Hearth Record

CPSC, Racing Champions Ertl, Inc. Announce Recall of Children’s Toy Toolboxes

Kids’ product recall 01-228. Announced by CPSC on Sep 6, 2001.

CPSC’s own notice, on cpsc.gov

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The short answer

Announced by CPSC on Sep 6, 2001. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.

Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.

What’s wrong with it?

The toy’s carrying handle can break, creating small parts and a sharp plastic edge that pose a choking and laceration hazard to young children.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What should you do?

Parents and caregivers should take the toy away from young children immediately and contact RCE for instructions on returning these toys and receiving a free replacement toolbox.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

  • How to reach the firm: Consumers may contact RCE at (866) 898-4999 anytime.

Which ones are recalled?

The children’s toolbox is a soft-shelled, plastic, green box with a yellow handle and yellow raised letters that read “John Deere.” A John Deere Kids logo with a fawn inside a red oval is imprinted on the front of the toolbox. The toolbox is sold with a green and yellow plastic ratchet wrench and pliers inside. Stamped on the bottom of the product is “JOHN DEERE LICENSED PRODUCT” and “MADE IN CHINA.” All yellow-handled toolboxes are included in this recall.

About 11,600 units, as CPSC gives them.

John Deere Kids Toolboxes.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

CPSC’s photos

CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.

Who made and sold it?

  • Imported by Racing Champions Ertl Inc. (RCE), Dyersville, Iowa.
  • John Deere dealers and other farm supply retail stores nationwide sold the toys, from June 2001 through September 2001, for about $13.
  • Made in China, as the notice gives it.
Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

Was anyone hurt?

CPSC and RCE have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What the record doesn’t say

  • The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
  • The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
  • How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Source:

Hearth Record wrote these lines.

Sources

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.

    Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Source:

Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.

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An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

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