M.J. Harris And Associates Recall Pacifier Thermometer

PRODUCT: "Pacifier Thermometers," brand named "Dubby." About 340 pacifier thermometers were imported from Taiwan by M.J. Harris and Associates and distributed nationwide through pharmacies and mail-order companies between April and August 1993. The pacifier thermometers are pink or blue with a clear silicon rubber nipple. They are sold in blue boxes with a window front; the name "Dubby'' is printed on the top panel.

PROBLEM: Because the product is both a pacifier and a thermometer, it is subject to FDA requirements and CPSC's pacifier regulations. During CPSC testing, the nipples separated from the base of the pacifier thermometers presenting a potential choking hazard to infants and young children.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should take the pacifier thermometers away from infants and young children immediately and return them to the stores or mail-order firms where purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions about this recall may contact M.J. Harris and Associates at 1-800-531-5486.

WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, M.J. Harris and Associates, Anacortes, WA is voluntarily recalling 340 "Pacifier Thermometers," brand named "Dubby." Because the product is both a thermometer and a pacifier, it is subject to FDA's requirements and CPSC's pacifier regulations. The pacifier thermometer fell apart during routine CPSC testing to determine compliance with CPSC's Pacifier Requirements. The pacifier's nipple separated from the base, presenting a potential choking hazard to infants and young children.

The pacifiers have a built-in electronic L.C.D. thermometer that displays the temperature of the baby who is sucking on the nipple. The pacifier thermometers are blue or pink with a clear silicon rubber nipple. The pacifier thermometers are sold in blue boxes with a sticker that reads "Made in Taiwan." The boxes have a window front and the name "Dubby" printed on the top panel. A clear plastic storage cover is provided with each pacifier thermometer.

The pacifier thermometers were imported by M.J. Harris and Associates from Taiwan and distributed through pharmacies and mail-order firms nationwide between April and August of this year. Each pacifier thermometer sold for as much as $12.50.

Consumers are urged to take the pacifier thermometers away from babies and young children immediately and return them to the stores or mail-order firms where purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions about this recall may contact M.J. Harris and Associates toll-free at: 1-800-531-5486.

Neither CPSC nor M.J. Harris and Associates is aware of any injuries involving these pacifiers. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous pacifier thermometers were identified by a competitor of M.J. Harris and Associates.

CPSC is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.

Consumers should take the pacifier thermometers away from infants and young children immediately and return them to the stores or mail-order firms where purchased for a full refund.

Neither CPSC nor M.J. Harris and Associates is aware of any injuries involving these pacifiers.

M.J. Harris and Associates, of Anacortes, WA