Diener Industries Recalls Halloween Giveaway Erasers

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Diener Industries of Chatsworth, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,788 packages of "24 Assorted Halloween Pencil Top Erasers, #5005" because small pumpkin-shaped erasers in the package could be a fatal choking hazard to young children.

These solid-colored erasers which are orange, black, and white come in the shape of a pumpkin, ghost, bat, cat, and witch. Each eraser has a hole in the bottom to insert a pencil. A combination of all four shapes are sold in a see-through plastic bag of 24. At the top of each bag are the words "GREAT GIVEAWAY TREATS!"

Consumers are urged not to give these erasers to young children during the Halloween season and immediately take them away from young children who already have them because they resemble candy and can present a fatal choking hazard.

These erasers were sold in northern and central California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, this Halloween season for approximately $6.99 per bag.

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

The potentially hazardous erasers were identified during an inspection conducted by the CPSC.

Consumers can return their erasers to the store where purchased for a refund of the purchase price. Consumers with questions about this recall may contact Diener Industries at (818) 886-7800, or they can send their package of erasers to Diener Industries, Inc., 20257 Praire Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311, for a full refund including postage.

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.