CPSC recall 01-182, announced July 2, 2001, covers Chicco Build-A-Ball toy (about 6,000 units). Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, and causing suffocation. Parents and caregivers should take these balls away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a refund. Recall contact: call (877) 424-4226, or go to www.chiccousa.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
The Build-A-Ball toy consists of five multi-colored and various-sized plastic balls that can be taken apart to be stacked on top of each other or placed inside each other. The five balls in the toy set range in size from about 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter. One-half of the balls are white, green, blue, red or yellow, and the other half is clear. "chicco" is written inside the balls. The balls are packaged in a box labeled "chicco," "Build-a-Ball," "Cod. 66167," and "Made in China." The packaging also indicated the toy is for children ages 1-3 years or 1-4 years. The text on the packaging is written in 11 languages.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, and causing suffocation.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC received a report of a 2-year-old boy who had a ball-half stuck on his face, covering his nose and mouth. A nearby adult was able to pull the toy from his face. No injury to the child was reported.
Official remedy
Parents and caregivers should take these balls away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a refund.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Chicco
- Product type
- Toys & play sets
- Recall number
- 01-182
- Units
- About 6,000
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Amazon.com, Army & Air Force Exchanges and other toy stores nationwide sold these toys, from January 1999 through April 2001, for about $6.
- Importer
- Chicco USA Inc., of Bound Brook, N.J.
Build-A-Ball toy
CPSC product type: Toy Balls
Recall contact information
For more information, consumers should call Chicco USA Inc., toll-free at (877) 424-4226 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website www.chiccousa.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
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