| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: |
| June 11, 1996 |
(301) 504-7908 |
| Release # 96-145 |
| |
CPSC and Gibson Greetings Announce Stuffed Animal Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gibson Greetings Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 69,700 "Keepsake Kritters" stuffed bears and cats. The stuffed animals' eyes may separate from the toy, presenting a choking hazard to young children.
Gibson Greetings and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving this toy. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The stuffed animals measure about eight inches high. The brown "Orson" bear, item 1599QR925-0010, with brown eyes and brown trim, wears a sweater patterned like an American flag. The white "Abby" cat, item 1599QR927-0010, with blue eyes and pink trim, wears a multi-colored, flecked sweater. Beige hang tags attached to the toys' ears read in part, "Gibson Keepsake Kritters ... 1996 Gibson Greetings Inc. ... Made in China."
The toys were sold nationwide at a price of approximately $15 each in grocery stores, card shops, and specialty retailers from March 15, 1996 to April 22, 1996.
Consumers should take the bears and cats away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also mail thetoy to Gibson Greetings Inc., P.O. Box 371804, Cincinnati, OH 45222-1804, Attn: Jo Poppe/Recall. Gibson will send consumers a refund plus mailing expenses. For more information consumers may call Gibson Greetings toll free at (800) 345-6521.
No other "Keepsake Kritters" are involved in this recall. Gibson Greetings brought the hazard to CPSC's attention after it was discovered by a Gibson sales associate.
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.