Reliance "Protecto Hold Me Tite" Squeeze Toy Recalled Because Of A Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Reliance Products Corporation, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 390,000 "Protecto Hold Me Tite" squeeze toys, Assortment #06233, because of the danger of choking and/or suffocation. Since 1974 approximately 390,000 of the toys have been sold for approximately $1.97 each.

There have been two separate reports alleging that a four month old and a six month old infant choked and suffocated when the handle of the "Hold Me Tite" squeeze toy lodged in the throat and caused obstruction of the airways.

The product is an animal shaped squeeze toy with a handle and a built in squeaker. Three models are involved: a pink elephant, a yellow bear and an orange lion. The product is packaged and sold under the brand name "PROTECTO" and labeled "Hold Me Tite" assortment number 06233. Stamped on the squeaker section on the back of the head is "Reliance Products Corporation, Made in Taiwan."

Consumers should remove these products from use immediately and return them to the retailer where purchased for a full refund. Or consumers may return the squeeze toy to Reliance Products Corporation, 108 Mason Street, P.O. Box 1220, Woonsocket, Rhode Island for a full refund.

Retailers should remove the toys from sale immediately and return to Reliance Products Corporation for a full refund.