Original; see modified release: Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Dolls Refund
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT CPSC:
January 6, 1997
(301) 504-7908
CONTACT MATTEL: Lisa McKendall
(310) 252-4592
Release #97-055
Mattel and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Announce Voluntary Refund Program for Cabbage Patch Kids &
Snacktime Kids Dolls
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to concerns related to
its Cabbage Patch Kids® Snacktime Kids dolls, Mattel, Inc.,
with the cooperation of the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), voluntarily announced today a
refund program for all dolls purchased since the toy's
introduction in the fall of 1996. Mattel will offer
consumers a full cash refund of $40. At the same time, the
company announced a withdrawal of the product from all
retail shelves across the U.S., and will discontinue the
distribution of the Snacktime Kids dolls.
Mattel is taking this action following reports of
people getting their hair and fingers caught in the mouths
of the dolls. Neither Mattel's nor CPSC's testing of the
product has identified a serious safety hazard associated
with the dolls.
"Nonetheless, we remain deeply concerned with the
satisfaction of all our consumers and in maintaining their
long-standing confidence in the safety and value of our
toys," said Jill E. Barad, Mattel's chief executive officer.
"Our job is to bring joy to children's lives. If
any of our products are causing concerns, we are committed
to responding in a responsible manner."
"We recognize that these incidents can be upsetting to
children and adults, and we are pleased with the actions
being taken by Mattel," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown.
According to Mattel, since the birth of Cabbage Patch
Kids in 1983, more than 80 million dolls have been "adopted"
by children throughout the world, and their unique
individual features and representation of all races and
ethnicities has established the dolls as one of the most
beloved toys in history.
To date, approximately 500,000 Cabbage Patch Kids
Snacktime Kids dolls have been sold to consumers.
"This voluntary program serves as a reconfirmation of
our commitment to the children who enjoy Cabbage Patch Kids
and all the people who, for more than 50 years, have helped
make our many toys the most popular in the world," said
Barad.
To receive a $40 refund, which includes estimated
shipping and handling costs, the dolls must be returned to
the Mattel Distribution Center at 14310 Ramona Ave., Chino,
Calif.,
91710. Returns should include a note clearly indicating the
consumer's name and return address. For more information,
consumers can call Mattel at 1-800-335-1700, Mondays
through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.