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"Turning Ball with Whistle" rattles

CPSC Recall #98-131 — June 23, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-131
Recall DateJune 23, 1998
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 15,800
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Discount dollar stores nationwide sold the recalled rattle from December 1997 through May 1998 for about $1.

Product

"Turning Ball with Whistle" rattles

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), STK International Inc., of Vernon, Calif., is recalling about 15,800 baby rattles. The handles of these rattles could present a serious choking hazard to infants and young children. Because of the rattle handles' shape, they could block a child's airway if inserted in the throat. CPSC and STK International Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving this rattle. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The rattles are called "Turning Ball with Whistle," and are designed to be an infant toy. They are made of multi-colored plastic with a handle connected to a ring holding a rotating segmented ball. This ball contains a clear plastic ball holding two small metal balls. The handle is made up of large colored beads and has a whistle on the tip. The rattle is packaged in a clear plastic bag with a cardboard hang tag reading, "TURNING BALL WITH WHISTLE *** NO. BI-194 *** MADE IN CHINA ***." Discount dollar stores nationwide sold the recalled rattle from December 1997 through May 1998 for about $1. Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should call STK International Inc. at (800) 536-7855 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday. CPSC learned of the problem through testing samples as part of a joint CPSC/U.S. Customs Service import surveillance program.

Hazard

The handles of these rattles could present a serious choking hazard to infants and young children. Because of the rattle handles' shape, they could block a child's airway if inserted in the throat.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and STK International Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving this rattle.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a 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.

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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.

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