CPSC recall 99-013, announced October 28, 1998, covers Rubie's Costume Children's vampire capes and witch brooms (about 6,000 units). The capes and the brooms, which fail to meet federal mandatory standards for flammability, could ignite readily and present a serious risk of burn injuries to children. Consumers should not let their children wear the vampire capes or use the 27-inch witch brooms this Halloween. Recall contact: call (516) 488-0484.
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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.
The brooms were sold with a sticker around the handle, which reads in part, "Child's Authentic Witch Broom...Style No. 85." The Rubie's logo is also on the sticker.
Which products are included?
The vampire capes are made of black vinyl. The edges of the cape are scalloped. The capes are packaged in a plastic sleeve with a cardboard insert, which reads in part, "Child's Vinyl Vampire Cape...No. 50282...Made in China." The Rubie's logo and a picture of a boy wearing the cape are also on the insert. The witch brooms are 27 inches long with a bamboo handle and brush made of twigs. The brooms were sold with a sticker around the handle, which reads in part, "Child's Authentic Witch Broom...Style No. 85." The Rubie's logo is also on the sticker.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Also in the notice
- Item or SKU numbers. Compare these as well.
- When sold
- September 1997 through October 1998
- Price paid
- $2
Why it was recalled
The capes and the brooms, which fail to meet federal mandatory standards for flammability, could ignite readily and present a serious risk of burn injuries to children.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC and Rubie's Costume Co. Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these capes or brooms.
Official remedy
Consumers should not let their children wear the vampire capes or use the 27-inch witch brooms this Halloween. Consumers should return the products to the stores where purchased, for a refund.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Contact the firm. Call (516) 488-0484.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- Rubie's Costume
- Manufacturer
- Rubie's Costume Co. Inc., of Richmond Hill, N.Y.
- Product type
- Clothing & outerwear
- Recall number
- 99-013
- Units
- About 6,000 capes and 6,000 brooms
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Toy, party, costume, discount and drug stores nationwide sold the capes and brooms for about $2 each, from September 1997 to October 1998.
Children's vampire capes and witch brooms
CPSC product type: Clothing (Children)
This recall in context
Compared with the 433 clothing recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 6,000 units: the 170th-largest of 368 clothing recalls that state a unit count. The median is 5,300 units.
- Hazards
- Fire: named in 109 of 433 clothing recalls. Burn: named in 98 of 433 clothing recalls.
- Time on sale
- 14 months. Recalled the same month the notice says sales ended.
Recall contact information
For questions about this recall, consumers should call Rubie's Costume Co. Inc. collect at (516) 488-0484 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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