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Zebco Children’s Fishing Rods

April 13, 2005
Zebco is recalling about 1.5 million children's fishing rods. The paint on the rods contains lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

There have been no reports of injuries or illness associated with these poles. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent any possibility of injury.

The recalled fishing poles are brightly colored and feature pictures of the following cartoon characters on the reels: from Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants are SpongeBob, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks; Nick Jr.’s Dora the Explorer; Disney’s Tigger; and the cast of Nickelodeon’s Rocket Power. “ZEBCO” and “Floating Catch ‘Em Kit™” are written on the handles of these poles with the exception of the Rocket Power poles.

The Rocket Power poles have a two-piece rod, were sold with sunglasses and “Rocket Power” is written on the rod. Newer fishing poles with a date code on the rod (near the handle) are not included in the recall. Sold at: Discount department, sporting good and toy stores nationwide from August 2001 through March 2005 for between $9 and $13.

The rods were sold at discount department, sporting good and toy stores nationwide from August 2001 through March 2005 for between $9 and $13.

Consumers should stop using the recalled fishing poles and contact Zebco for information on receiving a free replacement fishing pole.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Zebco at (800) 444-5581 Ext. 6217 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.zebco.com/recall.

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

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