The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·96092·Announced 1996-04-02

Americas Company Recalls Wooden Armadillos and Turtles Due to Lead Paint

The Americas Company is recalling approximately 42,000 wooden armadillos and turtles because their painted surfaces contain lead levels that violate federal law.

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 lead paint on a product accessible to children, which is a high-risk hazard. The source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported, and the recall is precautionary to prevent potential harm, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

The Americas Company of San Francisco, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is recalling approximately 42,000 wooden armadillos and turtles. These products, made of dried gourds and painted in various colors, are hazardous because the lead content in the painted surface violates the law and poses a danger to children if consumed. The items feature movable heads, and the larger armadillos have movable tails. A sticker on the bottom reads "Hecho En Mexico," and hang tags on the large armadillos identify them as Folk Art products from The Nature Company.

The armadillos and turtles were sold nationwide from May 1995 to February 1996 by six retailers, including The Nature Company stores, for prices between $4 and $14 each. The recall was initiated following a referral from the Texas Department of Health. The Americas Company and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving these products, and the recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Consumers should immediately take the armadillos and turtles away from children. They should return the items to the store where purchased for a full refund or exchange. Alternatively, consumers can return the items with proof of purchase directly to The Americas Company at 1977 Union Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94123, for an exchange for a new product that meets CPSC standards. For more information, consumers can call The Americas at (800) 278-4329 between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Americas Nature Company Folk Art wooden armadillos
Manufacturer
Folk Art
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · lead poisoning

See all →