Step2® Recalls Toy Drums Over Choking Hazard

About 21,000 Step2® Basic Rhythms Drums™ have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) just announced.

The Step2® Basic Rhythms Drums™, which were manufactured in China, were imported by the Step2 Company LLC, of Streetsboro, Ohio. The recall was initiated because the plastic clips used to attach the drumsticks to the drum can break. The small broken pieces present a choking to young children. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported.

Of note, imports from China into the United States have long been making headlines for issues with defective parts and dangerous elements, including hazardous lead levels in children’s toys and products and parts that can break off and pose choking hazards to children. Recalls have also been associated with unsafe, sometimes deadly, medications, pet food, consumer food and health items, and the ongoing drywall debacle that has been the culprit in untold numbers of cases involving homes across the United States plagued with corroding metals and offensive odors. In many cases the entire gutting of houses has been mandated to correct the problem.

This particular recall involves Step2® Basic Rhythm Drumsâ„¢ intended for preschool age children. The toy drum is sold with two drumsticks that can be stored in clips on the side of the drum. A red “Step2®” logo in printed on the side of the drum.
The recalled Step2® Basic Rhythms Drumsâ„¢ were sold at Toys “R” Us, Burlington Coat Factory, and other retail stores nationwide from August 2009 through March 2010 for between $10 and $15.

The CPSC and HC are advising consumers to immediately take the recalled toy from children and contact Step2 to request a replacement toy. Shep2 can be reached toll-free at (866) 860-1887 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or at the firm’s Web site at www.step2.com