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Children's Metal Charms

March 3, 2005
Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc. is recalling about 2.8 million metal charms because they contain high levels of lead, posing a serious risk of lead poisoning to young children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission received a report of a six-year-old girl who mouthed these charms worn on a homemade necklace. She developed elevated lead levels in her blood that may be related to the charms. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

The recalled metal charms were sold under the name “Charming Thoughts™.” Most of the charms are silver-colored with small silver loops. They were sold in packages of two to 12 pieces. The packages are marked “The Card Connection™,” “Charming Thoughts™” and “Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc.”

The metal charms are various shapes including small hearts, crowns, birds, picture frames, perfume bottles and a cross. Some of the metal charms have small blue, pink or yellow stones and are printed with words including “princess,” “congratulations,” “city girl,” “world traveler” and “life’s blessings.” “Insert photo here,” “cherish,” “love,” and “honor” are printed on the picture frame charms.

The metal charms were sold as decorations for place cards, greeting cards, collages, memory boxes, gift cards, scrapbooks, invitations and gift bags. The charms also can be attached to necklaces and bracelets.

The recalled metal charms were sold at Michaels Stores from July 2002 through February 2005, at Recollections stores from October 2004 through February 2005, and at Hancock Fabrics stores from January 2004 through January 2005 for between $3 to $4. All of the charms were manufactured in China.

Consumers should immediately take these metal charms away from children and contact Hirschberg Schutz & Co. at (800) 873-5506 anytime to receive a refund. Consumers also can e-mail the firm at charmsrecall@horizongroupusa.com for more information.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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