Tyco Recalls Big Bird Battery-Powered Toothbrush

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tyco Toys, Inc., Moorestown, NJ, announced today that it is voluntarily recalling "Big Bird Sparklin Smile" battery operated toothbrush (stock no. 2524).

Approximately 330,000 of these products were sold between 1986 and 1991 for up to $10.00 each. The toothbrushes were sold nationwide under the Ideal and Tyco brand names through toy, variety and discount stores, and limited catalog mail-order sales.

The Big Bird toothbrush uses four "AA" size batteries. If one of the batteries is inadvertently reversed, the battery may rupture or leak. Tyco has received three reports of minor burn injuries to children from leaking batteries and has learned from a news report that an exploding battery in this toothbrush may have caused serious eye injury to an adult. While these incidents appear to be due to defective batteries or improperly installed batteries, Tyco is recalling the toothbrush to eliminate the possibility of any further incidents.

For a refund of the purchase price, consumers who have the Big Bird toothbrush should mail it to: Tyco Industries - Toothbrush Recall, 540 Glen Avenue, Moorestown, NJ 08057. No other Sesame Street toys, Ideal toys or Tyco toys are affected by this recall.

For additional information about the toothbrush recall consumers may call Tyco toll-free at 1-800-822-5574 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Retailers are being instructed to remove these products from shelves and return them to Tyco.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is participating in this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction.

Tyco Toys, Inc. the fourth largest U.S. toy manufacturer, distributes a broad line of products worldwide including radio controlled toys, electric racing toys, dolls, and activity toys.