Coca-Cola "Cool Cuff" wristbands

CPSC Recall #89-044 - May 29, 1989

Recall Summary

Recall Number89-044
Recall DateMay 29, 1989
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately two million

Product

Coca-Cola "Cool Cuff" wristbands

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Coca-Cola Foods announced today that it is voluntarily recalling a promotional item called "Cool Cuff" which was distributed in conjunction with Hi-C fruit drinks. The premium is being recalled because it contains small parts that do not comply with CPSC regulations. "Cool Cuffs" are a brightly colored version of a wristband used worldwide in hospitals, water parks, amusement parks, concert arenas and summer campgrounds. The CPSC is concerned the plastic locking device which holds the bracelet in place could be removed and become a choking hazard for small children. "Cool Cuffs" were distributed primarily from February through April of this year, packs of Hi-C fruit drinks with approximately two million nine-in 250-ml. aseptic boxes. An additional quantity was distributed through a mail-in offer on 46-ounce cans of Hi-C fruit drinks. Coca-Cola Foods has initiated the recall in the interest of the safety of consumers, although there have been no reported injuries involving the small parts in this item. The company is taking immediate steps to remove packages containing the "Cool Cuff" promotion from wholesale and retail channels. Hi-C fruit drinks are available in packages without the promotion. Coca-Cola Foods and the CPSC advise consumers who have "Cool Cuff" in their homes to take the item away from children under three years of age and discard it, or return it to Hi-C Stick-on Cool Cuff, P.O. Box 1133, Maple Plains, MN 55348 for replacement with a premium of similar value. Consumers with questions may write Coca-Cola Foods Consumer Affairs Department, P.O. Box 2079, Houston, TX 77252, or call collect at (713) 888-5348. For media inquiries, call Coca-Cola Foods Public Affairs at (713) 888-5018 or (713) 888-5021.

Hazard

The CPSC is concerned the plastic locking device which holds the bracelet in place could be removed and become a choking hazard for small children.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been no reported injuries involving the small parts in this item.

Remedy Instructions

Coca-Cola Foods and the CPSC advise consumers who have "Cool Cuff" in their homes to take the item away from children under three years of age and discard it, or return it to Hi-C Stick-on Cool Cuff, P.O. Box 1133, Maple Plains, MN 55348 for replacement with a premium of similar value.

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.

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.