News December 06, 2021
Choking Hazard Prompts HALO to Recall Flashlights
Two incidents were reported, including one in which a child required surgery to remove a swallowed battery.
HALO Branded Solutions (asi/356000), the largest distributor in the North American promotional products industry, has recalled 82,500 children’s projector flashlights because they pose a choking hazard.
Sterling, IL-based HALO issued the recall after two reports emerged that children had accessed the button cell batteries on the flashlights, of which there were five versions, bearing the branding of Disney, Pixar, Avengers, ESPN or Star Wars. In one case, a child required surgery to remove a swallowed battery.
HALO’s recall centered on five models of children’s projector flashlights: Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Avengers and ESPN
“HALO engaged in a voluntary recall of this product immediately after learning of this issue, working hand-in-hand with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),” HALO CEO Marc Simon told ASI Media in a statement. “While only two incidents were reported with over 80,000 products, the safety of the products we sell is paramount.”
The CPSC said that consumers should immediately take the recalled projector flashlight away from children, stop using it, and contact HALO for a full refund and a pre-paid shipping label to return the item. Upon return, HALO will send the consumer a $5 gift card redeemable at a major national retailer.
The flashlights were manufactured in China. HALO was the importer of record on the items.
Starlight Children’s Foundation distributed the flashlights as part of care packages to hospitals and healthcare facilities between February 2021 and June 2021. Founded in 1982, Starlight is a nonprofit organization that runs programs that include providing hospital wear, games and deliveries to hospitalized children.
Simon noted that HALO developed a product-recall plan several years ago to address potential issues like this.
“The plan was reviewed and approved by the Ombudsman of the CPSC,” Simon said. “Once we were made aware, we put our plan into action. We feel transparency and resolution of any issue related to the products we sell is a value to the clients that trust us with their brand.”