Kouvalias Musical Toys, model number 960
CPSC Recall #94-036 — February 7, 1994
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 94-036 |
| Recall Date | February 7, 1994 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Approximately 18,400 |
| Manufactured In | Greece |
Product
Kouvalias Musical Toys, model number 960
Description
PRODUCT: Approximately 18,400 Kouvalias Musical Toys, model number 960. The wooden toy boxes consist of a wooden platform with a ball connected to the platform and nine more balls in various colors attached by metal coil springs. The boxes were distributed from 1989 through mid-July 1993 at various retail stores nationwide. They sold for $44.95 each. PROBLEM: The colored wooden balls and pieces from the music box underneath separated during routine CPSC testing, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Reeves at: 1-800-444-4775. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Reeves International, Inc., Pequannock, NJ is voluntarily recalling 18,400 "Kouvalias Musical Toy" model number 960. During routine CPSC testing, colored wooden balls and gear components from the musical box underneath the toy separated, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children. The musical toy consists of the following parts: a wooden base (5 inches in diameter) that houses the musical box; a wooden platform that measures 3-1/2 inches in diameter and is attached to the base; and a wooden ball (2 inches in diameter) connected to the platform. Nine wooden balls in various colors are attached to the 2-inch diameter wooden ball by 1-1/2 inch metal coil springs. The music box is activated when the platform is turned; a song is played while the toy rotates. The label underneath the base reads: "A. Kouvalias S.A. . . .MADE IN GREECE." The "Kouvalias Music Toy" was imported by Reeves from Greece and distributed nationwide at various retail stores from 1989 through mid-July 1993. The musical toys sold for $44.95 each. Consumers are urged to take the toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Reeves toll-free at: 1-800-444-4775. Neither CPSC nor Reeves is aware of any injuries involving the musical toys. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous toys were identified by CPSC during a routine inspection of the firm. CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction.
Hazard
The colored wooden balls and pieces from the music box underneath separated during routine CPSC testing, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.
Incidents & Injuries
Neither CPSC nor Reeves is aware of any injuries involving the musical toys.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the stores 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.