CPSC recall · Reported October 10, 2002
CPSC, Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Announce Recall of Toy Sponges
The eyes on the toys can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va. recalled There are three types of sponge animals involved in this recall: whales, turtles and fish….
CPSC, Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Announce Recall of Toy Sponges was recalled by Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va. in October 10, 2002. Reason: The eyes on the toys can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.. Remedy: Consumers should take these sponge animals away from young children immediately and retur…. Verify recall #03010 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va. issued this CPSC recall-The eyes on the toys can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children..
- None
- agency class
- 280K units
- affected scope
- October 10, 2002
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03010 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope (see the Recall Profile below) is large enough to require multi-state distribution tracking. 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 - 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.
Food recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 25,457 food recalls on record
Product description
There are three types of sponge animals involved in this recall: whales, turtles and fish. The sponge animals are made of soft terry cloth and have suction cups for attaching to tiled or smooth surfaces. The toys have a sewn-in label that reads in part, "DOLLAR TREE DISTRIBUTION, INC.," "MADE IN CHINA" and "RN# 87254."
Reason for recall
The eyes on the toys can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should take these sponge animals away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03010 |
| Date reported | October 10, 2002 |
| Date initiated | October 10, 2002 |
| Recalling firm | Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va. |
| Affected scope | 280,000 |
| 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
Consumers should take these sponge animals away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for …
- Check the recall number (03010) 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? ▼
Why was this product recalled? ▼
What should consumers do? ▼
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Consumer-product notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Food · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
Compare this recall with Grade A White In-shell Chicken eggs packaged in the followi… → · All Food recalls
Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026