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CPSC recall · Reported July 2, 2001

CPSC, Chicco USA Inc. Announce Recall of Preschool Toys

Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, and causing suffocation.

Recall #
01182
Affected scope
About 6,000
Verify with CPSC →
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The CPSC recalled The Build-A-Ball toy consists of five multi-colored and various-sized plastic balls that ….

CPSC, Chicco USA Inc. Announce Recall of Preschool Toys was recalled and listed by the CPSC in July 2, 2001. Reason: Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, a…. Remedy: Parents and caregivers should take these balls away from young children immediately and r…. Verify recall #01182 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

issued this CPSC recall-Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, a….

None
agency class
July 2, 2001
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #01182 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 5 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Children & Baby Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,781 children & baby products recalls on record

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Product description

The Build-A-Ball toy consists of five multi-colored and various-sized plastic balls that can be taken apart to be stacked on top of each other or placed inside each other. The five balls in the toy set range in size from about 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter. One-half of the balls are white, green, blue, red or yellow, and the other half is clear. "chicco" is written inside the balls. The balls are packaged in a box labeled "chicco," "Build-a-Ball," "Cod. 66167," and "Made in China." The packaging also indicated the toy is for children ages 1-3 years or 1-4 years. The text on the packaging is written in 11 languages.

Reason for recall

Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, and causing suffocation.

Remedy, what to do

Parents and caregivers should take these balls away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a refund.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Not classified by agency
Status Active
Recall number 01182
Date reported July 2, 2001
Date initiated July 2, 2001
Recalling firm Not disclosed
Affected scope About 6,000
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Parents and caregivers should take these balls away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purcha…

  • Check the recall number (01182) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The Build-A-Ball toy consists of five multi-colored and various-sized plastic balls that can be taken apart to be stacked on top of each other or placed inside each other. The five balls in the toy set range in size from about 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter. One-half of the balls are white, green, blue, red or yellow, and the other half is clear. "chicco" is written inside the balls. The balls are packaged in a box labeled "chicco," "Build-a-Ball," "Cod. 66167," and "Made in China." The packaging also indicated the toy is for children ages 1-3 years or 1-4 years. The text on the packaging is written in 11 languages.. Units affected: About 6,000.
Why was this product recalled?
Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, and causing suffocation.
What should consumers do?
Parents and caregivers should take these balls away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a refund.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on July 2, 2001. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 01182.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Compare this recall with CLEAR EYES Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) per … → · All Children & Baby Products recalls

This recall: CPSC, reported July 2, 2001. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026