In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Family Dollar Stores-based out of Charlotte, North Carolina– has voluntarily recalled approximately 1.8 million toy dart gun sets. This product safety recall was issued in regards to an aspiration hazard they may pose. According to multiple media outlets, there have been two child killed directly attributable to the recalled toys. The two asphyxiation deaths occurred in Chicago, Illinois, in which a 9-year-old boy was killed, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where a 10-year-old boy died.
Tragically, the two children choked on the toys when they inadvertently inhaled one of the soft toy darts and consequently blocking their airways. These Chinese made toy dart guns were not recalled by the Importer: Henry Gordy International, based in Plainfield, New Jersey; even though they were potentially dangerous toy guns.It is admirable that Family Dollar has stepped up to notify the public.
According to the CPSC, “The “Auto Fire” toy target set is sold with either an orange and yellow toy gun (item #P238) or a blue and yellow toy gun (item #9328), eight orange darts and a small target with numbers from 1 to 20. The gun’s item number is located on one side of the handle in raised lettering. The soft plastic darts measure just over one inch in length and have a small suction cup at one end with a diameter of about 1/2 inch. The target board is black, yellow, red and green, and measures five inches in diameter. “Gordy Toy” for “Ages 8+” is printed on the packaging.”
It should be noted that the toy dart gun sets had been distributed solely in Family Dollar stores across the United States from September 2005 through January 2009 at a price of $1.50. Anyone that had shopped at Family Dollar during this time and may have purchased this toy are urged to confiscate the dart gun sets and dispose of them. Family Dollar has also said that you can return the product for full reimbursement.