Recall: Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc. Recall of Metal Charms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued March 3, 2005, Revised August 19, 2005 Release # 05-127

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 651-0616 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Patty Davis (301) 504-7601

CPSC, Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc. Announce Recall of Metal Charms

Note: Phone Number Change.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc., of Warren, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 2.8 million metal charms. The recalled metal charms contain high levels of lead, posing a serious risk of lead poisoning to young children.

CPSC received a report of a six-year-old girl who mouthed these charms worn on a homemade necklace. She developed elevated lead levels in her blood that may be related to the charms. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

The recalled metal charms were sold under the name "Charming Thoughts™." Most of the charms are silver-colored with small silver loops. They were sold in packages of two to 12 pieces. The packages are marked "The Card Connection™," "Charming Thoughts™" and "Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc." The metal charms are various shapes including small hearts, crowns, birds, picture frames, perfume bottles and a cross. Some of the metal charms have small blue, pink or yellow stones and are printed with words including "princess," "congratulations," "city girl," "world traveler" and "life's blessings." "Insert photo here," "cherish," "love," and "honor" are printed on the picture frame charms. The metal charms were sold as decorations for place cards, greeting cards, collages, memory boxes, gift cards, scrapbooks, invitations and gift bags. The charms also can be attached to necklaces and bracelets.

The recalled metal charms were sold at Michaels Stores from July 2002 through February 2005, at Recollections stores from October 2004 through February 2005, and at Hancock Fabrics stores from January 2004 through January 2005 for between $3 to $4. All of the charms were manufactured in China.

Consumers should immediately take these metal charms away from children and contact Hirschberg Schutz & Co. at (800) 651-0616 anytime to receive a refund. Consumers also can e-mail the firm at charmsrecall@horizongroupusa.com for more information.