Calico Critters Remember: 3.2 Million Toys Recalled After Two Children’s Deaths

Epoch Everlasting Play said it is recalling 3.2 million of its popular Calico Critters toys after three incidents involving a bottle and pacifier accessory, including the deaths of two children.

The recalled toys include more than 50 types of flocked animal figures and sets sold with the bottle and pacifier accessory, according to a notice posted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on its website. The bottle and pacifier pose a choking hazard to children, according to the agency.

The sets involved in the recall were sold at Walmart, Meijer and other stores in the US, as well as online at Amazon.com and at calicocritters.com. The toys were sold from January 2000 through December 2021 and retailed for between $10 and $80.

Calico Critters, small figurines often depicting squirrels, rabbits and other creatures, were made in Japan in the 1980s and are described by the manufacturer as “wholesome, never trendy.” Many of the recalled sets are twin baby animal figurines that were sold with the bottle and pacifier accessories.

Epoch Everlasting Play said it is aware of three incidents involving the pacifier accessory, including the death of a 2-year-old in New Mexico in 2018 and of a 9-year-old in Japan in 2015, according to the statement.

People who purchased the recalled toy are urged to immediately remove the bottle and pacifier accessories from children. Customers can contact Epoch for instructions on how to submit a photo of the bottle and pacifier, with confirmation of their destruction, to receive a free accessory in return, the company said.

The bottle accessories came in yellow, pink, blue and orange, while one type of bottle has two yellow handles. The pacifier was available in the colors yellow, orange, pink, dark pink, blue and teal.

Epoch can be reached at 1 (800) 631-1272 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, or by email at productsafety@epocheverlastingplay.com. Consumers can also find more information at Epocheverlastingplay.com/recalls.

Below are the recalled toys. The item numbers are on the bottom of the toy packaging.