Toys "R" Us, Inc. Recalls Siren Whistle Toy Because Of Potential Choking Hazards
CPSC Recall #89-081 - August 27, 1989
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 89-081 |
| Recall Date | August 27, 1989 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 9,600 |
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- Toys "R" Us, Inc. of Paramus, New Jersey is voluntarily recalling 9,600 "Siren Whistle" toys because they may pose a potential choking hazard to young children. The products being recalled consist of sets of five or eight solid-color whistles (yellow, white, red, blue, orange, green, pink, and black) made of plastic measuring 1-3/4 inches long. The product is identified as "Siren Whistles", Lucky Star Enterprises, #69096 (SKNO81825) and Unique Industries, #8848 (SKNI85892), made in Taiwan. The whistles break apart easily, causing small parts to separate from the whistles which could be ingested by a child. The company discovered the problem after receiving a consumer complaint that a child sucked the metal noisemaker from the whistle into his mouth and then coughed it out. These "Siren Whistles" were sold nationwide in the first quarter of 1989 through Toys "R" Us, Inc. stores for $.89 to $.97 per package. While neither CPSC nor Toys "R" Us, Inc. is aware of any injuries associated with the toy, this corrective action is being taken to prevent the possibility. Consumers having these "Whistle Toys" should take them away from children and return them to the nearest Toys "R" Us, Inc. store for a full refund of the purchase price. Consumers who have any questions about this recall may contact Toys "R" Us, Inc. at 1-800-548-0364.
Hazard
The whistles break apart easily, causing small parts to separate from the whistles which could be ingested by a child.
Incidents & Injuries
The company discovered the problem after receiving a consumer complaint that a child sucked the metal noisemaker from the whistle into his mouth and then coughed it out.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers having these "Whistle Toys" should take them away from children and return them to the nearest Toys "R" Us, Inc. store 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.
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.
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.