Toy Keys

CPSC Recall #07-023 - November 1, 2006

Recall Summary

Recall Number07-023
Recall DateNovember 1, 2006
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 275,000
ImporterRC2 Brands Inc., of Oak Brook, Ill. The recalled products are marketed under RC2's Learning Curve and The First Years brands.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Department stores and independent toy stores nationwide from August 2005 through October 2006 for about $6.

Product

Toy Keys

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), RC2 Brands Inc., of Oak Brook, Ill. (the recalled products are marketed under RC2's Learning Curve and The First Years brands) is voluntarily recalling about 275,000 toy keys. The colored top portion of the keys can crack, resulting in the release of small parts, which poses a choking hazard to young children.Name of Product: Toy KeysUnits: About 275,000Importer/Distributor: RC2 Brands Inc., of Oak Brook, Ill. The recalled products are marketed under RC2's Learning Curve and The First Years brands.Hazard: The colored top portion of the keys can crack, resulting in the release of small parts, which poses a choking hazard to young children.Incidents/Injuries: RC2 has received four reports of cracking. No injuries have been reported.Description: "Shake 'n Jingle Keys," "Shake & Jingle Keys," "My Jingle Keys" all by The First Years and the John Deere "Real Keys" are toy keys, with three colored keys attached to a blue, red or green remote control with electronic features. Various colored buttons on the remote activate sounds. Only toy keys with the letter "F" in the date code stamp on the packaging and product are involved in the recall. The date code can be found on the back of the remote control. Toy keys with "TE" in the date code or yellow sides on the remote are not included in this recall.Sold at: Department stores and independent toy stores nationwide from August 2005 through October 2006 for about $6.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled toy keys immediately and contact RC2 for a free replacement toy.Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 at (800) 704-8697 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the Learning Curve's Web site at www.learningcurve.com.

Hazard

The colored top portion of the keys can crack, resulting in the release of small parts, which poses a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

RC2 has received four reports of cracking. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled toy keys immediately and contact RC2 for a free replacement toy.

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.

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.