COURTESY U.S. GOVERNMENT This cup designed for toddlers has been recalled over concerns about possible poisoning.

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Cups sold on Maui recalled
over poisoning concerns

A national consumer watchdog agency is recalling toddler sipping cups sold exclusively at the Maui Ocean Center in Wailuku.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission negotiated terms of the voluntary recall with Maryland-based Charles Products, which imported the cups from China and distributed them to the retail shop at the ocean center.

The clear plastic, double-handled cup with a blue lid has a decorative internal centerpiece that contains petroleum distillates, which can leak and possibly cause poisoning.

According to the commission, no injuries have been suffered as a result of the one leak that was reported. The cups sold for about $10 between June 2003 and September 2004.

People should stop using the cups immediately and the cups should be returned for a refund, the commission said yesterday.

The commission issued a nationwide statement so anyone who might have visited Hawaii, bought the cup and returned home would be aware of the hazard, spokesman Mark Ross said.

"Part of the recall is for (Charles Products) to notify the store that was selling the product and let them know if somebody brings a cup back, they should issue a refund," Ross said.

However, officials at the Maui Ocean Center just learned of the recall yesterday and pulled the items, said Karl Stolmeier, assistant general manager. The center did not learn of the recall from Charles Products, but from the recall notice.

"As a family attraction, Maui Ocean Center is of course concerned with any potential consumer product hazard and will be investigating this product recall," he said.

Stolmeier encouraged purchasers to contact the center's retail director, Tapani Vuori, at (808) 270-7062. The center also can be contacted via e-mail through its Web site at www.mauioceancenter.com.

Officials at Charles Products could not be reached for comment late yesterday.