on returning the toys for a full refund and a bonus premium.

Consumers should take these toys away from children under three years of age immediately. If purchased at the above listed stores, consumers should return the toys to the store for a full refund.

CPSC and Ferrero are not aware of any injuries in the United States involving these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury to children under three years of age.