Multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk

CPSC Recall #04-038 - November 23, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number04-038
Recall DateNovember 23, 2003
Remedy TypeRefund
Units Affected50,000 packages
ManufacturerAgglo Corporation, of Hong Kong (China)
ImporterToys "R" Us, Inc., of Paramus, NJ.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

The sidewalk chalk was sold at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide from March 2003 to November 2003 for about $4.99 per package.

Product

Multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Agglo Corporation, Hong Kong (China), and Toys "R" Us, Inc., Paramus, NJ. are voluntarily recalling about 50,000 packages of multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk. The multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk contains high levels of lead, posing a risk of poisoning to young children.Name of product: Multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalkUnits: 50,000 packagesManufacturer: Manufactured by Agglo Corporation, Hong Kong (China), and imported by Toys "R" Us, Inc., Paramus, NJ.Hazard: The multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk contains high levels of lead, posing a risk of poisoning to young children.Incidents/Injuries: None.Description: The sidewalk chalk is packaged in a clear-plastic backpack-type carrying case with these words on the label: "Chalk To Go...Totally Me!...24 pieces, sidewalk chalk in different colors, fun chalk shapes." The label on the package also says "Conforms to ASTM- D4236." The sidewalk chalk comes in several shapes: butterfly, spider, ice cream cone, bottle, cylinder, and triangular stick. The chalk pieces are solid-colored or multi-colored, including red, blue, green, yellow, and purple.Sold at: The sidewalk chalk was sold at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide from March 2003 to November 2003 for about $4.99 per package.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Return the sidewalk chalk to Toys "R" Us for a refund.Consumer Contact: Consumers may call toll-free on (866) 274-6340, 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday, or visit the Toys "R" Us website: www.toysrusinc.com.

Hazard

The multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk contains high levels of lead, posing a risk of poisoning to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Return the sidewalk chalk to Toys "R" Us for 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.

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.