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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT:
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April 12, 1993
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(301) 504-7908
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Release # 93-062
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Taco Bell Corp. Announces Voluntary Recall Of Promotional Items
PRODUCT: Approximately 500,000 Lowly Worm and Huckle Cat finger puppets and 80,000 Rocky & Bullwinkle inflatable balls distributed free by Taco Bell restaurants. The finger puppets were distributed free in Taco Bell Kid's Meals from January 25 through March 28, 1993 and the inflatable balls were distributed free in Taco Bell Kid's Meals from March 29 through March 31, 1993.
PROBLEM: Taco Bell received complaints that the finger puppets became stuck on the tongues of three children; and several complaints that blowing up the balls caused slight dizziness.
WHAT TO DO: Return both products to any Taco Bell location and receive a complimentary original Taco. Consumers with questions may call toll-free at 1-800-374-8220.
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Taco Bell Corp. of Irvine, CA announced a voluntary recall of items recently distributed in two Kid's Meal promotions by Taco Bell restaurants throughout the United States.
"The Busy World of Richard Scarry" finger puppets, Lowly Worm and Huckle Cat, were recalled, as well as Rocky & Bullwinkle inflatable balls. Taco Bell received complaints that the finger puppets had become stuck on the tongues of three children and several complaints that blowing up the balls caused slight dizziness.
A spokesperson for Taco Bell said, "Taco Bell has elected to recall both items voluntarily from our stores to eliminate any possibility of future customer discomfort and inconvenience. We want to continue to ensure the comfort and safety of our customers."
According to the manufacturer, both products were tested in accordance with CPSC regulations. Approximately 500,000 finger puppets were distributed free in Taco Bell Kid's Meals from January 25 through March 28, 1993. About 80,000 inflatable balls, also free in Kid's Meals, were distributed from March 29 through March 31, 1993.
Consumers may return both products to any Taco Bell location and receive a complimentary original Taco. A toll-free consumer hotline has been established at 1-800-374-8220 to respond to consumer inquiries.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.