"Soft Shot Star Launcher" blow-gun toys
CPSC Recall #79-060 - October 25, 1979
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 79-060 |
| Recall Date | October 25, 1979 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Approximately 180,000 |
| Manufacturer | Western Publishing Company, of Racine, Wisconsin |
Product
"Soft Shot Star Launcher" blow-gun toys
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 26) -- Approximately 180,000 "Soft Shot Star Launcher" blow-gun toys which may pose a choking hazard to children are being recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer, the Western Publishing Company, of Racine, Wisconsin. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toy consists of a white plastic tube and mouthpiece which measure approximately 29 inches in overall length. It is sold with three small cardboard targets and three orange darts molded of soft vinyl, each approximately three inches long. The company is recalling the toys based on consumer reports since July, 1979, of three children who choked on the toy's mouthpiece. In each instance, the mouthpiece reportedly separated from the plastic tube and lodged in the child's throat. No critical injury or illness resulted from any of these incidents, according to the company. A fourth similar incident was reported to CPSC and is being investigated by Commission staff. The company reported to CPSC that, despite the potential hazard, the toy meets or exceeds all existing voluntary product safety standards. Model number 4990 is printed on the toy's package, although the toy itself and its components do not display any distinguishing identification. Manufactured and distributed earlier this year, the toy sold for approximately $2 in toy stores and other variety retail stores nationwide. The manufacturer has directed all retailers and distributors of the toys to stop sales. Parents should return the toy to the retailer from which it was purchased to receive a cash refund. Consumers also can obtain refunds (including reimbursement for postage costs) by mailing the toys to: Western Publishing Company, 1220 Mound Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin, 53404, Attention: Customer Relations Director.
Hazard
Approximately 180,000 "Soft Shot Star Launcher" blow-gun toys which may pose a choking hazard to children are being recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer, the Western Publishing Company. The company is recalling the toys based on consumer reports since July 1979 of three children who choked on the toy's mouthpiece. In each instance, the mouthpiece reportedly separated from the plastic tube and lodged in the child's throat.
Incidents & Injuries
The company is recalling the toys based on consumer reports since July, 1979, of three children who choked on the toy's mouthpiece. In each instance, the mouthpiece reportedly separated from the plastic tube and lodged in the child's throat. No critical injury or illness resulted from any of these incidents, according to the company. A fourth similar incident was reported to CPSC and is being investigated by Commission staff.
Remedy Instructions
Parents should return the toy to the retailer from which it was purchased to receive a cash refund. Consumers also can obtain refunds (including reimbursement for postage costs) by mailing the toys to: Western Publishing Company, 1220 Mound Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin, 53404, Attention: Customer Relations Director.
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.