"Comforts" pacifiers
CPSC Recall #03-187 — September 16, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-187 |
| Recall Date | September 16, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 154,000 |
| Manufacturer | Apothecary Products Inc., of Burnsville, Minn. |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Many Kroger-owned stores from August 2002 through August 2003 for about $3.50 to $5. |
Product
"Comforts" pacifiers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Simon & Schuster Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling 154,000 "Comforts" pacifiers. These pacifiers fail federal safety tests, come apart, and can pose a choking hazard to infants and small children.Name of product: "Comforts" pacifiersUnits: 154,000Manufacturer: Apothecary Products Inc., of Burnsville, Minn.Hazard: These pacifiers fail federal safety tests, come apart, and can pose a choking hazard to infants and small children.Incidents/Injuries: None reported.Description: The pacifiers are available in both silicone and latex formulations in the following colors: powder blue, red, purple, and pink. The name "Kroger" appears on the package, along with the words "Pacifiers," "Latex," "Silicone," "0-6 months," or "6-18 months." The model numbers are located on the back of each package and are the last five digits of the UPC code:35826 35827 35828 35829Sold at: Many Kroger-owned stores from August 2002 through August 2003 for about $3.50 to $5.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Return the pacifiers to the store where purchased for a full refund.Consumer Contact: Contact Apothecary Products at (866) 274-7956 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or call The Kroger Co. toll-free at (800) 632-6900 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.Media Contact: Kelly Schwab, Apothecary Products, (952) 808-8342.
Hazard
These pacifiers fail federal safety tests, come apart, and can pose a choking hazard to infants and small children.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Return the pacifiers 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.