Acme Specialties Recalls Three Stars Plastic Ring Caps for Toy Guns
Acme Specialties is recalling Three Stars plastic ring caps for toy guns because they may explode and cause serious burns to users.
What this means for you
Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports, specifically first and second-degree burns to multiple children, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury reports.
Plain-English summary
Acme Specialties Corporation, an importer of novelty items, is voluntarily recalling thousands of "Three Stars" plastic ring caps used in toy guns. The recall was announced in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on June 29, 1979. These caps are designed to produce a loud report when the trigger of a toy gun is pulled.
The hazard involves the pyrotechnic charges within the caps, which are made of friction-sensitive material. According to CPSC and the company, these charged pellets can accidentally fall out of their protective plastic cups and explode without warning. This can result in serious burns to the user. The source notes that in some instances, the caps fired while in children's pockets. Since mid-June 1979, at least five children reportedly received first and second-degree burns, and one other child was reportedly burned in February 1979.
The ring caps are sold in clear plastic packages labeled "Three Stars Plastic Ring Caps" and "Made in Taiwan." They were primarily marketed in the Midwest by 5-and-10-cent stores, including Walgreens, and other retailers since 1978. Consumers are advised to return all such caps immediately to the retailer for a full refund. Parents should avoid skin contact with the caps and ensure they are not carried in pockets. Those unable to obtain a refund may contact Acme Specialties Corporation or the CPSC hotline.
The recalled product
- Product
- Three Stars Plastic Ring Caps
- Manufacturer
- Walgreens
- Category
- Consumer Product — Toys
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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