Value Merchants Inc. Recalls Patty And Her Puppy And Triplet Dolls

PRODUCT: "Patty and Her Puppy," dolls model number 3159 and "Triplet Dolls," model number 001 distributed by Value Merchants, Inc.

PROBLEM: The arms and legs of the dolls in each set may separate, producing a potentially fatal choking hazard to young children.

WHAT TO DO: Return the sets to the place of purchase for a refund.

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Value Merchants, Inc. of Milwaukee, WI is voluntarily recalling approximately 10,000 sets of "Patty and Her Puppy" dolls, model number 3159, and approximately 2,000 sets of "Triplet Dolls," model number 001. The arms and legs of the dolls in both sets may separate producing a potentially fatal choking hazard to young children.

The Patty and Her Puppy set consists of a six-inch vinyl doll with a three-inch, one-piece vinyl puppy. Both toys have painted-on features. The doll is wearing a short dress with a velcro closure and white panties. The package reads in part, "Fishel" and "Made in China."

The Triplet Dolls consist of three vinyl dolls packaged together that are five inches tall with painted-on faces and short curly hair that varies in color. The Triplet Dolls are wearing multi-colored halter dresses and panties. The packaging reads in part, "A Grand Toy by RandToy" and "Made in China."

Both sets were sold nationwide from March 1990 to December 1991 for approximately $1.99 per set.

Neither the CPSC nor the company is aware of any injuries involving these products. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The potentially hazardous nature of the dolls was identified during a random establishment inspection conducted by CPSC.

Consumers are urged to take the dolls away from young children immediately and return the sets to the store where purchased for a refund of the purchase price. Consumers with questions about this recall may contact the Value Merchants, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-677-7780.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.