SpongeBob Address Books and Journals Recalled for Lead Paint Violation
Martin Designs Inc. is recalling SpongeBob SquarePants address books and journals because the metal spiral bindings may contain excessive lead, violating federal standards.
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 (lead paint) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.
Plain-English summary
Martin Designs Inc. is recalling approximately 250,000 SpongeBob SquarePants™ Address Books and Journals. The recall involves products with a SpongeBob SquarePants character on the front cover and a black metal spiral binding. The paint on these metal spiral bindings can contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
The recalled products were sold at retail stores nationwide from June 2006 through July 2007 for about $2. The address books have UPC number 80773007505, while the journals have UPC numbers 80773002260 and 80773075501, printed on the back covers. The products were manufactured in China.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled address books and journals away from children. To obtain a full refund, consumers should remove the UPC as proof of ownership and contact Martin Designs Inc. toll-free at (866) 898-0261 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.martindesigns-ltd.com.
The recalled product
- Product
- SpongeBob SquarePants™ Address Books and Journals
- Manufacturer
- Martin Designs Inc., of Ashland, Ohio
- Category
- Consumer Product — Stationery
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 250,000
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
UPCs (3)
- 80773002260
- 80773007505
- 80773075501
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same hazard · lead paint
See all →- High
- HighDlesot Snap Children's Hair Clips Recalled for Lead Paint Hazard
CPSC · 2025-05-01
- HighStanley Jr. Kids Garden Sets Recalled for Excessive Lead in Paint
CPSC · 2024-09-12
- High
- High