CPSC Announces Recall Of Certain Stuffed Chicks And Ducklings

Washington, D.C.--The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and New Angles, Inc., Ventura, California, announce the recall of stuffed chicks and ducklings preserved with the poison, arsenic. 150 chicks and ducklings were distributed in floral arrangements to 58 floral shops nationwide during 1984. These arrangements are labeled with a sticker that warns customers of the presence of arsenic. All 58 floral shops are being advised by New Angles, Inc., to stop selling arrangements containing arsenic preserved birds.

All other 12,000 chicks and ducklings distributed by New Angles, Inc., in 1984 do not contain arsenic. These are preserved with non-toxic chemicals and so labeled. This has been confirmed by CPSC testing.

Persons in possession of the floral arrangements labeled as containing birds preserved with arsenic should return them to the place of purchase for removal of the stuffed bird. Consumers are advised that these arrangements are decorations and not intended to be toys or suitable for use by children.

Previous tests conducted in 1983 showed arsenic to be present in the skin and down of the stuffed birds. With the exception of these 150, all chicks and ducklings were recalled in 1983 and returned to China. CPSC is not aware of any poisoning incidents resulting from the stuffed birds.

Persons with questions about these articles should call the importer, New Angles, Inc. (805-658-0577), or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.