Government and consumer group issue holiday toy safety warnings

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Holiday shoppers who got an early start buying children's products may have bought potentially dangerous items that have since been recalled, the government said Tuesday, issuing

Tuesday, November 26th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Holiday shoppers who got an early start buying children's products may have bought potentially dangerous items that have since been recalled, the government said Tuesday, issuing its annual holiday safety warning.

``Preventing needless tragedies and providing a safe environment are the best holiday gifts parents can provide their children.'' said Hal Stratton, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group also released its annual ``Trouble in Toyland'' report, warning that the greatest toy danger still comes from small balls, balloons and toys with small parts that children can choke on. The group said such toys are still widely available and often lack warning labels.

The group also said its survey of Internet toy retailers found that almost none post the choke hazard warnings that are required for toys sold in stores.

The safety commission advised that consumers should look for toys with sturdy construction and parts that don't come loose; avoid electric toys with heating elements or sharp edges for children under 8; read warning labels; and immediately discard plastic wrappings that could lead to children suffocating.

The government's list of children's products recalled in 2002 includes:

_ About 280,000 toy sponges and about 310,000 stuffed polyester pool animals recalled by Dollar Tree Stores Inc. of Chesapeake, Va., because they could pose a choking hazard.

_ About 140,000 air-powered toy rockets recalled by Estes Industries, of Penrose, Colo., because defective parts can break off and cause eye and hand injuries.

_ About 188,000 cotton candy machines for children recalled by Rose Art Industries Inc. of Livingston, N.J., because the machine's motors can jam and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

_ About 152,000 toy tracks attached to children's activity centers recalled by Graco Children's Products, Inc., of Elverson, Pa., because the tracks can break, creating pieces that are a choking and injury hazard for young children.

For a full list of recalled children's products, consumers can call the safety commission toll free at 1-800-638-2772.