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"Siren Whistles"

CPSC Recall #90-038 — February 13, 1990

Recall Summary

Recall Number90-038
Recall DateFebruary 13, 1990
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 553,000
Manufactured InTaiwan

Product

"Siren Whistles"

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Hayes Specialties Corporation, Saginaw, Michigan, is voluntarily recalling approximately 553,000 "Siren Whistles" because they may pose a potential choking hazard. The whistles being recalled are solid-color cylindrical whistles each made of plastic and measuring 1 3/4-inches long. The product is embossed with "Made in Taiwan." The whistles come in any of the following colors: red, blue, pink, orange, green, and yellow, and were sold individually from a 6-dozen display box. The whistles easily break apart releasing small parts that may pose a potential choking hazard. These "Siren Whistles" were sold nationwide over the last 2 1/2 years. While neither CPSC nor Hayes Specialties Corporation is aware of any injuries associated with the whistles distributed by Hayes, CPSC is aware of a number of choking incidents with siren type whistles. CPSC became aware of the potential choking hazard posed by these "Siren Whistles" through a firm that purchased the whistles from Hayes Specialties Corporation. CPSC Chairman Jacqueline Jones-Smith said, "Consumers having these Siren Whistles should take them away from children and return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund of the purchase price." Consumers who have any questions about this recall may contact Hayes Specialties Corporation at 517-755-6541.

Hazard

The whistles easily break apart releasing small parts that may pose a potential choking hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

While neither CPSC nor Hayes Specialties Corporation is aware of any injuries associated with the whistles distributed by Hayes, CPSC is aware of a number of choking incidents with siren type whistles.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers having these Siren Whistles should take them away from children and return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund of the purchase price.

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.

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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.

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