"Wooden Shaky Head Rattles"

CPSC Recall #89-093 - September 27, 1989

Recall Summary

Recall Number89-093
Recall DateSeptember 27, 1989
Remedy TypeRefund
Units Affected11,000
Manufactured InTaiwan

Where It Was Sold

These rattles were sold nationwide during 1988 and 1989 through Toys "R" Us
Inc. stores for $1.99 per package.

Product

"Wooden Shaky Head Rattles"

Description

WASHINGTON, DC. -- Toys "R" Us, Inc. of Paramus, New Jersey is voluntarily recalling 11,000 "Wooden Shaky Head Rattles" because they may pose a potential choking hazard to young children. The product being recalled consists of a 6 1/2-inch-long natural wood rattle with the top half in colors of yellow, red, pink and black. The top of the rattle is in the shape of a head. Two wooden balls, each having a diameter of 3/4 of an inch, are attached to the body with springs which make a rattle noise. The product has a label "Made in Taiwan" and comes in a clear plastic bag with a green cardboard header reading in part: "Summco International Ltd. No. 453105, Distributed by Lash Distributors, Paramus, N.J. SKN 421804." Acting Chairman Anne Graham, of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), said "The product fails to meet the CPSC mandatory standard for rattles that is intended to prevent choking accidents involving young children." These rattles were sold nationwide during 1988 and 1989 through Toys "R" Us, Inc. stores for $1.99 per package. Graham said, "While neither the CPSC nor Toys "R" Us, Inc. is aware of any injuries associated with the toy, this corrective action is being taken to prevent that possibility." "Consumers having these rattles should take them away from children and return them to the nearest Toys "R" Us, Inc. store for a full refund of the purchase price." Consumers who have any questions about this recall may contact Toys "R" Us, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-548-0364.

Hazard

The rattles may pose a potential choking hazard to young children.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers having these rattles should take them away from children and return them to the nearest Toys "R" Us, Inc. store for a full 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.