Gymboree Children's Umbrellas

CPSC Recall #97-169 — August 4, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-169
Recall DateAugust 4, 1997
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 700

Where It Was Sold

Gymboree stores sold the umbrellas nationwide from September 1996 through May 1997 for about $12 to $30
depending on the model.

Product

Gymboree Children's Umbrellas

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gymboree Corp. of Burlingame, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 6,500 children's umbrellas that have surface coating decorations with high levels of lead. This violates the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act. In addition, about 700 similarly decorated beach and golf umbrellas are being recalled. Ingestion of high levels of lead can present a risk of lead poisoning to young children. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavior problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.CPSC and Gymboree are not aware of any reports of illness involving these umbrellas. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of illness.The Gymboree umbrellas come in "kid-sized" compact, golf and beach varieties, and are multi-colored with polka-dot, stripe and checkered square panels alternating with solid color panels. The kid-sized compact umbrella has a clown on the purple panel. Model numbers do not appear on the umbrellas, but are on the price tag. The child's umbrella has model number 27000033, the golf umbrella has model number 27000025 and the beach umbrella has model number 27000041.Gymboree stores sold the umbrellas nationwide from September 1996 through May 1997 for about $12 to $30, depending on the model.Consumers should take these umbrellas away from children immediately and return them to any Gymboree store for a full refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should contact Gymboree at (800) 558-9885 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

The children's umbrellas that have surface coating decorations with high levels of lead. This violates the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Act. Ingestion of high levels of lead can present a risk of lead poisoning to young children. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavior problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Gymboree are not aware of any reports of illness involving these umbrellas. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of illness.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take these umbrellas away from children immediately and return them to any Gymboree 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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.