Infection Worry Spurs Teether Recall

Jan. 31, 2006 -- The FDA and The First Years, a subsidiary of RC2 Corporation, have announced a voluntary recall of liquid-filled infant teethers due to a possible bacterial contamination of the liquid inside.

The fluid inside the teethers may be contaminated with bacteria known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida. If the teether is punctured -- and the potentially contaminated liquid is ingested -- it can cause serious illness in children.

No illnesses have been reported so far. However, the bacteria have been known to cause serious respiratory, urinary, and blood infections.

A company news release says consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately.

The recall applies to six different styles of liquid-filled teethers for infants (at least 3 months old) and includes the following products:

• Disney Days of Hunny Soft Cool Ring Teether -- Style# Y1447
• Disney Soft Cool Ring Teether -- Style# Y1470
• Disney Soft Cool Ring Teether -- Style# Y1490
• The First Years Cool Animal Teether/Fish, Zebra, and Dinosaur designs -- Style# Y1473
• The First Years Floating Friends Teether -- Style# Y1474
• Sesame Beginnings Chill & Chew Teether -- Style# Y3095

All six teethers have the same general construction with a vinyl exterior and clear liquid prefilled inside. Some of the teethers have designs on the exterior while others have floating characters inside the liquid-filled teether.

The teethers have been sold nationwide from July 2005 to January 2006 for $2.99 to $3.99.

The First Years says consumers should put the teether in its current condition into a sealed plastic storage bag, place in an envelope, and return to: Parent Service Center, RC2/The First Years, 100 Technology Center Drive, Stoughton, MA 02072. Consumers should include their mailing address in the envelope to receive a replacement teether and gift.

For additional information and photos of the teethers, visit www.thefirstyears.com. Or call The First Years Parent Service Center at (866) 725-4407.