Target Recalls Jumbo Pencils with Sharpeners

Name of Product: Jumbo Pencils with Sharpeners

Units: About 176,000

Manufacturer: Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The sharpener’s razor blade is exposed when the cover is removed. Also, the pencil sharpener hole is large enough to allow a finger to fit inside. This poses a laceration hazard to children and adults.

Incidents/Injuries: Target has received 17 reports involving the pencil sharpeners, including 12 children and adults who received cuts to their fingers from the sharpener’s razor blade.

Description: The jumbo pencil has a red eraser on the end and comes with a pencil sharpener. Pencils are either short, 8 ½ inches long and one inch wide, or long, 15 inches long and ½ inch wide. The pencils are blue, red or striped. The sharpeners are pink or blue and come in a clear plastic pouch. Model number 70505 is printed on the pouch.

Manufactured in: China

Sold at: Target Stores nationwide from July 2005 through August 2005 for about $1.

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled jumbo pencil with sharpeners away from children immediately and return them to the nearest Target store for a GiftCard of $1 plus applicable state tax.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or log onto the firm’s Web site at www.Target.com