The Recall Desk
Our severity:ModerateCPSC·94084·Announced 1994-05-31

Toysmith Recalls Surprise Party Time Balls Containing Look-Alike Drug Capsules

Toysmith is recalling approximately 12,000 Surprise Party Time Balls because some contain capsules resembling pharmaceutical drugs. The capsules were tested and found to be non-hazardous, but their appearance in a toy is deemed inappropriate.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 2/5 (Moderate).

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: This is a voluntary precautionary recall where the source explicitly states the material is not hazardous and no injuries have been reported, fitting the criteria for a moderate severity rating.

Plain-English summary

Toysmith is voluntarily recalling approximately 12,000 "Surprise Party Time Balls" imported from Taiwan. These three-inch diameter balls, sold nationwide from January 1991 through May 1994, contain seven to ten trinket toys. Some of the balls include a sealed clear plastic packet containing several blue and white or green gelatin capsules that resemble pharmaceutical products.

The Monroe County, New York, Public Safety Laboratory tested the capsules at the request of the Monroe County Health Department and determined that the contents were not drugs and there is no indication that the material is hazardous. However, the CPSC and Toysmith determined that the appearance of look-alike-drug capsules in a child's toy is inappropriate. Neither agency is aware of any injuries involving the balls.

Consumers should return the balls to the store where purchased for a refund. The balls were sold in boxes labeled "SURPRISE PARTY TIME BALL *** SMALL PARTS INSIDE THE BALL NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS *** MADE IN TAIWAN." Consumers with questions may contact Toysmith at (206) 395-3644.

The recalled product

Product
Surprise Party Time Ball toys
Manufacturer
Toysmith
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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