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Cabbage Patch Kids® Snacktime Kids dolls, Mattel, Inc.

CPSC Recall #97-055 — January 5, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-055
Recall DateJanuary 5, 1997
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 500,000 

Product

Cabbage Patch Kids® Snacktime Kids dolls, Mattel, Inc.

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to concerns related to its Cabbage Patch Kids® Snacktime Kids dolls, Mattel, Inc., with the cooperation of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), voluntarily announced today a refund program for all dolls purchased since the toy's introduction in the fall of 1996. Mattel will offer consumers a full cash refund of $40. At the same time, the company announced a withdrawal of the product from all retail shelves across the U.S., and will discontinue the distribution of the Snacktime Kids dolls.Mattel is taking this action following reports of people getting their hair and fingers caught in the mouths of the dolls. Neither Mattel's nor CPSC's testing of the product has identified a serious safety hazard associated with the dolls."Nonetheless, we remain deeply concerned with the satisfaction of all our consumers and in maintaining their long-standing confidence in the safety and value of our toys," said Jill E. Barad, Mattel's chief executive officer. "Our job is to bring joy to children's lives. If any of our products are causing concerns, we are committed to responding in a responsible manner.""We recognize that these incidents can be upsetting to children and adults, and we are pleased with the actions being taken by Mattel," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown.According to Mattel, since the birth of Cabbage Patch Kids in 1983, more than 80 million dolls have been "adopted" by children throughout the world, and their unique individual features and representation of all races and ethnicities has established the dolls as one of the most beloved toys in history.To date, approximately 500,000 Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Kids dolls have been sold to consumers."This voluntary program serves as a reconfirmation of our commitment to the children who enjoy Cabbage Patch Kids and all the people who, for more than 50 years, have helped make our many toys the most popular in the world," said Barad.To receive a $40 refund, which includes estimated shipping and handling costs, consumers can call Mattel at (800) 524-8697, Mondays through Friday's from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Hazard

Mattel is taking this action following reports of people getting their hair and fingers caught in the mouths of the dolls.

Incidents & Injuries

Mattel is taking this action following reports of people getting their hair and fingers caught in the mouths of the dolls. Neither Mattel's nor CPSC's testing of the product has identified a serious safety hazard associated with the dolls.

Remedy Instructions

Mattel will offer consumers a full cash refund of $40.

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.

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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.

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.

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