CPSC Issues Warning On Pacifiers

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 25) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with La Cibeles, Inc. of Union City, New Jersey today announced the recall of approximately 37,000 baby pacifiers known as Chupetes (pacifiers) which may pose a substantial product hazard. The pacifiers are marketed in four series marked "Fauna," "Flower," "Texas," and "Navy." The pacifiers are imported from Spain and are usually sold in plastic and cardboard casings with pictures on the backing and the name of the series in large letters on the top. The pacifier sells for approximately 45 cents ($.45).

The Commission learned of the hazard through the death of a five-month old. boy in New York in mid-February. The plastic shield caught in the child's throat and death was caused by complications ensuing from asphyxia.

The pacifiers are approximately 2 inches long with a 1 inch soft rubber nipple and a flexible plastic saucer-shaped shield at the base of the nipple approximately l-1/2 inches in diameter. The handle of the pacifier is in the shape of either an animal head, a flower, a baby with a cowboy hat or a baby with a sailor cap. The shield is marked 'Made in Spain" in small molded letters. They are usually displayed for sale on a large cardboard sign with markings similar to those on the package. The word "Chupete" appears on the display.

The pacifiers have been distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida and Puerto Rico.

Consumers who suspect they may have purchased one of these pacifiers should immediately remove it from the child's possession and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For further information consumers should call the Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772.

This press release is available in Spanish through the Office of public Affairs.