FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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December 10, 1985 |
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Release # 85-065 |
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Dangerous Toys Seized By U.S. Marshal In Phoenix
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced
that on December 6, the United States Marshal's Office in Phoenix,
Arizona seized almost 4,600 banned "clacker ball" toys. The toys,
labeled "KER-BANGERS," are a hand-held novelty item consisting of
two plastic balls connected by a cord to a plastic handle. When the
hand is raised and lowered, the balls "clack" or bang against each
other in an arc. Despite the claim on the package that the "KER-BANGERS"
are "SHATTERPROOF," when the Consumer Product Safety Commission tested
these toys, the balls either shattered or cracked. In
addition, many of the handles broke. Consumers who have "KER-BANGERS"
should promptly throw them away.
The toys were the seized at the premises of a wholesaler, Empire
Novelty & Concession Supply, Inc. 2213 East Indian School Road, Phoenix,
Arizona. Empire Novelty is voluntarily recalling the toys from its
customers, who are retailers. The "KER-BANGERS" were shipped from
California and, according to the label, were manufactured by Chuck
Howard Toy Co. of Inglewood, California. The manufacturer is no longer
in business.
Clacker balls were a popular toy in the early 1970's. To prevent
injuries from fragmentation of the balls or from propulsion of the
parts upon sudden disassembly during use, they are subject to a
regulation enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which
requires them to pass specific durability tests.
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