Pacifier May Present Potential Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Glenco Infants Items, Inc., of Northvale, New Jersey, is urging consumers to stop using and to discard the Glenco #3180 Squeak Pacifier because it may present a choking and suffocation hazard if the nipple and handle separate from the plastic shield.

Separation of the nipple and handle from the shield occurred during CPSC structural integrity testing which involves boiling the pacifier and then subjecting the handle to pull forces.

The pacifier has a rigid plastic shield with two vent holes and the words "MADE IN JAPAN" embossed on the shield. The shields are white, orange or yellow. The nipple and handle are made of a single piece of rubber. The handle, which is bulbous or round, has a white plastic squeaker on the end. The pacifiers were sold between July and December 1984.

The Commission also has received three consumer complaints reporting that the squeaker separated from the pacifier. Commission testing did not confirm this problem. While the Commission knows of no incidents which caused Items, Inc., involving the nipple and handle separating from the shield, the pacifiers to fail CPSC testing, CPSC and Glenco Infant have determined that because of the potential for injury this warning is in the public interest. This notification does not include the redesigned pacifier which is identified on the package as the Glenco #3180B Squeak Pacifier.

For further information, consumers may call Glenco Infants Items, Inc., at 201-767-0900, or the Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is 800-638-8270.