Circus America Playpens Recalled for Suffocation and Choking Hazards

Plain-English summary

C&T International, Inc. is voluntarily making a free modification kit available for its "Circus America" mesh-sided playpen with drop sides, model number 585. The recall addresses three specific hazards: a potential suffocation risk if an infant is left in the playpen with a side down, a finger crushing hazard in the drop side locking system, and a choking hazard from removable plastic feet when the playpen is folded for storage.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that while the specific deaths and injuries cited in the announcement involved playpens from other manufacturers, the C&T playpens present similar hazards. Approximately 2,500 units were distributed nationwide starting in November 1984. The affected playpens can be identified by a self-adhesive label on the floorboard reading "Art. 585, CIRCUS AMERICA EX." The "Circus Polo" model 582 is not affected.

Consumers should call 1-800-537-1922 (or 201-896-2555 for New Jersey residents) to obtain the free modification kit. The kit includes a safety alert label, plastic inserts to prevent finger crushing, and replacement plastic feet that cannot be removed by young children. Until the kit is installed, owners should remove and discard the original plastic feet and never leave children in the playpen with the drop sides down.

The recalled product

Product

Circus America mesh-sided playpen with drop sides

Manufacturer

C&T International/Sorelle

Category

Consumer Product — Playpens

Hazard

• suffocation
• choking
• crush-injury

Distribution

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