The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·06009·Announced 2005-10-18

Target Recalls Jumbo Pencils with Sharpeners Due to Laceration Hazard

Target is recalling about 176,000 jumbo pencils with sharpeners because the exposed razor blade and large sharpener hole pose a laceration hazard to children and adults.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (laceration hazard) with reported injuries (12 cuts), but no fatalities or severe injuries are reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products where injury has been reported but is not severe.

Plain-English summary

Target Corp. is recalling approximately 176,000 jumbo pencils with sharpeners. The recalled pencils feature a red eraser and are available in short (8 ½ inches long, one inch wide) or long (15 inches long, ½ inch wide) sizes. The pencils are blue, red, or striped, and the sharpeners are pink or blue in a clear plastic pouch with model number 70505 printed on it.

The recall is due to a laceration hazard. The sharpener's razor blade is exposed when the cover is removed, and the pencil sharpener hole is large enough to allow a finger to fit inside. Target has received 17 reports involving the pencil sharpeners, including 12 instances where children and adults received cuts to their fingers from the razor blade.

These products were sold at Target stores nationwide from July 2005 through August 2005 for about $1. Consumers should take the recalled jumbo pencil with sharpeners away from children immediately and return them to the nearest Target store for a GiftCard of $1 plus applicable state tax. For additional information, consumers can contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.Target.com.

The recalled product

Product
Jumbo Pencils with Sharpeners
Manufacturer
Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn.
Category
Consumer Product — Stationery
Hazard
Affected units
176,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same manufacturer · Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn.

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Same hazard · laceration

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