CPSC Recall in 1998: CPSC, Atico International Announce Recall of "Eyeball" and Smiley Face Floating Balls

Updated on March 25, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1998.

Data Source: CPSC.

Recall Number: 98-092

Date: April 07, 1998

Product Name: Halloween Floating Eyeballs and Smiley Face Floating Balls

Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Atico International USA, Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is recalling about 329,000 Halloween Floating Eyeballs and about 100,000 Smiley Face Floating Balls. These balls contain kerosene. If the ball cracks or breaks, kerosene leaking out could poison young children if swallowed. The smaller of these balls also present a serious choking hazard to young children. They lack warning labels required for small balls. The firm is out of business, the remedy is no longer available, and the product should be discarded or destroyed. CPSC and Atico International USA, Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these balls. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. All of the Smiley Face balls are 1.5 inches in diameter. They are yellow with black features. The Halloween Eyeballs were sold in two sizes. They measure either 1.5 or 2.25 inches in diameter. They are white with different colored irises and red streaks (resembling bloodshot eyes). All the balls float in kerosene inside a clear outer ball, and are labeled "MADE IN TAIWAN." These balls were sold nationwide by retail chain stores such as Arbor Drug, Eckerd Drugs, Thrift Drugs, K&B, Inc and Walgreen drug stores from June 1995 through October 1997 for about $1. Consumers should take these balls away from children immediately and discard or destroy the balls.

Hazard Description:

These balls contain kerosene. If the ball cracks or breaks, kerosene leaking out could poison young children if swallowed. The smaller of these balls also present a serious choking hazard to young children. They lack warning labels required for small balls.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Dispose, No Remedy Available

Units: About 329,000 Halloween Floating Eyeballs and about 100,000 Smiley Face Floating Balls

Incidents:

CPSC and Atico International USA, Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these balls.

Sold At:

These balls were sold nationwide by retail chain stores such as Arbor Drug, Eckerd Drugs, Thrift Drugs, K&B, Inc and Walgreen drug stores from June 1995 through October 1997 for about $1.

Manufactured In:

Taiwan