Giggle Stick Toys Recalled by CBS Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 3) -- CBS Toys, a division of CBS, Inc., of New York City, is voluntarily recalling four million units of a toy which may pose a choking hazard to children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced.

The toy, called the Gabriel "Giggle Stick", consists of a hollow, yellow plastic tube which, when shaken, produces noises by means of a metal reed fastened inside an interior plastic cylinder.

Young children can remove the red end-caps of the toy, exposing the interior plastic cylinder which houses the small reed inside. Some reeds have fallen out of those "Giggle Sticks" designed with open-end caps.

Since March 1, 1979, three children have choked on the reeds, according to CBS Toys. No injuries have resulted.

The "Giggle Sticks" have been manufactured since December 1, 1978, and sold in variety stores nationwide for less than $2. The toys are advertised as suitable for children ages 3 and older.

Parents should return the toys to their retailers for a refund or a new "Giggle Stick" which has been redesigned to eliminate the safety hazard.

Consumers also can receive a refund or a new "Giggle Stick" by mailing their used ones to: Gabriel Industries, Longmeadow Road, P.O. Box 980, Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740.

In retail stores, consumers can identify a redesigned "Giggle Stick" by looking for the words, "New, Improved" on the red cardboard flag wrapped around the toy.