Knickerbocker Recalls 500,000 Stuffed Toys

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 25) -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Knickerbocker Toy Company of Edison, New Jersey is voluntarily recalling and replacing 500,000 stuffed toys. The toys were found to have an excessive amount of lead in the ink that was used to letter the toy's name on its sweater.

The toys in question are the monkey, Curious George; the Easter chick, Chick-A- Dee; and the puppies, Puppy Love and Scooby-Doo. Imported from South Korea, they were distributed to stores nationwide between March 1977 and April 1978. To date, no consumer complaints or injuries have been reported.

The toys can be identified by the numbers K-20, K-21, K-22, K-23, K-25 and K-32 imprinted on a tag affixed to the toy's seam, and the style numbers 5465, 5466, 5467, 9750, 2270, 2271, 2285, 2286 and 9416 imprinted on the toy's packaging.

CPSC New York Area Director Richard D. Swackhamer commented, "Our tests revealed a range of 12 to 45 per cent lead in the lettering on the toys, an amount in excess of the permitted level. When informed of these findings, Knickerbocker issued this recall."

Consumers are advised to return the toys to the place of purchase for replacement. Inquiries should be directed to the Customer Service Department, Knickerbocker Toy Company, 10 Clearview Road, Raritan Center, Edison, New Jersey 08817 (201/225-4073). Or for verification of the toy model, call the CPSC toll-free Hotline: 800/638-2772.