CPSC, Playwell Toy Announce Recall of Xylophone Mallets
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (1998-10-15). About 200,000 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 99009 |
| Published | 1998-10-15 |
| Last updated | 1998-10-15 |
| Product category | Toy Musical Instruments |
| Products | Individually sold xylophones, Little Ones® Infant three-piece musical gift sets, and Little Ones® Infant five-piece musical gift sets |
| Firm named in the title | Playwell Toy |
| Firms | Right Start (manufacturer); Playwell Toy (manufacturer); Target (manufacturer); Kmart (manufacturer) |
| Manufactured in | China |
| Units (US) | 200,000 |
| Remedy classes | dispose |
Description
The xylophones are mostly white with a red button and yellow handle. The metal bars on the xylophones are red, yellow, green and blue, and the mallets are red. The individually sold xylophones have stickers on them reading, "PLAYWELL. . . SOUND TOY SERIES." Their packaging reads, "Music World Xylophone . . . Playwell . . . Item No: 044073." The three-piece Little OnesTM Infant musical gift sets consist of a toy xylophone and mallet, an accordion and a tambourine. The five-piece set consists of a xylophone, tambourine, harmonica and two maracas. All the instruments are multi-colored plastic. The sets are packaged in a box that reads, in part, "Little OnesTM Infant . . . Ages 6 Months and over . . . Hours of musical fun!" Each musical instrument has "MADE IN CHINA" printed on it.
Hazard
The rounded ends of the xylophone mallets are smaller in diameter than the 1.75-inch standard for small balls. The mallets can get stuck in the throats of young children, blocking their airways, and possibly causing death.
Remedy
Firm no longer in business. Recall remedy no longer available. Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC and Playwell Toy were aware of one serious injury to a 6-month-old baby girl who suffered severe brain damage when the mallet became lodged in her throat.
Machine access
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.