CPSC, HearthSong Announce Recall of Children's Toy Balls

The following product safety recall was conducted voluntarily by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Peek-a-Boo Ball

Units: About 22,500

Manufacturer: HearthSong Inc., of Madison, Va.

Hazard: The wooden rings on the holes of the product may crack, allowing the small wooden heads to fall out and pose a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a child placing the small wooden head in its mouth. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled toy is a blue wooden ball with six holes located equally around the ball. Each hole contains a small wooden head with a smiling face in various colors.

Sold at: Exclusively through HearthSong's catalog and Web site from October 2001 through March 2004 for about $10.

Manufactured In: Thailand

Remedy: HearthSong will notify all known purchasers by mail regarding a refund and a discount towards the next purchase.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call HearthSong toll-free at (888) 623-6557 anytime or log onto the company's Web site at www.hearthsong.com