BAKING toys, infant cushions recalled

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ Two companies are recalling 6,450 toy baking sets and 1,500 beanbag cushions for infants because the products could endanger young children, the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Wednesday, June 13th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Two companies are recalling 6,450 toy baking sets and 1,500 beanbag cushions for infants because the products could endanger young children, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.

BRIO Corp., of Germantown, Wis., is recalling its Baking Set and Small Baking Set because they include a hand mixer with a knob that can break off and children can choke on. The government and the company haven't received any reports of incidents but are recalling the toys as a precaution.

The baking sets are labeled for children older than 2 and come in a clear-plastic tote bag. The recalled sets have a model number of either 31798 or 31795.

The yellow, blue and red hand mixers are 5 1/2 inches long, and are sold along with toy utensils, rolling pin, mixing bowl, and baking molds.

Specialty stores, Internet retailers, and mail order catalogs sold the toys nationwide from March 1999 through April 2001 for $15 to $25.

The safety commission said consumers should take the hand mixer away from children immediately and call BRIO toll-free at 1-888-274-6869 extension 4701 between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday for a refund or replacement item.

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Battat Inc. of Plattsburgh, N.Y., is recalling about 1,500 Parents magazine-brand Soft Landing Beanbag cushions. Infant pillows and cushions are banned under federal law because they put infants at risk of suffocating.

The recalled cushions also have two 8- to 9-inch cords and the company has received one report of a cord becoming wrapped around a baby's neck.

The airplane-shaped cushions, measuring approximately 27 inches long by 21 inches wide, are covered in various solid-colored cloth panels, and are filled with plastic foam pellets.

They have a ``smiley face'' on the front with a propeller that spins and makes clicking sounds, and a plush nose. The back of the cushion has a circular target design. Side pockets on the wings have a ``My First Passport'' book with a heart-shaped rattle attached.

The cushions' tag reads in part, ``Parent's PLAY + LEARN ... Fun and safe for all ages ... Battat Inc. ... Made in Thailand.'' Writing on the packaging says the product can be used for infants 6 months and up to nap, and that the cushions are ``not considered a safe sleeping area for babies.''

Target stores nationwide sold the cushions from September 2000 through May 2001 for about $24.

The safety commission advises consumers to take the cushions away from children immediately and return them to a Target store for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Battat Incorporated at 1-800-247-6144 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.