Many parents appreciate shopping at their local Dollar Tree store where everything always costs $1.00. Everyone agrees that buying stuffed animals for one dollar is a great deal but now parents are wondering just what they are getting for the savings, especially now that the Dollar Tree has recalled an estimated 300,000 plush insect toys. The Greenbrier International Inc. located in Chesapeake, Virginia producedthe plush insects. Stuffed animals are often a child’s best friends, a comfort when they are feeling emotional stress, and may be placed in the bed with a child at night. However, it is always important to check children’s toys and stuffed animals for small parts that may come loose and pose a choking hazard.
The recalled insect toys are being recalled because they are a choking hazard for children.The insect toys were manufactured in China and were sold in stores other than the Dollar Tree. They were also sold between the months of March and December 2007 at the Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks, Only One $1, and the Deal$ store. The toys retailed for $1.00 at all of the stores where it was sold.
The official name of the toys is the Cuddly Cousins Plush Insect Toys and there were six models sold. These are the Bumble Bee, the Lady Bug, the Caterpillar, the Snail, and two styles of Butterflies. There is also a product number located on the toys- 903995 and the packaging will contain the UPC 6 39277 03995 8 and the date code will be 71. If you believe that your child has any of these toys it is imperative that you check the code or the product number.
It is recommended to take the toys back to the Dollar Tree where you will be offered a refund for the product. You do not need to have a receipt to be eligible for the refund. Additionally, if you have any questions, you can contact the Dollar Tree at their toll free number 1-800-876-8077. They are available Monday and Friday between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Eastern time.
Parents should recognize the signs of choking and understand first aid to ensure that they can provide treatment needed until help arrives. Signs of choking include gagging sounds or choking, being unable to speak, grasping the throat in a fit of panic, and in infants a very soft or weak cry or whimper. Call 911 immediately if your child is choking. You should also consider taking an emergency first aid course at your local American Red Cross.