Wooden Armadillo and Turtle Recalled by Americas Co.
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Media Relations
April 2, 1996
(301) 504-7908
Release # 96-092
CPSC and The Americas Co. Announce Wooden Armadillo and
Turtle Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Americas Company of
San Francisco, Calif., is recalling approximately 42,000
wooden armadillos and turtles. The products are hazardous
because they contain a level of lead in the painted surface
that violates the law and is dangerous to children if
consumed.
The wooden armadillos and turtles, with bodies
measuring between one and four inches long, are made of
dried gourds and are painted in various colors and patterns.
The armadillos and turtles have movable heads and the larger
armadillos also have movable tails.
A sticker on the bottom of the armadillos and turtles reads,
"Hecho En Mexico" ("Made in Mexico"). The large armadillos'
hang tags read, "Folk Art *** The Nature Company,
Berkeley, CA *** sku #696807 *** Item 696807 ***
$14.00/xxx."
Six retailers, including The Nature Company stores,
sold the armadillos and turtles nationwide from May 1995 to
February 1996 for between $4 and $14 each.
Consumers should immediately take the armadillos and
turtles away from children and return the items to the store
where purchased for a full refund or exchange. Consumers can
also return armadillos and turtles with proof of purchase
directly to The Americas Company, 1977 Union Street, San
Francisco, Calif. 94123. The Americas Co. will exchange the
product for a new one that meets CPSC standards. For more
information, consumers should call The Americas at (800)
ARTIFAX (278-4329) between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PT,
Monday through Friday.
The Americas and CPSC are not aware of any injuries
involving these products. This recall is being conducted to
prevent the possibility of injury.
This matter came to CPSC's attention as a result of a
referral from the Texas Department of Health, Austin, Texas.