June 24, 1998

STK International Announces Recall of Baby Rattles

STK International Inc., of Vernon, Calif., is recalling about 15,800 baby rattles. The handles of these rattles could present a serious choking hazard to infants and young children. Because of the rattle handles' shape, they could block a child's airway if inserted in the throat.

The rattles are called "Turning Ball with Whistle," and are designed to be an infant toy. They are made of multi-colored plastic with a handle connected to a ring holding a rotating segmented ball. This ball contains a clear plastic ball holding two small metal balls. The handle is made up of large colored beads and has a whistle on the tip. The rattle is packaged in a clear plastic bag with a cardboard hang tag reading, "TURNING BALL WITH WHISTLE *** NO. BI-194 *** MADE IN CHINA ***." Discount dollar stores nationwide sold the recalled rattle from December 1997 through May 1998 for about $1.

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should call STK International Inc. at (800) 536-7855 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday.