Lead Recalls – Children's Jewelry and Lemonade Jars
December 18, 2006
Lead Recalls – Children's Jewelry and Lemonade Jars
The Onondaga County Health Department's Lead Poisoning Control Program is alerting parents of a voluntary recall of children's "Powerpuff Girls" necklaces, children's "Butterfly Necklaces" and lemonade jars. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that all three products contain high levels of lead.
Rhode Island Novelty, of Cumberland Rhode Island, imported the "Powerpuff Girls" necklaces that were sold at carnivals, amusement parks, family entertainment centers, small discount stores nationwide, and at www.rinovelty.com nationwide from March 2003 through November 2006 for about $1.00. It is reported that these were made in China. The recalled necklaces are multi-colored metal pendants that hang from a black cord. The pendants are in the shape of the head of one of three "Powerpuff Girls" cartoon characters. The words "Cartoon Network" and "The Powerpuff Girls" are printed on both sides of the packaging.
The children's "Butterfly Necklaces" were sold by U.S. Toy Company retail stores, at www.ustoy.com, and at children's and small discount stores nationwide from October 2005 through November 2006 for about $4.00 per dozen. The clasps on the necklaces contain high levels of lead. The recalled necklaces are silver-colored with multi-colored pendants shaped as butterflies. The pendant hangs from a silver-colored chain. The necklaces' packaging is pink and purple cardboard with "Butterfly Necklace" printed on the front and "Item #JA442" on the back. The manufacturer is U.S. Toy Company Inc. of Grandview, Montana.
The "Gemco® Lemonade Jars" were imported by Lifetime Brands Inc., of Westbury, New York and were sold to retailers nationwide from April 2004 through November 2006 for about $16.00. The metal spigot contains lead and when pouring is in direct contact with the contents of the lemonade jar. The acidity of the lemonade and other beverages can cause the lead to leach from the spigot. The recalled jar is a six-sided glass jar with a round glass lid and a metal spigot at the bottom of the jar. The jar has a yellow and green label on the front that reads "Lemonade Jar" with a picture of two lemons. There is a sticker on the bottom that reads "imported by Gemco, Div. Lifetime Hoan Corp. Westbury, N.Y. 11590 Made In China".
Pictures of all of the recalled items are available at www.cpsc.gov. On the site, look for "Recent Recalls" and then click on "Children's Necklaces" or "Lemonade Jars ".
Consumers are urged to take recalled necklaces away from young children immediately. The "Powerpuff Girls" necklaces may be returned to the store where purchased for a replacement or contact Rhode Island Novelty for information on how to receive a replacement. For additional information, call Rhode Island Novelty at 1-800-528-5599 between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.rinovelty.com.
For the "Children's Butterfly Necklaces" return the necklaces to the store where purchased for a free replacement product or contact the U.S. Toy Company for information on returning recalled necklaces purchased on the Web site. For more information call U.S. Toy Co. Inc. at (800) 832-0224 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ustoy.com.
Consumers should stop using the lemonade jars immediately and return the spigot pieces to Lifetime Brands Inc. for a full refund. Consumers are asked to wash their hands after handling the spigot. For additional information, call Lifetime Brands Inc. at (888) 561–2269 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or by e-mail at lemonadejar@lifetimebrands.com.
Young children are especially at risk for lead poisoning because they often put non-food items in their mouth.Children with lead poisoning do not look sick. A blood lead test must be done to determine if a child has lead poisoning. If left untreated, lead poisoning can cause behavioral and learning problems.
To have your child tested for lead call your doctor or the Onondaga County Health Department's Lead Poisoning Control Program. For additional information about lead poisoning, blood lead testing and ways to protect your children from lead hazards, contact the Lead Poisoning Control Program at (315) 435-3271.
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