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CPSC and Kreiner Imports Announce the Recall of Kinder Chocolate Eggs Containing Toys

  • Recalled Kinder Chocolate Egg
Name of Product:
Kinder Chocolate Eggs
Hazard:

Some of the toys have small parts that present a serious choking and aspiration hazard to children under three years of age.

Remedy:
Refund
Recall Date:
August 18, 1997
Units:

Approximately 5,000

Consumer Contact

Otherwise, consumers should call Ferrero U.S.A. Inc at (888) 393-2849 for instructions on returning the toys for a full refund and a bonus premium.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kreiner Imports Inc. of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,000 Kinder chocolate eggs, which Kreiner imported into the United States and which contain a surprise toy within a plastic capsule. Some of the toys have small parts that present a serious choking and aspiration hazard to children under three years of age.

CPSC considers the toys within the eggs as presently imported and sold to violate CPSC's small parts regulation with respect to children under three.

The Ferrero Group, the manufacturer of Kinder chocolate eggs, does not market this product in the United States. Ferrero said that it markets the product in other countries solely for children three and older and designs these toys to be assembled by older children. Ferrero considers the product safe for children three years and older. Ferrero said it is working with Customs and CPSC and is pursuing legal action against parties involved in illegal imports.

CPSC and Ferrero are not aware of any injuries in the United States involving these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury to children under three years of age.

The Kinder eggs are hollow milk chocolate eggs about the size of a large hen's egg in an orange, white and blue foil wrapper. The toy within the egg is contained in an oval-shaped plastic capsule. The toy requires assembly and each egg contains a different toy. The labeling is in German. The foil wrapper of the egg is labeled in part, "Kinder UBERRASCHUNG ...FERRERO."

Kreiner Imports Inc. imported and distributed Kinder eggs from March 1997 through August 1997 through the following small candy and specialty stores in the South, Midwest and West.

CPSC and Ferrero believe that other companies have imported and sold additional Kinder eggs in the United States -- without Ferrero's knowledge or authorization -- under the Kinder Surprise label. These eggs are labeled in English and other languages. The foil wrapper of the egg is labeled in part, "Kinder Surprise...Containing Surprise Toy...MADE BY FERRERO."

Consumers should take these toys away from children under three years of age immediately. If purchased at the above listed stores, consumers should return the toys to the store for a full refund. Otherwise, consumers should call Ferrero U.S.A. Inc at (888) 393-2849 for instructions on returning the toys for a full refund and a bonus premium.

Remedy:

Consumers should take these toys away from children under three years of age immediately. If purchased at the above listed stores, consumers should return the toys to the store for a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries:

CPSC and Ferrero are not aware of any injuries in the United States involving these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury to children under three years of age.

Sold At:
Kreiner Imports Inc. imported and distributed Kinder eggs from March 1997 through August 1997 through the following small candy and specialty stores in the South, Midwest and West: Continental Imports, 17115-E West Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, WI; Rosemarie's Restaurant & Deli, 2445 Ridge Rd., Lansing, IL; Edelweiss Delicatessen, 136 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, IL; Van Nuys German Delicatessen, 16155 Roscoe Blvd., North Hills, CA; Geier's Sausage Kitchen, 7447 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL; Wolf's Delicatessen, 2019 S. Lumpkin Rd., Columbus, GA; Heinz Bavarian Bakery, 3419 Noland Rd., Independence, MO; Ehmer's Chef's Market, 7804 Fairview Rd., Charlotte, NC; Himmel Haus Imports, 3444 Main St., Elkhart, IN; German Specialties, 515 N. Western Ave., Peoria, IL; Katy's Catering, 2732 7th St., Moline, IL; Deutsche Ecke Bakery & Cafe, 451 N. Wilson Blvd., Radcliff, KY; Mainzer's Delicatessen, 12113 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami, FL.
Recall number:
97-172

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

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