Choking Hazard Leads To Recall Of 2 Dolls

WASHINGTON -- "Learn and Play Pal" and "Soft Sisters" dolls, which were sold nationwide last year in toy, chain and drug stores, are being recalled by Lovee Doll Company of Brooklyn, N.Y. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The buttons or a buckle on the clothing of the dolls could come off and present a choking hazard to young children.

Standing 16 inches tall, "Learn and Play Pals" #41215 and 09-41215 are soft-filled dolls with brown or white faces and red or brown hair. They are dressed in a multi-striped shirt and blue overalls with a button, buckle, snap, zipper and shoelace attached, so children can learn how to use the items.

"Soft Sisters" #35350 are baby dolls, 12 inches tall, with soft bodies, plastic faces, curly hair and black or white skin color. One doll comes dressed in overalls with straps which are attached in front by two half-inch buttons.

According to the company, about 8,000 dolls distributed for sale in 1987. The Lovee label appears only on the package and not on the dolls.

Consumers having any of the dolls with buttons or buckles on the clothing should immediately remove the buttons and buckles or take the dolls away from young children and return the dolls to the store where purchased for a refund of the full purchase price.

U. S. Customs Service identified the potentially hazardous dolls imported from Hong Kong at the Port of Newark, N.J. during "Operation Toyland," a joint surveillance program with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.