Stuffed Animal Mobiles Recalled Because Of
Strangulation Hazard - Recent Death Cited
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission, Calderon Company, Inc., Locust Valley, New York,
is recalling its large stuffed animal mobiles. When hung within the
reach of an infant, a 26-inch nylon cord poses the potential for
entanglement and strangulation.
The Commission and the firm are aware of the September 1986
fatal strangulation accident of a 15-month-old Pennsylvania boy. The
boy became entangled in the nylon cord attached to the wings of a
"Toucan" model which was hung over a crib and post. A label sewn
into the mobile, warning against use by children under three, had
been removed after purchase.
Other models of the colorful, soft, stuffed animal mobiles
include giraffes, pelicans, elephants, ducks, and penguins. The
recalled mobiles may be identified by a cloth label sewn into the
stuffed toy. It bears the words "CALDERON CO, INC., CONTENTS: ALL
NEW MATERIAL, PLUSH AND FILLING (FILLING: POLYSTER FIBER & PLASTIC
PELLERS) NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OF AGE) MADE IN
TAIWAN . " A nylon cord about 26 inches long attaches to one wing,
arm, or ear, passes through a white ring connecting two springs, and
then attaches to the other wing, arm, or ear (see attached sketch).
This allows the wings, arms, or ears to flap as the animal bounces up
and down. It also makes a squeaking noise as it bounces or is
handles.
Approximately 16,000 of these mobiles were imported from Taiwan
and sold nationwide since 1979. The large stuffed mobiles retail for
about $10.00. Consumers should take the mobiles away from children
and cut the 26-inch nylon cord and springs. Send the detached cord
and sprints to: Calderon Co., Inc., 480 Forest Avenue, Locust
Valley , NY 11560. Calderon will send you a free plush toy in return.
To report an unsafe consumer product or receive safety
information, consumers may call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at
800-G38-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is
800-6X-8270.