WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Papel Freelance Inc. of
Cranbury, N.J., is recalling about 28,000 pencils that have
miniature pacifiers where erasers are normally found. These
miniature pacifiers detach very easily from the pencils,
presenting a choking hazard to young children.
CPSC and Papel Freelance Inc. are not aware of any
injuries involving these pencils. This recall is being
conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The wooden pencils, measuring 7 inches long, are
available in pink and blue. The words "PAPEL/FREELANCE
Taiwan" are printed on the side of the pencils. The pencils
have miniature pacifiers where erasers are normally found.
The pacifiers, measuring about 1.5 inches wide, are mostly
cream in color.
Various retail stores nationwide, including Winn Dixie
and Hallmark, sold the pencils from September 1996 through
April 1997 for about $2.
Consumers should take these pencils away from young
children immediately and return them to the store where
purchased for a full refund. For more information about this
recall, consumers should call Papel Freelance Inc. at (800)
634-8384.
CPSC learned of this problem from the State of
Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection.