The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) fined a New Jersey-based toy company over $1 million for failing to report a potentially deadly hazard with one of its toys. Henry Gordy International, Inc., knowingly failed to report the safety hazard with its toy dart gun and darts, according to the CPSC’s investigation. Henry Gordy agreed to pay the hefty fine, which stipulates that it denies the CPSC’s allegations and does not admit fault.
The toy has soft, plastic darts, which a child can easily inhale and choke on, said the CPSC. The company knew of the choking hazard going back to May 2006, but did not report it to the CPSC, as required by law. The CPSC further alleged that Henry Gordy withheld information from the agency’s investigation back in 2009.
The plastic darts in question are only slightly larger than a penny. Federal law mandates that companies report products that are potentially hazardous. Companies must also report any product that causes a choking incident involving small balls, latex balloons, marbles, toys or games containing these parts.
The exact amount of the CPSC fine is $1.1 million. Do you think that is enough of a deterrent for Henry Gordy and other toymakers?
Colson Hicks Eidson – Florida injury attorneys