Flashlights and Batteries Sold in Kids Meals

CPSC Recall #03-038 - November 14, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-038
Recall DateNovember 14, 2002
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 9,500
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Halo Burger restaurants distributed the flashlights as a premium with the kids meals in Genesee and Saginaw Counties in Michigan from October 2002 through November 4
2002. The flashlights were sold individually for about $1.50. 

Product

Flashlights and Batteries Sold in Kids Meals

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Halo Burger, of Flint, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 9,500 flashlights and batteries that were distributed as a premium in Halo Burger kids meals and sold individually. The "AA" batteries provided with each flashlight can leak, which could cause irritation to the skin. When disassembled, the flashlights also have small parts that can pose a choking hazard to young children. Halo Burger received two reports of young children who received minor skin irritation on their mouths from leaking flashlight batteries. The multicolored flashlights measure about 6-inches in length, and are made of translucent plastic with a black cord attached at the end. "Halo Burger" is written on the side of the flashlight. "Made in China" is printed on a gold-colored label on the bottom of the flashlight. The two "AA" batteries included with the flashlight are labeled "Spadelove Ultra" and are black with a bronze top band. Halo Burger restaurants distributed the flashlights as a premium with the kids meals in Genesee and Saginaw Counties in Michigan from October 2002 through November 4, 2002. The flashlights were sold individually for about $1.50. Consumers should take these flashlights and batteries away from children immediately and return the flashlights and batteries to any Halo Burger restaurant to receive a $5 gift certificate, or discard flashlights and batteries in a safe manner. For additional questions, contact Halo Burger at (810) 238-1839 ext. 27 at anytime.

Hazard

When disassembled, the flashlights also have small parts that can pose a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

Halo Burger received two reports of young children who received minor skin irritation on their mouths from leaking flashlight batteries. 

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take these flashlights and batteries away from children immediately and return the flashlights and batteries to any Halo Burger restaurant to receive a $5 gift certificate, or discard flashlights and batteries in a safe manner.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside, if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.