Mattel Recalls Pogo Sticks, Push Toys Because of Injuries

Mattel Inc. is recalling some Fisher-Price pogo sticks and push toys because some children have been hurt, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

A metal pin in the Grow to Pro pogo stick may wear down, causing the toy to remain stuck in the down position and then release suddenly. Children may fall or suffer blows to the face, the commission said.

About 54,000 Lil’ Wagster electronic push toys also are being recalled because a child might catch a chin, jaw or teeth in the opening on the handle.

Fisher-Price Brands, a unit of El Segundo-based Mattel, received 17 reports of incidents with the pogo sticks, including one case in which a child’s teeth were knocked out. Free pogo stick replacements are available from the company. Repair kits are available for the Lil’ Wagster, the safety commission said.

Mattel shares fell 1 cent to $18.01 on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has risen 4.7% in the last year.

The pogo sticks are pink or green. The recall covers all pink pogo sticks and green ones manufactured through Aug. 1, 2004, or about 154,000 in all, the commission said. Green pogo sticks made after that date, identified by a round green sticker under the foot peg, are not included in the recall.

The pogo sticks were sold by discount department stores and toy stores across the country from January 2002 to August 2004 for $25 to $30 each, the commission said.

The push toy, sold in stores from December 2002 through February of this year, has a green race car base with red wheels and a blue handle.