FRANKFORT, Ky. – Toy and product safety information should be considered when making holiday purchases, according to
Attorney General Jack Conway.
“I want the holidays to be as safe and happy as possible for Kentucky families,” said Conway. “Being aware of the latest product safety measures and recall information can prevent potential injuries and possibly save lives.”
A guide to the latest toy and product recall information is available through the
Office of the Attorney General.
Consumers can also find product recall information through the
Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In 2009, the CPSC completed 465 recalls involving 229.6 million consumer product units that either violated mandatory standards or presented a large threat to the public.
The following are a few of the toys recalled in 2009:
- Wii 4-Dock Battery Recharge Stations- Recalled Aug. 11, due to concerns the battery pack could overheat, posing a burn or fire hazard. The Psyclone Essentials brand was sold nationwide at Target, Toys “R” Us and online at amazon.
- High School Musical Manicure Kits- Recalled Jan. 27 because glitter on the pouch for the manicure kit contained high amounts of lead. The manicure kits were sold through LTD Commodities and ABC Distributing catalogs and online at http://www.lakeside.com from September 2008 through November 2008.
- Leap Frog "My Pal Scout" Electronic Plush Toy Dogs- Recalled on July 24, because the decals on the paws of the plush toy can be removed and swallowed by a child, posing a choking hazard. The toys were sold at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide and online at www.toysrus.com and www.leapfrog.com and other retail Web sites from May through June.
- Children's Fishing Poles- Recalled on March 25, because paint on the reels of the fishing poles contained high amounts of lead. The Zebco brand fishing poles were sold at discount department and sporting goods stores nationwide from August 2007 through December 2008.
Other important holiday safety tips to keep in mind:
- Follow recommended age ranges on toy packages.
- Read instructions carefully before allowing your child to play with a toy received as a gift.
- Be aware that children age three and younger can choke on small toys and toy parts with a diameter of one and three-quarters of an inch or smaller.
- Be careful with gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows. Small children can suffocate or choke on these items. Remove these from toys before giving them to young children.
