CPSC Urges Immediate Cessation of Petgravity Cat Toys Due to Dangerous Ingestion Risks
Urgent Safety Warning: Stop Using Petgravity Cat Toys
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent alert regarding the Petgravity Smart Interactive Car Toys, marketed as cat toys. These toys pose a significant hazard, especially for children, due to the risk of ingesting accessible button cell batteries contained in their remote controls. The CPSC's directive comes in light of violations relating to safety regulations governing consumer products that utilize coin batteries.
The Risk at Hand
According to the CPSC, the lithium coin battery within the remote control of these cat toys can be easily extracted by children, creating a severe choking hazard. If ingested, the battery can cause injuries ranging from internal chemical burns to fatal outcomes. Such dire risks are underscored by established safety laws, like Reese's Law, which mandates that products with button batteries must come equipped with clear warning labels and stringent safety measures to shield young users from potential harm.
Upon further investigation, CPSC revealed that the packaging of these toys fails to meet necessary safety warnings, thus presenting additional hazards to families. In light of these findings, the agency has reached out to the distributors, a company operating under the name Sanchio Store, which is based in Guangzhou, China, to address the situation.
Product Details and Compliance Failures
The Petgravity cat toys were available for purchase on Amazon from March 2024 to November 2024, with prices ranging from $12 to $17. The toys are brightly colored, available in orange and blue, and are packaged with the label "PETGRAVITY Smart Interactive Car Toy" prominently displayed. Each set includes various components such as an automatic car toy, remote control, feather accessory, tail rod, charging cable, and a pre-installed CR2032 lithium battery in the remote control. Furthermore, it is worth noting that these products might have been sold through other sellers as well, thereby extending the risk to a wider consumer base.
Manufactured in China, these toys not only fail to comply with federal regulations but also endanger children's well-being, prompting the CPSC to mandate an immediate cessation of their use. Consumers are instructed to dispose of these toys responsibly, emphasizing that the batteries pose significant hazards and should be recycled according to local hazardous waste guidelines. Selling or donating these unsafe toys is strongly discouraged.
Reporting and Further Actions
Families who have encountered issues or injuries related to these toys are encouraged to contact the CPSC to report such incidents at www.SaferProducts.gov. As a proactive measure, the CPSC remains dedicated to educating the public about the risks associated with consumer products, and underscores the importance of adhering to safety regulations designed to protect consumers, especially vulnerable children.
In conclusion, the CPSC remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure product safety and compliance. For the latest updates and vital safety information, consumers are urged to follow the CPSC on their official channels on social media and sign up for email alerts on crucial product safety notifications.
For more information regarding this recall or other incidents, the CPSC can be contacted directly at their hotline 800-638-2772.