Calderon stuffed animal mobiles

CPSC Recall #87-048 - September 9, 1987

Recall Summary

Recall Number87-048
Recall DateSeptember 9, 1987
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately 16,000
Manufactured InTaiwan

Product

Calderon stuffed animal mobiles

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Calderon Company, Inc., Locust Valley, New York, is recalling its large stuffed animal mobiles. When hung within the reach of an infant, a 26-inch nylon cord poses the potential for entanglement and strangulation.The Commission and the firm are aware of the September 1986 fatal strangulation accident of a 15-month-old Pennsylvania boy. The boy became entangled in the nylon cord attached to the wings of a "Toucan" model which was hung over a crib and post. A label sewn into the mobile, warning against use by children under three, had been removed after purchase.Other models of the colorful, soft, stuffed animal mobiles include giraffes, pelicans, elephants, ducks, and penguins. The recalled mobiles may be identified by a cloth label sewn into the stuffed toy. It bears the words "CALDERON CO, INC., CONTENTS: ALL NEW MATERIAL, PLUSH AND FILLING (FILLING: POLYESTER FIBER & PLASTIC PELLETS) NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE) MADE IN TAIWAN." A nylon cord about 26 inches long attaches to one wing, arm, or ear, passes through a white ring connecting two springs, and then attaches to the other wing, arm, or ear (see attached sketch). This allows the wings, arms, or ears to flap as the animal bounces up and down. It also makes a squeaking noise as it bounces or is handled.Approximately 16,000 of these mobiles were imported from Taiwan and sold nationwide since 1979. The large stuffed mobiles retail for about $10.00. Consumers should take the mobiles away from children and cut the 26-inch nylon cord and springs. Send the detached cord and sprints to: Calderon Co., Inc., 480 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Calderon will send you a free plush toy in return.To report an unsafe consumer product or receive safety information, consumers may call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270. 

Hazard

When hung within the reach of an infant, a 26-inch nylon cord poses the potential for entanglement and strangulation.

Incidents & Injuries

The Commission and the firm are aware of the September 1986 fatal strangulation accident of a 15-month-old Pennsylvania boy. The boy became entangled in the nylon cord attached to the wings of a "Toucan" model which was hung over a crib and post. A label sewn into the mobile, warning against use by children under three, had been removed after purchase.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take the mobiles away from children and cut the 26-inch nylon cord and springs. Send the detached cord and sprints to: Calderon Co., Inc., 480 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Calderon will send you a free plush toy in return.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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.