Media Materials, Inc. Warns Consumers About Colored Beads & Laces

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Media Materials, Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland is voluntarily warning consumers, day care centers, school supply houses, specialty store showrooms, museums, etc. that the beads included with their Colored Beads and Laces sets could present a fatal choking hazard to young children.

The company estimates that 15,000 sets, #470, have been sold nationwide since 1984 for about $9.95 each.

The Colored Beads and Laces consist of 100 multi-colored round and square wooden pieces with holes in the middle for stringing the laces. The toy came in a white box which stated in part: "MM Media Materials...COLORED BEADS & LACES...One-Half Inch Spheres Cubes and Cylinders...CAUTION: Use with care with children under 3."

Future versions of this product will be labeled more explicitly warning consumers that the product is not for use by children under age three.

CPSC urges parents, day care operators, and other care givers who purchased the product to take steps to ensure that children under three not be allowed to use it.