Flip Fingers Rattle
CPSC Recall #96188 - September 10, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 96188 |
| Recall Date | September 10, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Approximately 60,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Grocery stores and a few specialty stores sold the rattles nationwide from May 1996 through September 1996 for about $1.40. The rattles came in clear plastic packages on a blue card labeled in part |
| "Gerber Flip Fingers Rattle ... number 76250. |
Product
Flip Fingers Rattle
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Gerber Products Co. of Fremont, Mich., is voluntarily recalling approximately 60,000 Flip Fingers Rattles in one style. The spherical end-caps of the rattle may separate releasing small parts, such as spinning pieces and noise-making beads, which present a choking and inhalation hazard to young children. Gerber received five reports of these rattles breaking. CPSC and Gerber have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. This recall involves Flip Fingers Rattles with red, U-shaped handles embossed with the word "Gerber." The rattles, measuring 5.25 inches long by 2.5 inches wide, have yellow spherical ends holding multi-colored spinning parts. Flip Fingers Rattles with green handles are not included in this recall. Grocery stores and a few specialty stores sold the rattles nationwide from May 1996 through September 1996 for about $1.40. The rattles came in clear plastic packages on a blue card labeled in part, "Gerber Flip Fingers Rattle ... number 76250." Consumers should take the rattles away from children immediately and call Gerber at (800) 4-GERBER. Gerber will send consumers mailing materials and instructions for returning the rattles to the company to receive a refund. For more information, consumers should call (800) 4-GERBER. Media inquiries should be directed to Van Hindes at Gerber Products Co., (616) 928-2782, or Gary Rudnick at Golin/Harris, (312) 836-7112.
Hazard
The spherical end-caps of the rattle may separate releasing small parts, such as spinning pieces and noise-making beads, which present a choking and inhalation hazard to young children.
Incidents & Injuries
Gerber received five reports of these rattles breaking. CPSC and Gerber have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should take the rattles away from children immediately and call Gerber at (800) 4-GERBER. Gerber will send consumers mailing materials and instructions for returning the rattles to the company to receive a 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.