Toothbrush Trainer
CPSC Recall #92126 - August 23, 1992
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 92126 |
| Recall Date | August 23, 1992 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Approximately 17,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Toys "R" Us |
Product
Toothbrush Trainer
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Toys "R" Us of Paramus, NJ announces the voluntary recall of the F.J. Strauss "Musical Toothbrush Trainer Set." The set contains a baby's toothbrush and gum massager, and a musical handle for the toothbrush and the massager. F.J. Strauss, manufacturer of the product, is no longer in business. Toys "R" Us, Inc. has agreed to participate in this recall and inform customers of the potential hazard. The tip of the gum massager may come off. Because the toothbrush set is recommended for children six months and up, the massager, if detached, presents a choking hazard. Consumers who own an F.J. Strauss Musical Toothbrush Trainer Set should immediately discontinue use and discard the gum massager. Consumers who purchased the F.J. Strauss Musical Toothbrush Trainer Sets from Toys "R" Us are asked to return them to the store with proof of purchase for a full refund. For more information, consumers may call 1- 800-548-0364. Approximately 17,000 toothbrush trainers were sold nationwide by Toys "R" Us from February 1, 1991, to January 31, 1992 for $2.99 each. Toys "R" Us has removed all units from their shelves as a precaution and has cooperated with the Commission by providing product samples and information concerning the product. CPSC was informed of this potential hazard by Toys "R" Us after the firm received a complaint from a customer whose child had bitten off the gum massager. The child was not injured in the incident. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's mission is to reduce the estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.
Hazard
The gum massager attached to the toothbrush may come off, posing a choking hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC was informed of this potential hazard by Toys "R" Us after the firm received a complaint from a customer whose child had bitten off the gum massager. The child was not injured in the incident.
Remedy Instructions
Immediately discontinue using and discard the gum massager. Return the "Musical Toothbrush Trainer" to Toys "R" Us with proof of purchase for a full 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.
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.