"Smatter" spray foam

CPSC Recall #02-203 — July 17, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-203
Recall DateJuly 17, 2002
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedApproximately 296,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Discount department and toy stores sold the recalled "Smatter" products nationwide from February 2002 through June 5
2002 for about $10.

Product

"Smatter" spray foam

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jakks Pacific Inc., of Malibu, California is voluntarily recalling approximately 296,000 cans of its aerosol "Smatter" spray foam. If the pressurized can is left in a hot automobile, it can forcefully break apart and cause injury to a nearby consumer.Jakks Pacific has received eight reports of the aerosol container breaking apart. One child reportedly suffered a minor bump on the head when a can of spray foam broke apart after being in a hot car. In two cases, car windshields were cracked.Only early production of spray foam with the date codes "0492PT" to "0952PT" stamped on the bottom of the can are involved in this recall. "Smatter" is an aerosol product that sprays a soft foam material from the can when the nozzle is pushed. The product is generally used at parties, celebrations, or games. The spray foam is sold in three different varieties: "Original Smatter," "Spit Smatter," and "Fatter Smatter." "SMATTER" appears in large print on the can and on the cardboard packaging. "Nickelodeon™" is written on the orange handle. "Made in China" is written the back of the product.Discount department and toy stores sold the recalled "Smatter" products nationwide from February 2002 through June 5, 2002 for about $10.Consumers should immediately take the recalled "Smatter" away from children and contact Jakks Pacific, Inc. at (800) 554-5516 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, for information on receiving a free replacement "Smatter" product. Consumers also can visit the firm's website at www.jakkspacific.com. Never leave any aerosol can in a hot car because it could break apart, possibly causing injury.

Hazard

If the pressurized can is left in a hot automobile, it can forcefully break apart and cause injury to a nearby consumer.

Incidents & Injuries

Jakks Pacific has received eight reports of the aerosol container breaking apart. One child reportedly suffered a minor bump on the head when a can of spray foam broke apart after being in a hot car. In two cases, car windshields were cracked.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately take the recalled "Smatter" away from children and contact Jakks Pacific, Inc. at (800) 554-5516 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, for information on receiving a free replacement "Smatter" product.

What Should You Do?

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