Recall: Knock-A-Ball Wooden Toy Recalled by Laiko International

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 1998 Release # 98-135

Company Phone Number: (888) 280-0280 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming, (301) 504-7063

CPSC, Laiko International Announce Recall of Knock-A-Block Wooden Toy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Laiko International Inc., of City of Industry, Calif., is recalling 2,400 Knock-A-Block wooden toys. The balls in this toy are less than 1.75 inches in diameter, which poses a choking hazard to young children.

CPSC and Laiko International Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving this toy. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

This wooden toy consists of a red, yellow and blue wooden frame with plastic inserts lining the four holes in the top. A wooden hammer and four solid-colored wooden balls are included. The balls are red, green, yellow and blue. They are designed to be hammered through the holes in the top of the toy, and then roll down a ramp to the front of the toy. The cardboard box packaging includes writing in several languages. The English writing states in part, "WOODEN TOY KNOCK-A-BALL *** ITEM NO.785 *** MADE IN CHINA *** NON-TOXIC."

Toy stores and other small retail stores nationwide sold these wooden toys from August 1997 to June 1998 for about $10.

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Laiko International Inc. at (888) 280-0280 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT or write to Laiko International Inc., 16710 Johnson Dr., City of Industry, CA 91745.

CPSC learned of the problem through testing samples as part of a CPSC surveillance program.