The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98092·Announced 1998-04-08

Atico Recalls Eyeball and Smiley Face Floating Balls Due to Choking Hazard

Atico International is recalling Eyeball and Smiley Face Floating Balls because they contain kerosene and pose a choking hazard to young children.

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 (choking and poisoning) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Atico International USA, Inc. is recalling approximately 329,000 Halloween Floating Eyeballs and 100,000 Smiley Face Floating Balls in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall addresses a serious choking hazard for young children, as the balls are small and lack required warning labels. Additionally, the balls contain kerosene, which could poison young children if the ball cracks or breaks and the liquid is swallowed.

The recalled Smiley Face balls are 1.5 inches in diameter, yellow with black features. The Halloween Eyeballs were sold in two sizes, measuring either 1.5 or 2.25 inches in diameter, and are white with colored irises and red streaks. All balls float in kerosene inside a clear outer ball and are labeled "MADE IN TAIWAN." These products were sold nationwide by retail chain stores including Arbor Drug, Eckerd Drugs, Thrift Drugs, K&B, Inc, and Walgreen drug stores from June 1995 through October 1997 for about $1.

CPSC and Atico International are not aware of any injuries involving these balls. Consumers should take these balls away from children immediately and return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can contact Atico International USA toll-free at (800) 645-3867, extension 541.

The recalled product

Product
Eyeball and Smiley Face Floating Balls Recalled by Atico International
Manufacturer
Arbor Drug
Category
Consumer Product — Toys
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · choking

See all →