CPSC, Patagonia Inc. Announce Penguino Stuffed Toy Recall

Washington, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Patagonia Inc. of Ventura, Calif., is voluntarily recalling 3,000 of its Patagonia Penguino stuffed penguin toys. The toy's plastic eyes may detach, creating a potential choking hazard for young children.

The Penguino, made of pile and Synchilla , a soft, fuzzy material, comes in eight colors: light plum, sea green, prussian blue, teal green, bluegrass, red-violet, eggplant, and cobalt. The toy has a printed underbelly, yellow beaks and feet, and bushy grayish-white eyebrows. There is a Patagonia label visible on the right wing.

Patagonia sold the toy for $18.00 from July 1994 through February 1995 through the company's mail order Kid's catalog and Patagonia-owned retail stores.

Although no injuries have been reported to Patagonia or CPSC, Patagonia reported the potential hazard to CPSC in order to prevent possible future injuries.

Consumers are urged to take the stuffed animals away from young children immediately and contact the company at (800) 338-6464 to obtain information about several options for returning the toy. Consumers will receive a full refund and a $25 gift certificate for other Patagonia products. Consumers can also return the toys directly to Patagonia retail store. Please direct media inquiries for Patagonia to Ms. Lu Setnicka at (805) 643-8616.