Gerber "Angel-etts of California" infant and toddler sandals
CPSC Recall #95-129 — June 6, 1995
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 95-129 |
| Recall Date | June 6, 1995 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | About 170,000 pairs |
Where It Was Sold
| The sandals were sold nationwide in 1995 exclusively in the footwear departments of Kmart Stores. |
Product
Gerber "Angel-etts of California" infant and toddler sandals
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Angel-etts of California Inc., is voluntarily recalling five styles of about 170,000 pairs of infant and toddler sandals, which are licensed under the Gerber name, because the buckles may separate from the strap, presenting a potential choking or ingestion risk. The infant sandals, Model Nos. 55101 (white) and 55103 (brown), were sold for $4.99 in clear plastic packages with the name "Gerber Baby Shoes" on the front and "Angel-etts of California" on the back. The toddler sandals, Model Nos. 59006 (white), 59401 (brown), and 59682 (blue denim), were sold for $8.99 in boxes labeled "Gerber Toddler Shoes" with "Angel-etts of California" printed on the bottom. The word "Gerber," used under license, appears on the insole of all five styles. The model numbers are printed on the inside of the straps. The sandals were sold nationwide in 1995 exclusively in the footwear departments of Kmart Stores. No other Angel-etts of California products are being recalled. Angel-etts has received reports that the buckles on some shoes have separated from the straps. In some instances the separated buckle was found in a child's mouth. No injuries have been reported. Angel-etts is recalling these sandals to prevent the possibility of injury. Consumers should stop using these sandals immediately and return them to any Kmart store for a full refund. Consumers may call Angel-etts toll-free at 1-(800)-284-6497 for information about this recall.
Hazard
The buckles may separate from the strap, presenting a potential choking or ingestion risk.
Incidents & Injuries
Angel-etts has received reports that the buckles on some shoes have separated from the straps. In some instances the separated buckle was found in a child's mouth. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these sandals immediately and return them to any Kmart store 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.