Target Water Bottle Recall: Part Of ‘Back-To-College’, The Containers Might Pose Choking Hazard

Target stores have initiated a recall of a particular set of reusable plastic water bottles due to fear the containers might pose a choking hazard.

Plastic water bottles, which were part of ‘Back-To-College’ campaign and sold exclusively at Target stores, are being recalled by the company. Apparently, the straws that come attached as part of the package can snap off and be accidentally swallowed by an unsuspecting user.

Although there have been no injuries or emergencies so far, MSN reports that there have been nine incidents of the flip-top portion of the cap breaking. These incidents include seven occurrences where children noticed plastic fragments in their mouth, which they spat out. Incidentally, the water bottle recall has been ordered by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Who is affected? Since these bottles were sold exclusively at Target stores, only those who have bought them as part of the store’s “Back-to-College” promotion are affected. The recall includes about 178,000 water bottles. Although the bottles have been aimed at college kids, as apparent from the marketing campaign, these water bottles would be more attractive to kids owing to the imagery on them.

The water bottles that Target is recalling come in bright, attractive colors and are decorated with the superhero images of Marvel comics, DC Comics, and other sources. The characters on the bottles include Superman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Thor, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Batman, Minions, My Little Pony, Spiderman, and Star Wars, reported NJ.

Though sold at Target stores, the 26-ounce bottles are from Zak Designs and were priced at around $10. The bottles are 10 inches tall. Incidentally, those water bottles that have a black twist-off cap and black inner straw are not part of the recall. The CPSC has asked the buyers of the bottles to stop their usage immediately and get in touch with Zak Designs for instructions about receiving a free replacement cap with a straw.

The recall might be a bit tough proposition considering the fact that Target operates its stores across America. Moreover, the “Back-to-College” promotion ran nationwide from June 2015 through July 2015.

To find out if you qualify for a replacement, the CPSC advises consumers to simply turn the bottle upside down and observe the mold number. If you happen to spot the number 14158, then you have bought a bottle that might fail, reported KRISTV. To facilitate the reporting of the bottles and seek a replacement, Zak Designs has set up a toll-free number: 866-737-1148. Buyers can also visit their website and click on Product Recall at the bottom of the page.

[Image Credit | Gustavo Caballero / Getty Images]