Paci-Face Mustache pacifier, Lip pacifier and Smile pacifier

CPSC Recall #95-117 — May 7, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number95-117
Recall DateMay 7, 1995
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 35,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

The pacifiers were sold by Target Stores nationwide and other retailers from January 1994 to June 1994 for about $3.00.

Product

Paci-Face Mustache pacifier, Lip pacifier and Smile pacifier

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- CPSC, Paci-Faces Inc. of Atlantic Highlands, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 35,000 pacifiers. Paci-Face received a consumer complaint of a nipple separating from its plastic shield, which presents a choking hazard to young children. The plastic pacifiers were sold in three styles: the Mustache pacifier (model number 00001) resembles a black handlebar mustache and red bottom lip; the Lip pacifier (model number 00002); and the Smile (model number 00003) pacifier with two large lips with two rows of teeth showing. The pacifiers, which measure 2.5 inches wide by 1.5 inches tall, have a beige rubber nipple and two air holes that are approximately .125 inches in diameter situated on each side of the nipple. A label on the pacifiers' back shield reads, in part, "MADE IN CHINA 1986 Paci-face, Inc. Patent pending." Pacifiers that are date coded "5/1/95" or later on the back of the blister card are not involved in this recall. Consumers can identify the plastic blister packages in which the pacifiers were sold by the labeling which reads, in part, "PACIFACES Pacifiers with Character! . . ." The pacifiers were sold by Target Stores nationwide and other retailers from January 1994 to June 1994 for about $3.00. Consumers should take the pacifiers away from young children immediately and return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund of the purchase price. For more information, consumers with any questions can call Paci-Faces at (800) 642-2504 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDST.

Hazard

Paci-Face received a consumer complaint of a nipple separating from its plastic shield, which presents a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

Paci-Face received a consumer complaint of a nipple separating from its plastic shield.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take the pacifiers away from young children immediately and return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund of the purchase price.

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.