Knock-A-Block toy

CPSC Recall #98-135 — June 28, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-135
Recall DateJune 28, 1998
Remedy TypeRefund
Units Affected2,400
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Toy stores and other small retail stores nationwide sold these wooden toys from August 1997 to June 1998 for about $10.

Product

Knock-A-Block toy

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Laiko International Inc., of City of Industry, Calif., is recalling 2,400 Knock-A-Block wooden toys. The balls in this toy are less than 1.75 inches in diameter, which poses a choking hazard to young children. CPSC and Laiko International Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving this toy. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. This wooden toy consists of a red, yellow and blue wooden frame with plastic inserts lining the four holes in the top. A wooden hammer and four solid-colored wooden balls are included. The balls are red, green, yellow and blue. They are designed to be hammered through the holes in the top of the toy, and then roll down a ramp to the front of the toy. The cardboard box packaging includes writing in several languages. The English writing states in part, "WOODEN TOY KNOCK-A-BALL *** ITEM NO.785 *** MADE IN CHINA *** NON-TOXIC." Toy stores and other small retail stores nationwide sold these wooden toys from August 1997 to June 1998 for about $10. Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Laiko International Inc. at (888) 280-0280 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT or write to Laiko International Inc., 16710 Johnson Dr., City of Industry, CA 91745. CPSC learned of the problem through testing samples as part of a CPSC surveillance program.

Hazard

The balls in this toy are less than 1.75 inches in diameter, which poses a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Laiko International Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving this toy.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

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.