WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hardee's Food Systems, Inc.
announced today that it is voluntarily recalling a promotional
item called "Ghostblasters" which was distributed in the chain's
3,100 restaurants as a promotional tie-in with the Ghostbusters
movie. The premium is being recalled because it contains
small parts that may be swallowed by children if dislodged from
the unit.
Ghostblasters are noisemaking toys that come in four
different colors - red, black, gray and white - and have a
picture of the Ghostbusters logo on one side. The Ghostblasters
are approximately 3 inches X 1 1/4 inches X 1/2 inch in size with
two black rectangular buttons at one end. Each button, when
pressed, causes the toy to make a different noise.
Ghostblasters were distributed starting June 26th and the
promotion was scheduled to end July 23rd. Approximately 2.8
million Ghostblasters were sold with a designated food purchase.
Hardee's has initiated the recall after listening to its
consumers. While at least 15 reports have been received of
children ingesting the small batteries, neither Hardee's nor the
Commission is aware of any serious injuries resulting. The
company is taking immediate steps to remove all remaining
Ghostblasters from its restaurants and to recall previously sold
blasters.
Hardee's and the CPSC advise consumers who have
Ghostblasters in their homes to take them away from children
under three years of age and return them to a Hardee's restaurant
for a full refund of the purchase price.
Consumers with questions may write Hardee's Food Systems,
Inc., Public Affairs Department, P.O. Box 1619, Rocky Mount,
North Carolina 27802-1619 or call toll-free 1-800-346-2243. For
media inquiries, call Hardee's Food Systems, Inc., Public Affairs
Department at (919) 977-8519.