Bubble Beauties™ floating balls
CPSC Recall #98-122 — June 7, 1998
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 98-122 |
| Recall Date | June 7, 1998 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | About 500 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| K·B Toy™ Stores nationwide sold these floating balls in May 1998 for about $3 to $4. |
Product
Bubble Beauties™ floating balls
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), K·B Toys™ of Columbus, Ohio, is recalling about 500 Bubble Beauties™ floating balls. These floating balls contain a petroleum distillate, similar to kerosene, that could be harmful or fatal if ingested. CPSC and K·B Toys™ are not aware of any injuries involving these floating balls. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Bubble Beauties™ floating balls are clear, 2-inch-wide plastic balls containing another clear plastic ball that holds a small, plastic doll. The dolls have either pink, blue, purple or yellow hair. The liquid around the inner ball contains glitter. Writing on the floating balls include: "Bubble Beauties™...#2801...NOT A THROWING TOY...MADE IN CHINA." K·B Toy™ Stores nationwide sold these floating balls in May 1998 for about $3 to $4. Consumers should immediately take these floating balls away from children, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should call K·B Toys™ at (800) 877-1253 between 8 a.m and 5 p.m EDT Monday through Friday. This is the fourth recall of a children's product since April 1998 that contains petroleum distillates. CPSC has issued guidance to manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of liquid-filled consumer products recommending that they not make, sell or distribute products containing harmful liquids which children could access.
Hazard
These floating balls contain a petroleum distillate, similar to kerosene, that could be harmful or fatal if ingested.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and K·B Toys™ are not aware of any injuries involving these floating balls.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately take these floating balls away from children, 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.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.