Leap Frog "Alphabet Pal" electronic pull toys
CPSC Recall #01-051 - December 7, 2000
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-051 |
| Recall Date | December 7, 2000 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 500,000 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Toy |
| department and specialty stores nationwide sold these toys from June 1999 through November 2000 for about $20. |
Product
Leap Frog "Alphabet Pal" electronic pull toys
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LeapFrog, a division of Knowledge Kids Enterprises Inc., of Emeryville, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 500,000 "Alphabet Pal" electronic pull toys. The toy has a two-part, red plastic connector on the pull string designed to separate under tension. The plastic pieces can detach from the string when the connector is pulled apart and could pose a choking hazard to young children. LeapFrog has received nine reports of the red plastic connector detaching. No injuries have been reported. Consumers should cut the red plastic string connector off of these toys immediately, or return it to the firm to receive a free replacement toy without a plastic connector. The "Alphabet Pal" is a green caterpillar pull toy, about 12 inches long, with four wheels. It has 26 plastic legs, one for each letter of the alphabet. When its yellow pull cord is tugged, the toy sings the ABC Song. Other functions include color and letter name identification, and letter sounds. The antennae on the caterpillar's head lights up. Writing on the toy includes, "LEAP FROGTM" and "Made in China." Toy, department and specialty stores nationwide sold these toys from June 1999 through November 2000 for about $20. For more information, call LeapFrog at 877-501-5327 anytime, write to: LeapFrog, 1400 65th Street, Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608-1071, or visit the firm's website at www.leapfrog.com. Toys without plastic connectors on the pull-string are not part of this recall.
Hazard
The toy has a two-part, red plastic connector on the pull string designed to separate under tension. The plastic pieces can detach from the string when the connector is pulled apart and could pose a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents & Injuries
LeapFrog has received nine reports of the red plastic connector detaching. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should cut the red plastic string connector off of these toys immediately, or return it to the firm to receive a free replacement toy without a plastic connector.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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.