Reeves International, Inc. Recalls Kouvalias Music Toy Due To Potential Choking Hazards

PRODUCT: Approximately 18,400 Kouvalias Musical Toys, model number 960. The wooden toy boxes consist of a wooden platform with a ball connected to the platform and nine more balls in various colors attached by metal coil springs. The boxes were distrubuted from 1989 through mid-July 1993 at various retail stores nationwide. They sold for $44.95 each.

PROBLEM: The colored wooden balls and pieces from the music box underneath separated during routine CPSC testing, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Reeves at: 1-800-444-4775.

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Reeves International, Inc., Pequannock, NJ is voluntarily recalling 18,400 "Kouvalias Musical Toy" model number 960. During routine CPSC testing, colored wooden balls and gear components from the musical box underneath the toy separated, presenting a potential choking hazard to young children.

The musical toy consists of the following parts: a wooden base (5 inches in diameter) that houses the musical box; a wooden platform that measures 3-1/2 inches in diameter and is attached to the base; and a wooden ball (2 inches in diameter) connected to the platform. Nine wooden balls in various colors are attached to the 2- inch diameter wooden ball by 1-1/2 inch metal coil springs. The music box is activated when the platform is turned; a song is played while the toy rotates. The label underneath the base reads: "A. Kouvalias S.A. . . .MADE IN GREECE."

The "Kouvalias Music Toy" was imported by Reeves from Greece and distributed nationwide at various retail stores from 1989 through mid-July 1993. The musical toys sold for $44.95 each.

Consumers are urged to take the toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Reeves toll-free at: 1-800- 444-4775.

Neither CPSC nor Reeves is aware of any injuries involving the musical toys. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The potentially hazardous toys were identified by CPSC during a routine inspection of the firm.

CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within CPSC's jurisdiction.