Reebok International Recall of Toddler’s Athletic Shoes

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2004
Release # 04-217
Firm’s Hotline: (800) 843-4444
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Reebok International Announce Recall of Toddler’s Athletic Shoes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Reebok “Iverson/Answer” toddler shoes

Units: About 140,000

Manufacturer: Reebok International Ltd., of Canton, Mass.

Hazard: The I-3 logo-tag on the tongue of the shoe can be peeled off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Reebok has received a report of an 8-month-old child mouthing the logo-tag. The tag was removed without injury.

Description: The recalled Reebok Iverson mid- and low-style athletic shoes were sold in toddler sizes 2 through 10. The logo-tag on the tongue of the shoe reads “I3/Answer,” and on the rear and center of the heel is an “I3” logo. The names “Iverson” and “The Realist” are carved into the sole. The model number is printed on a label on the underside of the tongue. Model numbers included in the recall are: 99553, B99553, 99554, B99554, 105155, B105155, 105158, B105158, 108292, and B108292.

Sold at: Reebok, independent retailers, children’s apparel and athletic shoe stores nationwide from March 2004 through August 2004 for about $35.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these shoes away from young children and contact Reebok to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Reebok at (800) 843-4444 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.reebok.com

Media Contact: Denise Kaigler, (781) 401-5000.

Picture of Toddler Athetic Shoe