CPSC Recalls Rattles

BACKGROUND: - In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned rattles that could become caught in infant's throats and cause choking and suffocation. The ban was issued when the Commission became aware of 10 fatalities and 19 choking incidents since 1943. Recently, the Commission has found some banned rattles being sold.

WASHINGTON, D.C., In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission two firms, The Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc., Montgomery, Vermont and Schowanek of America, New York, N.Y., have agreed to voluntarily recall banned rattles. Consumers are asked to remove these rattles from use immediately.

The Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc., Montgomery, Vermont, is recalling approximately 61,000 baby rattles. The toys were sold since September, 1981. To date there have been no reported injuries involving Montgomery Schoolhouse rattles.

The rattles are made of hardwood. Some have colored parts and some have clear varnish finish. Three of the seven designs recalled have metal bells enclosed in hardwood cages. Some of the rattles were sold in "blister" packages with the words "RATTLE, Heirloom Quality, Hardwood, Childsafe Color' printed on the face. Some were sold in plastic bags with a paper insert which said " finest Handcrafted Wooden Toys from Vermont" and the names "TT Bell Rattle" or "TT 5 Disc Rattle." Others were sold without packaging.

Consumers should return the rattles to the retailer where they were purchased in exchange for rattles that meet the federal safety requirements. Or consumers may return the rattles directly to the Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc., Montgomery, Vermont 05470, for exchange.

Retailers are asked to remove these rattles from sale immediately and return them to the Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc. in exchange for rattles in compliance with federal regulations.

Schowanek of America, New York, N.Y., is recalling approximately 2,900 wooden baby rattles imported since 1981. To date there have been no reported injuries involving Montgomery Schoolhouse rattles.

The rattles are No. 10875/2, a duck on a handle; No. 10875/33, dumb bell shape; No. 10876/17, bowling pin; 10876/3, dumb bell shape with pieces of wood on the shaft; No. 10876/26 bar bell with 4 wooden rings on the shaft; No. 10876/g handle with head and arms; and No. 10876/19 cylinder with six holes and bell inside (not in picture). Consumers should return these rattles to the place of purchase for refund or exchange. Consumers can also return the rattles directly to Schowanek for a refund. Retailers are asked to remove the rattles from sale immediately and return them to Schowanek for exchange or credit.