Wooden Clown Toys
CPSC Recall #98-024 — November 5, 1997
Product
Wooden Clown Toys
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), BRIO Corp. of Germantown, Wis., a subsidiary of BRIO AB of Sweden, is voluntarily replacing the hats on about 79,000 wooden clown toys. The hats present a potential choking hazard to young children.BRIO has received one report of a 22-month-old child in Germany reportedly choking to death on the clown's hat. No other injuries or complaints have been reported.The clown is a 9-inch high wooden stacking toy consisting of 12 brightly colored pieces, including the base. When all of the pieces are stacked in order, the toy resembles the figure of a clown with a yellow cone-shaped hat. The words, "BRIO...MADE IN SWEDEN" are stamped on the bottom of the toy's base. The toy is packaged in a red, white and yellow cardboard box. Pictures of the toy, model number 30130 and the words "BRIO...CLOWN" appear on the box.Specialty stores and mail order catalogs nationwide sold the toy from 1977 through September 1997, most recently for about $19. BRIO clown toys currently being sold have the redesigned hat and are in boxes labeled, "CONTAINS NEW HAT DESIGN."Consumers should take the clown's hat away from children immediately and send the hat to BRIO Corp., N120 W18485 Freistadt Road, Germantown, WI 53022. BRIO will send consumers a redesigned replacement hat and postage reimbursement. Consumers with questions should call BRIO toll-free at (888) 274-6869 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.
Hazard
The hats present a potential choking hazard to young children.
Incidents / Injuries
BRIO has received one report of a 22-month-old child in Germany reportedly choking to death on the clown's hat. No other injuries or complaints have been reported.
Remedy
Consumers should take the clown's hat away from children immediately and send the hat to BRIO Corp.
Units Affected
About 79,000
Sold At
Specialty stores and mail order catalogs nationwide sold the toy from 1977 through September 1997, most recently for about $19. BRIO clown toys currently being sold have the redesigned hat and are in boxes labeled, "CONTAINS NEW HAT DESIGN."