Gymboree Recalls Sandals

Gymboree is recalling these sandals because the plastic flower can come off and pose a choking hazard. There have been four reports of the flower coming off with one child choking. You can return the sandals by mail or in stores for a full refund.

Name of product: Caroline Flower Baby Sandals

Units: About 5,600

Manufacturer: The Gymboree Corp., of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: A plastic flower attached to the sandals can pull or snap off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Gymboree has received four reports of the plastic flower coming off of the sandals. One child reportedly pulled the flower off of the sandal, placed it in her mouth and started to choke, and another child was reported to have bitten a flower off of the sandal.

Description: This recall includes the Caroline Flower Baby Sandal with SKU number 140002069 sold in sizes 1 to 8. The SKU number is printed on the price tag above the bar code. The sandal has a white upper sole and a cork covered outer sole. A white decorative plastic flower is attached to the top of the front strap. The front and back strap have adjustable touch fasteners. The name “Gymboree” is printed in aqua on the sole of the sandal.

Sold at: Gymboree stores and Web site nationwide from May 2005 through July 2005 for between $22 and $28.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the sandals and return them to a Gymboree store for a refund. Consumers also can return the sandals to Gymboree via mail. Contact Gymboree for return instructions.

Consumer Contact: Contact Gymboree toll-free at (877) 449-6932 between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. PT Monday through Friday and between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. PT Saturdays or visit the firm’s Web site.