CPSC Recall in 2001: CPSC, Manley Toy Direct Announce the Recall of Zapper Toys

Updated on January 18, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 2001.

Data Source: CPSC.
Recall Number: 02-049
Date: November 27, 2001
Product Name: Zapper toys
Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Manley Toy Direct, of Indianola, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling about 15,800 Zapper toys. The balloon tongues and the cylinders holding the tongues on these toys can detach, posing a choking and aspiration hazard to young children. The Promotional Resources Group of Companies Inc., of Topeka, Kan., previously recalled about 105,000 Bug Zapper toys on June 6, 2000. That company received a report of a 3-year-old boy who inhaled a balloon tongue that detached from a Zapper toy into his sinus cavity. He required medical treatment to remove the part from his nose. Additionally, eight firms recalled about 835,000 Zapper toys on March 19, 2001. The vinyl Zapper toys are about 2- to 3-inches long, and come in the shape of various animals including frogs, dinosaurs and snakes. When the toy is squeezed, the balloon tongue attached to its mouth inflates or rolls out. "CHINA" or "MADE IN CHINA" is molded into the toy. Arcades, amusement parks and carnivals sold and distributed these toys from January 2000 through August 2001. They were sold for about $1. Consumers should immediately take these toys away from young children and return the toy to the place of purchase for a refund, or throw them away. For more information, contact Manley Toy Direct at (800) 767-9998 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday to Friday.

Hazard Description:

The balloon tongues and the cylinders holding the tongues on these toys can detach, posing a choking and aspiration hazard to young children.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Dispose, Refund

Units: About 15,80
Incidents:

That company received a report of a 3-year-old boy who inhaled a balloon tongue that detached from a Zapper toy into his sinus cavity. He required medical treatment to remove the part from his nose.

Sold At:

Arcades, amusement parks and carnivals sold and distributed these toys from January 2000 through August 2001. They were sold for about $1.

Manufactured In:

China