Surge reversible Shar-pei dog hand puppets, distributed as premiums with Black & Decker SurgeXpre...
CPSC Recall #95-025 - November 14, 1994
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 95-025 |
| Recall Date | November 14, 1994 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | About 35,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| The puppets |
| which were not manufactured by Black & Decker |
| were distributed in retail stores throughout the United States from April 1994 through November 1994 as premiums (free gifts) with new Black & Decker SurgeXpress Irons |
| models F850 |
| F855 |
| F860S |
| F860SP |
| F895 |
| F895S |
| and F895SP. Black & Decker also made the puppets available through direct mail order. |
Product
Surge reversible Shar-pei dog hand puppets, distributed as premiums with Black & Decker SurgeXpress Irons
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Black & Decker Household Products Group of Shelton, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 35,000 Surge reversible Shar-pei dog hand puppets. These puppets passed all toy safety tests specified under federal regulations at the time they were shipped. However, in response to recent consumer concerns and product returns, Black & Decker initiated additional testing, which revealed that the puppets' eyes, over time, could detach, posing a potential choking hazard to children. Although no injuries have been reported, the company is taking this action as a preventive measure. The puppets, which were not manufactured by Black & Decker, were distributed in retail stores throughout the United States from April 1994 through November 1994 as premiums (free gifts) with new Black & Decker SurgeXpress Irons, models F850, F855, F860S, F860SP, F895, F895S, and F895SP. Black & Decker also made the puppets available through direct mail order. The puppets, all labeled with "Surge" on a sewn-on tag on the bottom, are approximately 11 inches tall and have either brown or amber (orange) eyes. Consumers should immediately take the hand puppet away from children and call Black & Decker for a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which to return the puppet for a $10.00 refund plus applicable shipping and handling expenses. For more information about this recall and to obtain a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for returning the puppet, call Black & Decker at (800) 318-7508 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
Hazard
Black & Decker initiated additional testing, which revealed that the puppets' eyes, over time, could detach, posing a potential choking hazard to children.
Incidents & Injuries
No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately take the hand puppet away from children and call Black & Decker for a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope in which to return the puppet for a $10.00 refund plus applicable shipping and handling expenses.
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.