Children's ID Bracelets

CPSC Recall #97-048 - December 18, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-048
Recall DateDecember 18, 1996
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 211,000

Where It Was Sold

The bracelets sold at Wal-Mart
JCPenney
Hills
Cole Gift Centers
and Meijer stores along with other department
discount
and jewelry stores nationwide from June 1995 through December 1996 for about $11 to $16.

Product

Children's ID Bracelets

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Speidel of Providence, R.I., is recalling about 211,000 children's identification bracelets sold under the name My First ID. The bracelets present a choking hazard to children under age 3. The bracelets are marketed for children packaged in a cardboard gift box shaped like a wooden alphabet block labeled, "MY FIRST ID by Speidel." A label attached to the bracelet warning that the bracelet is not intended for children under age 3 is not visible at the point of sale. Some bracelets were additionally labeled, "...Specially sized for little ones...Perfect for commemorative first occasions like:...First Birthdays...First Words...First Steps..." CPSC and Speidel are not aware of any injuries involving these bracelets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The gold- or silver-tone metal bracelets, measuring 5 to 5 1/2 inches long, can be engraved with identification or commemorative information. The bracelets came in the following eight styles (model numbers are found on a sticker on the box): - Model 2350 is a metal chain of small, simulated pearls in linked, metal settings with a heart-shaped charm. - Models 2351 through 2354 are metal chains with a thin curved plate (measuring between 3/4 and 1 3/8 inches long by 3/16 and 1/2 inch wide) for engraving, with a heart, cross, or bear charm attached. - Models 2355, 2589, and 2590 are metal chains with a thin curved plate (measuring between 3/4 and 1 3/8 inches long by 3/16 and 1/2 inch wide) for engraving. Model 2355 has a heart-shaped cut out on the plate. The bracelets sold at Wal-Mart, JCPenney, Hills, Cole Gift Centers, and Meijer stores along with other department, discount, and jewelry stores nationwide from June 1995 through December 1996 for about $11 to $16. Consumers should immediately take these bracelets away from children under age 3, and return the bracelet to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Speidel toll-free at (800) 672-8934.

Hazard

The bracelets present a choking hazard to children under age 3.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Speidel are not aware of any injuries involving these bracelets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately take these bracelets away from children under age 3, and return the bracelet to the store where purchased for a full refund.

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.