Hardees Recalls Its Ghostblasters Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hardee's Food Systems, Inc. announced today that it is voluntarily recalling a promotional item called "Ghostblasters" which was distributed in the chain's 3,100 restaurants as a promotional tie-in with the Ghostbusters movie. The premium is being recalled because it contains small parts that may be swallowed by children if dislodged from the unit.

Ghostblasters are noisemaking toys that come in four different colors - red, black, gray and white - and have a picture of the Ghostbusters logo on one side. The Ghostblasters are approximately 3 inches X 1 1/4 inches X 1/2 inch in size with two black rectangular buttons at one end. Each button, when pressed, causes the toy to make a different noise.

Ghostblasters were distributed starting June 26th and the promotion was scheduled to end July 23rd. Approximately 2.8 million Ghostblasters were sold with a designated food purchase.

Hardee's has initiated the recall after listening to its consumers. While at least 15 reports have been received of children ingesting the small batteries, neither Hardee's nor the Commission is aware of any serious injuries resulting. The company is taking immediate steps to remove all remaining Ghostblasters from its restaurants and to recall previously sold blasters.

Hardee's and the CPSC advise consumers who have Ghostblasters in their homes to take them away from children under three years of age and return them to a Hardee's restaurant for a full refund of the purchase price.

Consumers with questions may write Hardee's Food Systems, Inc., Public Affairs Department, P.O. Box 1619, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-1619 or call toll-free 1-800-346-2243. For media inquiries, call Hardee's Food Systems, Inc., Public Affairs Department at (919) 977-8519.