Toy puzzle

CPSC Recall #99-081 — March 17, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-081
Recall DateMarch 17, 1999
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedMore than 10,200
Manufactured InTaiwan

Product

Toy puzzle

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Safari Ltd., of Miami, Fla., is recalling more than 10,200 toy puzzles. The puzzle has two shapes that are small parts, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. CPSC and Safari Ltd. are not aware of any complaints or injuries involving these puzzles. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The child's wooden toy puzzle has 10 shapes. Each shape has a colorful paper laminated veneer and plastic knob handles. When the handled piece is lifted up, the name of the shape is revealed underneath. The small parts are the oval and rhombus shapes. The puzzle is labeled “SHAPES...SAFARI...No.9536-12...1997 SAFARI LTD." The puzzle was packaged in plastic with a card insert that reads "SAFARI LTD...PEEK INSIDE PUZZLE, Made in Taiwan, NO. 9536-12 SHAPES." Toy stores nationwide sold these puzzles from April 1998 through February 1999 for about $5. Consumers should immediately take these puzzles away from young children and return them to Safari Ltd. for either a refund or a replacement. For instructions on returning the puzzle, consumers should call Safari Ltd. at (800) 615-3111 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. This matter was brought to CPSC's attention by the State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection. Shapes Safari puzzles currently on the market, model 9549-12, have been redesigned and are not involved in this recall.

Hazard

The puzzle has two shapes that are small parts, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Safari Ltd. are not aware of any complaints or injuries involving these puzzles.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately take these puzzles away from young children and return them to Safari Ltd. for either a refund or a replacement.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, 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 (Refund, 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.