Recall: Child's Novelty Purses Recalled by Payless ShoeSource

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 1998 Release # 98-111

Company Phone Number: (800) 444-7463 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063

CPSC, Payless ShoeSource Announce Recall of Child's Novelty Purses

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Payless ShoeSource Inc. is recalling about 6,000 novelty purses. The purses contain a petroleum distillate, used as a decorative liquid in the purse flap, that could be harmful or fatal if ingested.

CPSC and Payless are not aware of any injuries involving these purses. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The purses are made of clear plastic and measure about 5 inches long by 5 inches wide. The purses' flaps contain two bright colored liquids, glitter and decorative foil confetti. The purses were available with liquids in green and yellow, pink and orange, and purple and blue. Inside the purse are two tags: a warning label regarding the hazardous liquid in the purse, and a tag with the products' identification number, "3659," and the words, "Made in China."

The purses were sold at Payless ShoeSource stores nationwide from Feb 1998 through May 1998 for about $8.

Consumers should immediately take these purses away from children, and return them to their local Payless ShoeSource store for a refund and an additional $10 gift certificate. For more information, consumers can call (800) 444-7463 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. CDT Monday through Saturday. Consumers also can mail the purse to Payless ShoeSource Purse Recall, 3231 E. Sixth St., Topeka, KS 66601 with their return address enclosed for a full refund and a $10 gift certificate issued through the mail.