NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Direct Connection, Inc. Recalls Musical Dolls Due To Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Direct Connection, Inc., City of Industry, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 500 "Musical Dolls" model numbers DC-541, DC-542, DC-543, DC-544, DC-545, DC-546, DC-547, DC-548, DC-549, DC-550, DC-551 and DC-552. When CPSC tested the dolls in accordance with regulations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the plastic button eyes separated from the dolls' heads. These eyes are small parts that pose a potential choking hazard for young children.

The cloth wind-up musical dolls stand 12 inches tall; are clothed in an array of colorful print dresses; have bendable arms and legs (the legs may be adjusted for the doll to sit); colorful yarn hair with bow to match dresses, and panties, socks, and booties; and have a rotating head movement when the wind-up key to the music box is activated to play "It's a Small World." The label located underneath the dress reads in part "Direct Connections, Inc., S. El Monte, CA, Made in Philippines." Only dolls with the plastic button eyes are subject to recall. Dolls of the same style and model numbers, but with printed eyes are not being recalled.

The dolls, imported by Direct Connection, Inc., were sold nationwide through retail stores and gift shops from April 1990 to August 1990 for $25.00 each.

Consumers are urged to take the toy away from young children immediately and return it to the store where purchased for a refund or they may mail the product to Direct Connection, Inc., 15364 E. Valley Blvd., City of Industry, CA 91746, for a full refund of the purchase price and shipping costs. For more information about this recall, consumers in California may call Direct Connection at 1-818-855-2888. A toll free number, 1-800- 582-6565, is provided for consumers outside of California.

Neither Direct Connection nor the CPSC is aware of any injuries involving this product. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous toys were identified by CPSC during an inspection of Direct Connection, Inc.

The CPSC's mission is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 30 million injuries and 22,000 deaths.