Many children’s products have been recalled this year due to choking hazards. It may be hard to detect which product could be hazardous, but many consumer watchdogs report hazards to manufacturers and the CPSC. Then, recalls are issued. Recently, Build-A-Bear recalled approximately 25,000 stuffed “Sulley” toys due to eyes that can detach and be dangerous to young children. Even children’s products that are meant to be educational can be potentially dangerous. Hatchette Book Group is now recalling approximately 70,000 children’s books due to choking and laceration hazards.
The CPSC reports that “a metal rod holding small beads on the cover of the books can detach and release small parts that present a choking hazard. A detached metal bar can expose a sharp edge posing a laceration hazard.” No incidents or injuries have been reported as of yet.
The recall affects two children’s books published by Hatchette Book Group: “Count My Kisses, 1, 2, 3” and “Red, Green, Blue, I Love You.” The recalled books are board-shaped and have cut-out covers that serve as a handle. Embedded in the handle area is a metal bar with cylindrical or circle beads. The beads are painted with solid colors or heart shapes in different colors. The back covers of the recalled books have the ISBN numbers and the label “Ages 3+.” “Count My Kisses 1, 2, 3” has the ISBN number 978-0-316-13354-8 and “Red, Green, Blue, I Love You” has the ISBN number 978-0-316-13353-1.
The recalled books were sold at Barnes & Noble and other book retailers and online at Amazon.com from June 2013 to August 2013. The children’s books were priced at about $8 a piece. Consumers are instructed to take the recalled books away from children and then return them to the place of purchase. There, consumers will be provided a full refund. Consumers can contact Hatchette Book Group at 888-965-5802 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET weekdays for more information.