Family Dollar Recalls 254,000 Toy Truck Sets With Sharp Edges

FRANKLIN, NJ—Family Dollar Stores Inc. recalled about 254,000 auto carrier toy sets due to a laceration hazard on February 4, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The plastic toy truck, which is 14 inches , 3 inches wide, and 5 inches high, has a plastic case that holds 6 die-cast metal toy cars in assorted colors.

“The package is labeled as ‘Tough Treadz Auto Carrier’ and has a white sticker in the upper right-hand corner with “$5” and “SKU 1004247” printed in red,” reads the recall notice.

The UPC codes are printed on a label on the back stating “Made in China,” and include: 678565114083, 678565114090, 678565114106.

Although no injuries or incidents have been reported, “the die-cast metal cars can have sharp edges that pose a laceration hazard,” says the CPSC.

The truck sets retailed for about $5 each and were available throughout the last four months of 2014, but only at Family Dollar Stores nationwide.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toy sets, take them away [from children] and return them to any Family Dollar Stores location for a full refund,” reads the recall notice.

Family Dollar agreed to be sold to Dollar Tree last month rather than to its larger rival, Dollar General, as we reported.

Shareholders were worried that regulators would knock-down the deal or force the combined company to sell too many locations.

But now the federal government may force Dollar Tree to sell up to 300 stores anyway.

Both the young and the poor are reportedly shopping at dollar stores for groceries, out of necessity. 

According to a report from Reuters, at least one worker in New York City shops at Family Dollar for items like soap and detergent, as well as food products like macaroni and cheese and small-sized condiments.

It’s “expensive to cook for one,” she told Reuters. “I’m 25, I’m poor, I’m usually going to buy what’s cheapest.”

Kraft Foods Group Inc. had considered stopping the sale of its single-serve packages of Velveeta cheese sauce because it wasn’t selling well in traditional grocery stores.

However, it reversed course after a financial analysis showed that shoppers at dollar stores, who are on tight budgets, were buying-up the affordable small size sauce at the chains, according to the report. 

Although the Hub City does not have its own Family Dollar Store, there is one located in Somerset at 621 Hamilton Street, and one in Franklin on Route 27.

There is only one Family Dollar Store in Edison, located at 2303 Woodbridge Avenue. 

Consumers may contact Family Dollar Stores at (800) 547-0359 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday regarding the recall.