Consumer Products Recalls

Fall

Burger King and Alcone Announce Recall of Two Kids Meal Toys Burger King Corporation, of Miami, Fla., and Alcone Marketing Group, of Irvine, Calif., are recalling a combined total of 2.6 million "Hourglass Space Sprout" and "Look for Me Bumblebee" toddler toys. The toys can break causing small beads or balls to be released, which poses a choking or aspiration hazard to young children. The toys were distributed in Burger King® Kids Meals for children under three years old. Burger King Corporation has received 18 reports of the toys breaking. There are six incidents where children had the balls or beads in their mouth, but no injuries were reported. The "Hourglass Space Sprout" is a multi-colored toy with a green, smiling head; a clear hourglass, filled with beads; and two red balls with yellow spots as arms. The "Look for Me Bumblebee" has a purple base with a green leaf, a yellow head, and three rings that fit over the head. When the recalled toys are shaken the beads inside make a rattle sound. On the back of the toys are the words, "Sassy®," "Burger King™," and "MADE IN CHINA." The packaging says, "Toddler Toys For Kids Under Three Years Old." Burger King® restaurants nationwide distributed the toys inside Kids Meals from January 2001 through July 2001. Alcone Marketing Group imported the toys for Burger King Corporation. Parents should immediately take the toys away from children and call Burger King's Consumer Affairs at 305-378-3535 for instructions on returning the toy for a free, replacement toy. Information also is available at Burger King Corporation's web site at www.burgerking.com.

Choking

Fall; Vehicle Accident

Strangulation

Choking

Central Sprinkler Company Recalls O-Ring Fire Sprinklers CPSC and Central Sprinkler Company, an affiliate of Tyco Fire Products LP, of Lansdale, Pa., are announcing a voluntary replacement program. The company will provide free parts and labor to replace 35 million Central fire sprinklers with O-ring seals. The program also includes a limited number of O-ring models sold by Gem Sprinkler Company and Star Sprinkler, Inc. totaling about 167,000 sprinkler heads. Central discovered the performance of these sprinklers can degrade over time. These sprinkler heads can corrode or minerals, salts and other contaminants in water can affect the rubber O-ring seals. These factors could cause the sprinkler heads not to activate in a fire. Central is providing newer fire sprinklers to provide enhanced protection to its sprinkler customers. This is the third largest replacement program in CPSC history. Central will provide free replacement sprinkler heads and the labor needed to replace the sprinklers. Central will arrange for the installation by using its own Central Field Service crews or sprinkler contractors. This program includes two kinds of sprinklers, "wet" and "dry." "Wet" sprinklers are installed in piping that is filled with water. "Dry" sprinklers are used in areas that may be exposed to very cold temperatures and the exposed piping does not contain water. Central has received 4 reports of "wet" sprinklers failing to activate during a fire and 9 similar reports on "dry" sprinklers. These incidents resulted in two property damage claims against Central. The sprinklers were installed nationwide in a wide variety of buildings, including houses, apartments, hospitals, day care facilities, schools, dormitories, nursing homes, supermarkets, parking garages, warehouses, and office buildings. Central manufactured 33 million "wet" sprinklers with O-rings from 1989 until 2000 that are covered by this program. Central also manufactured 2 million "dry" sprinklers with O-rings from the mid-1970's to June 2001 that are covered by this program. The program also covers 167,000 sprinklers with O-rings manufactured by Gem Sprinkler Co. and Star Sprinkler Inc. from 1995 to 2001. A listing of all the models covered under this voluntary replacement program is attached to the end of this release. The fire sprinkler heads have the words "CENTRAL" or "STAR", the letters "CSC", the letter "G" in triangle, or a star-shaped symbol stamped on either the metal sprinkler frame or on the deflector. The model designation and date may also be stamped on the frame or deflector. The deflector is the flower, or gear-shaped metal piece at one end of the sprinkler head. Laboratory testing has indicated that most of the heads would operate in a fire situation, but certain tested heads required higher water pressure to activate than may be available in particular buildings. Due to the number of sprinklers involved, this program will be phased in, with priority based on the age of the sprinklers, the population affected (e.g., buildings such as nursing homes and hospitals will be given priority), and whether the sprinklers show signs of corrosion or leakage. This program puts in place an orderly process that serves the public interest. For more information call the Notice Packet Request Line at 1-800-871-3492 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or the program's web site at www.SprinklerReplacement.com. Sprinkler systems must be regularly inspected, and maintained like a building's heating, cooling, electrical and elevator systems. In addition, industry standards state that dry sprinkler heads should be tested, and replaced if necessary, at least every 10 years. Central believes all fire sprinkler heads should be tested no later than 10 years after installation, and depending on water quality and other factors, more frequent testing may be appropriate. Central is also contacting foreign governments for these O-ring sprinklers in their countries.

Fall; Vehicle Accident

Advantage Publishers Recall of Educational Kits Advantage Publishers Group, of San Diego, Calif., is voluntarily recalling to replace components in about 160,000 "Let's Start™ Numbers" and "Optical Illusions Lab" educational kits. The red painted numbers on the acetate stencil sheet included in the "Let's Start™" kit contain lead; and the gold paint bearing the words "Kasy's Extrafine" on the black pen included in the "Optical Illusions" kit has lead. CPSC and Advantage Publishers Group have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. Lead poisoning is a serious hazard to children, and is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation. The "Let's Start™" kit has a blue and red cover with a dog on the front, and contains an interactive book that uses exercises and activities to introduce children to numbers. The clear acetate stencil sheet is part of a packet of activity pieces, including a cleaning sponge, counting coins, a magic pen, and a counting frame. On the back of the kit, it reads in part, "This product is suitable for use only by children over 4 years of age." The "Optical Illusions" kit has a multi- colored cover with various geometric shapes, and reads in part, "Only for use by children over 8 years of age and under adult supervision." The black pen is included with an activity book and various shapes and images used to perform optical experiments. Retail stores, national book chains, wholesalers and distributors, and membership warehouse clubs nationwide sold the educational kits from February 1999 through May 2001 for between $13 and $20. Consumers should immediately remove the stencil sheets and pens from the activity kits and discard them. Customers should call Lilian Shia (858-450-3556) or Lynn Brennan (858-457-2500 X-2575) at Advantage Publishers Group to order a replacement piece. Consumers also can obtain information by going to the company's website at www.advantagebooksonline.com.