Sesame Street Rhythm Band Set

CPSC Recall #90-128 - July 10, 1990

Recall Summary

Recall Number90-128
Recall DateJuly 10, 1990
Remedy TypeDispose, Replace
Units AffectedApproximately 9,200
Manufactured InChina

Product

Sesame Street Rhythm Band Set

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LEWCO Corp., New York, NY, has announced a replacement program for the Oscar the Grouch Cymbals contained in its Model #3553, Sesame Street Rhythm Band Set. When tested in accordance with the CPSC's Small Parts Requirements, the Oscar the Grouch "heads" detached from the cymbals and could present a choking hazard to young children. LEWCO Corp. is offering to replace the cymbals with new cymbals that have been redesigned to eliminate the small parts hazard. Approximately 9,200 units were sold nationwide from January 1, 1989 to April 16, 1990 for approximately $20.00 each. The toys were imported from China. The set consists of a Sesame Street marching drum and drum sticks, Bert & Ernie maracas, Little Bird slide whistle, Cookie Monster tambourine and Oscar the Grouch cymbals. Embossed on the inside of the drum and tambourine are the words "Blue Box Toys, Made in China, Muppets, Inc." Embossed on the handles of the maracas are the words "Made in China, Muppets, Inc." The cymbals are the only part of this musical instrument set subject to this replacement program. Consumers are urged to discard the original cymbals immediately. Neither the CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving this product. This voluntary replacement is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Consumers who desire a cymbal replacement set should contact LEWCO Corp. at: LEWCO Corp. 1107 Broadway - Suite 905 New York, New York 10010

Hazard

When tested in accordance with the CPSC's Small Parts Requirements, the Oscar the Grouch "heads" detached from the cymbals and could present a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

Neither the CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving this product.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers are urged to discard the original cymbals immediately. Consumers who desire a cymbal replacement set should contact LEWCO Corp. at: LEWCO Corp. 1107 Broadway - Suite 905, New York, New York 10010.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Dispose, Replace 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 (Dispose, Replace) 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.