Epoch Everlasting Play Recalls All Calico Critters Animal Figures and Sets Sold with Bottle and Pacifier Accessories, More than 3.2 Million, Due to Choking Hazard; Two Deaths Reported

What was recalled

In early March of 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving millions of popular children’s toys. The affected items are Calico Critters animal figures and play sets produced by Epoch Everlasting Play LLC. Specifically, this recall targets every instance of these flocked animal figures and associated sets that were originally sold with either bottle or pacifier accessories. To put the scale of this issue into perspective, more than 3.2 million units are included in this voluntary recall action. These toys have been widely distributed across the United States and are recognizable by their distinctive plush-like textures and detailed character designs, which have made them staples in many households for years.

The core of the problem lies not with the animal figures themselves, but with the small accessories that accompany certain sets. The recall encompasses all Calico Critters products that came equipped with either a baby bottle or a pacifier. These accessories were manufactured in various colors to match the aesthetic of the playsets. The bottle accessories were available in yellow, pink, blue, and orange, with one specific style featuring two yellow handles. The pacifier accessories were sold in an even wider array of hues, including yellow, orange, pink, dark pink, blue, and teal. Because these items are often part of larger nursery or family-themed playsets, they may not have been purchased as standalone items, making it crucial for parents to check the specific contents of their sets.

To help consumers identify if they own a recalled item, Epoch Everlasting Play has provided a comprehensive list of item numbers printed on the bottom of the original packaging. If you have any of the following models, your product is part of this recall: CC1407 (Sandy Cat Twins), CC1450 (Chihuahua Twins), CC1459 (Border Collie Twins), CC1481 (Hazelnut Chipmunk Twins), CC1491 (Fluffy Hamster Twins), CC1508 (Wilder Panda Twins), CC1510 (Cuddle Bear Twins), CC1529 (Slydale Fox Twins), CC1533 (Hawthorne Twins), CC1571 (Ellwoods Elephant Twins), CC1586 (Persian Cat Twins), CC1641 (Fisher Cat Twins), CC1643 BL Hopscotches Rabbit Twin, CC1664 (Highchair and Accessories), CC1689 (Buttercup Twins), CC1694 CC Silk Cat Twins, CC1737 BL Toy Poodle Twins, CC1750 (Baby Nursery Set), CC1761 (Twins Assortment - PK 9), CC1795 BL Maple Cat Twins, CC1924 BL Pickleweeds Hedge Twin, CC1955 (Jason and Amanda Visit Dr. Murdock), CC1965 (Carry Cases - PK 1), CC2006 (Beagle Twins), CC2019 (Yellow Labrador Twins), CC2067 (Adventure Treehouse Gift), CC2269 (Baby's Nursery Set), CC2269P4 (Baby Nursery - PK4), CC2484 (Jess & Noah's Backyard Fun), CC2537 BL Sophie's Love N Care, CC2537P4 (Sophie Love N Care - PK4), CC2597 (Nightlight Nursery Set), and CC2598 (Baby's Blue Bedroom Set with Nightlight). The recall also includes the CF-series items: CF1407 BL Sandy Cat Twins, CF1412 BL Hopscotches Rabbit Twans, CF1416 BL Ellwoods Elephant Twans, CF1418 BL Yellow Lab Twans, CF1424 Silk Cat Twins, CF1429 BL Pklweed Hedgehog Twans, CF1481 BL HZNUT Chipmunk Twans, CF1491 BL Fluffy Hamster Twans, CF1510 BL Cuddle Bear Twans, CF1513 BL Nightlight Nursery Set, CF1520 BL Wilder Panda Twans, CF1526 BL Border Collie Twans, CF1554 BL Baby's Nursery Set, CF1586 BL Persian Cat Twins, CF1717 BL Adv Treehouse Gift Se, CF1737 BL Toy Poodle Twans, CF1750 BL Baby Nursery Set, CF1761 BL Twins Assortment, CF1795 BL Maple Cat Twins, CF2537 BL Sophie's Love N Care, and CF2537P4 BL Sophie's Love N Care. If your product matches any of these identifiers and includes the mentioned accessories, it is part of this urgent safety alert.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about a choking hazard involving small toys like those from the Calico Critters line, we are discussing a very specific and serious physical danger that is distinct from other common toy risks, such as strangulation or chemical exposure. The core issue here lies in the size, shape, and durability of the bottle and pacifier accessories included with these sets. For young children, particularly those under the age of three, these items are not merely small; they are small enough to fit entirely into the airway. The CPSC has identified this risk so severely that two fatalities have been confirmed in connection with these specific accessories, underscoring that this is not a theoretical possibility but a documented reality.

To understand how this harm occurs, it helps to look at human anatomy. A child’s windpipe, or trachea, is remarkably narrow. An object that fits comfortably in an adult’s hand can easily block a toddler’s airway completely. The recalled pacifiers and bottles likely break, detach, or are designed in a way that allows small parts to separate under the stress of chewing, pulling, or dropping. Once a piece is detached, it becomes a loose object. If a child places this object in their mouth and then gasps, laughs, or cries, they can inhale the item into their windpipe. This is called aspiration. Unlike a large object that might cause gagging but remain visible, smaller fragments can slip past the vocal cords and lodge deep in the bronchial tubes or deeper into the lungs.

The mechanism of injury is often silent and rapid. When an airway is fully blocked by a foreign object, oxygen cannot reach the brain. Brain damage can begin in as little as four minutes, and death can follow shortly after if the obstruction is not cleared immediately. In the cases reported by Epoch Everlasting Play LLC, the tragedy involved a 2-year-old child in New Mexico in 2018 and a 9-month-old child in Japan in 2015. These incidents highlight that even with supervision, accidents happen quickly. A child may pick up a pacifier accessory, put it in their mouth as part of normal play or soothing behavior, and inadvertently inhale a small part before an adult can react. The fact that these items are sold as accessories to larger figures might make them seem like safe, secondary components, but to a toddler, they are primary objects of exploration.

Furthermore, the materials used in these accessories matter. If the plastic or silicone is not durable enough to withstand the forceful sucking and chewing of an infant, it can fracture into sharp or jagged pieces. These fragments are difficult to see if swallowed because they may be clear or match the color of the child’s mouth. This makes prevention critical. You cannot rely on a child’s ability to spit out an object once it is in their throat. The only way to prevent this specific type of injury is to ensure that no small, detachable parts are accessible to children who put things in their mouths. This recall affects over 3.2 million units, a vast number of households, which is why the CPSC has mandated immediate removal rather than a simple warning. Understanding the physical reality of how easily a toy part can become a lethal obstruction helps explain why the remedy is so urgent and non-negotiable.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at immediate risk from this recall consists of young children, particularly infants and toddlers who are in the critical developmental stages of exploring their world through touch and oral exploration. The CPSC has confirmed that two fatalities have occurred involving these specific Calico Critters accessories: one incident involved a 2-year-old child in New Mexico in 2018, and another tragic event involved a 9-month-old infant in Japan in 2015. These devastating outcomes highlight why the hazard is classified so severely. At this age, children lack the cognitive maturity to understand that small plastic objects are toys rather than food or teething aids. They naturally put items in their mouths to soothe gums during teething or simply out of curiosity. The bottle and pacifier accessories included with these Calico Critters sets are designed to mimic real-life baby care items, which can make them appear safe and familiar, but they do not meet the rigorous safety standards required for actual infant feeding or soothing products.

The risk is specifically heightened for children between the ages of birth and three years old. This demographic is statistically most vulnerable to choking hazards because their airways are significantly smaller than those of older children or adults. A small component that might merely be a nuisance to an older child can become a life-threatening obstruction for an infant. Furthermore, young children often lack the coordination to spit out objects they cannot swallow, leading to rapid airway blockage. The fact that these accessories were sold in bright, appealing colors like yellow, pink, blue, and orange—colors often associated with baby products—may inadvertently reinforce the perception that they are safe for actual use by infants, increasing the likelihood of misuse.

While the recall targets all Calico Critters sets with these specific accessories, the risk extends beyond just the child using the toy. It also affects parents and caregivers who may have purchased these sets as gifts or collectibles without realizing the potential danger. Many buyers are drawn to the "flocked" texture and the detailed twin figures, viewing them as high-quality collectible items rather than active playthings for very young children. However, if these toys are placed within reach of a crawling or walking toddler, the hazard becomes real. The risk is not limited to the immediate owner; it extends to anyone who might borrow the toy, such as grandparents, babysitters, or friends’ children. Even if you do not have young children in your home, if you own or gift these sets, you must ensure they are kept completely out of reach of any child under three years old until the accessories are removed or replaced.

Additionally, collectors who store these items in open display cases or share them with family members during holidays and visits are at risk of inadvertently exposing vulnerable children to the hazard. The recall covers a vast array of sets, from the "Sandy Cat Twins" to the "Adventure Treehouse Gift," meaning the potential for exposure is widespread. It is crucial to recognize that the danger lies not in the animal figures themselves, but specifically in the included bottle and pacifier accessories. Therefore, the most at-risk population remains any child under three who has access to these specific components, regardless of their age or developmental stage within that range.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your Calico Critters toys are part of this recall requires a careful look at both the packaging and the specific accessories included in the set. Because Epoch Everlasting Play LLC is recalling all Calico Critters flocked animal figures and sets that were sold with bottle or pacifier accessories, you need to verify two things: first, that your item is one of the specific product codes listed below, and second, that it contains the problematic small parts. The most reliable way to do this is to turn the product box over and look at the bottom. You will see a list of item numbers printed there. If your item number matches any of the following codes, it is included in this recall: CC1407, CC1450, CC1459, CC1481, CC1491, CC1508, CC1510, CC1529, CC1533, CC1571, CC1586, CC1641, CC1643, CC1664, CC1689, CC1694, CC1737, CC1750, CC1761, CC1795, CC1924, CC1955, CC1965, CC2006, CC2019, CC2067, CC2269, CC2269P4, CC2484, CC2537, CC2537P4, CC2597, CC2598, CF1407, CF1412, CF1416, CF1418, CF1424, CF1429, CF1481, CF1491, CF1510, CF1513, CF1520, CF1526, CF1554, CF1586, CF1717, CF1737, CF1750, CF1761, CF1795, CF2537, and CF2537P4. These codes correspond to various sets, including the Sandy Cat Twins, Chihuahua Twins, Border Collie Twins, Hazel Nut Chipmunk Twins, Fluffy Hamster Twins, Wilder Panda Twins, Cuddle Bear Twins, Slydale Fox Twins, Hawthorne Twins, Ellwoods Elephant Twins, Persian Cat Twins, Fisher Cat Twins, Hopscotcho Rabbit Twin, Highchair and Accessories, Buttercup Twins, CC Silk Cat Twins, Toy Poodle Twins, Baby Nursery Set, Twins Assortment, Maple Cat Twins, Pickleweeds Hedgehog Twin, Jason and Amanda Visit Dr. Murdock, Carry Cases, Beagle Twins, Yellow Labrador Twins, Adventure Treehouse Gift, Jess & Noah's Backyard Fun, Sophie's Love N Care, Nightlight Nursery Set, and Baby's Blue Bedroom Set with Nightlight.

If your item number is on that list, you must then inspect the contents for the specific bottle and pacifier accessories that pose the choking hazard. The recalled bottle accessories were available in yellow, pink, blue, and orange colors. One particular style of the bottle features two distinct yellow handles. If you have a bottle that matches these descriptions, it is part of the recall. Similarly, the recalled pacifier accessories were sold in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, dark pink, blue, and teal. It is important to note that this recall covers all flocked animal figures and sets sold with these accessories, regardless of when or where they were purchased. There is no date restriction on the purchase itself, only on the manufacturing and distribution by Epoch Everlasting Play LLC. Therefore, if you have a set from years ago that still contains these specific small plastic parts, it is included in this safety notice.

To be absolutely certain, do not rely solely on the name of the set, as names can vary by region or retailer. The item number printed on the bottom of the packaging is the definitive identifier. If you have opened the box and lost the packaging, look for the item number stamped directly onto the plastic tray or inside any cardboard dividers within the toy set. If you cannot find an item number, or if you are unsure whether your specific bottle or pacifier matches the recalled designs, it is safer to assume they are part of the recall and remove them from children's reach immediately. You can also visit the Epoch Everlasting Play website at www.epocheverlastingplay.com/recalls or https://calicocritters.com/en-us/ and click on "Recall Information" at the top of the landing page to view photos and confirm your specific item.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you own one of the recalled Calico Critters animal figures or sets, the good news is that Epoch Everlasting Play LLC has put a straightforward remedy in place to resolve the issue. Rather than simply asking you to discard the product and hoping for the best, the company is offering a free replacement accessory. This approach is designed to be convenient for you while ensuring that the specific hazardous component—the bottle or pacifier—is safely removed from your home. The core of this resolution process involves a direct interaction with the manufacturer to verify the item and confirm its destruction before sending out the safe alternative.

To initiate this process, you will need to contact Epoch Everlasting Play LLC directly. You can reach their customer support team by calling 800-631-1272. They are available to assist you from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or find it easier to document your steps, you may also send an email to productsafety@epocheverlastingplay.com. The company recognizes that dealing with safety recalls can be stressful, so they have established multiple channels to ensure you can get help in the way that is most comfortable for you.

The replacement process follows a specific sequence designed to prioritize safety above all else. First, you must take the recalled bottle and pacifier accessories away from children immediately. Once you have contacted Epoch Everlasting Play LLC via phone or email, they will provide you with instructions on how to submit a photo of the recalled bottle and/or pacifier accessory. This step is crucial because it allows the company to verify that the hazardous item is indeed in your possession and has been identified correctly. Along with the photograph, you will need to provide your contact information.

After you have submitted the photo and your details, there is one final, critical condition: you must confirm the destruction of the recalled items. This means you cannot simply return the dangerous bottle or pacifier to the company; you must destroy them yourself to ensure they are no longer accessible to any child. Once Epoch Everlasting Play LLC receives confirmation that the hazardous accessories have been destroyed, they will send you a free replacement accessory. You can also manage this process online by visiting www.epocheverlastingplay.com/recalls or navigating to the "Product Recalls" section at the top of the landing page on https://epocheverlastingplay.com/. Alternatively, if you prefer the Calico Critters specific site, you can go to https://calicocritters.com/en-us/ and click on "Recall Information" at the top of the landing page. This structured approach ensures that while you receive a functional replacement, the safety hazard is permanently eliminated from your household.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why a parent or caregiver might hesitate to part with a beloved toy set. Calico Critters figures are often cherished heirlooms in miniature form, evoking nostalgia and joy for children who spend hours crafting elaborate stories with them. The thought of discarding accessories that seem perfectly intact—perhaps just because they are small enough to fit in the palm of a hand—can feel like an unnecessary burden. However, ignoring this recall is not merely about losing a toy; it is about accepting a silent, unmonitored risk inside your home. The core issue here is not structural failure or chemical exposure, but the fundamental physics of size relative to a young child’s anatomy. When small accessories like these bottles and pacifiers are left within reach, they become potent choking hazards that can lead to catastrophic outcomes in mere seconds.

The consequences of ignoring this warning are grave because the hazard is immediate and unforgiving. A choking incident does not always result in a visible struggle or loud crying; often, it happens with terrifying speed and silence. If a child manages to detach a small component from the pacifier or bottle, or if the accessory itself breaks under pressure, that piece can easily obstruct the airway. The recall notice confirms that this is not a theoretical risk. Epoch Everlasting Play LLC has documented three serious incidents involving these specific accessories, including two fatalities. One involved a 2-year-old child in New Mexico, and the other involved a 9-month-old infant in Japan. These are not distant statistics; they are real lives lost because small parts were accessible to those who could not safely swallow or expel them.

Beyond the tragedy of death, ignoring the recall exposes children to severe non-fatal injuries that can have long-lasting physical and emotional impacts. A choking event can cause hypoxia, where the brain is deprived of oxygen for critical minutes, potentially leading to permanent neurological damage. Even if the child survives the initial incident without fatal consequences, they may suffer from aspiration pneumonia if a fragment is inhaled into the lungs rather than swallowed or expelled. This requires emergency medical intervention and can lead to prolonged hospitalization. Furthermore, the psychological trauma associated with such near-misses or injuries can affect both the child and the family, creating anxiety around playtime that was once a source of comfort.

Choosing to keep these items does not make them safer; it only delays the inevitable moment when a curious hand might grasp one of these small accessories. The hazard lies in the accessibility, not necessarily in the intent. Children explore the world by putting objects in their mouths, testing textures and sizes. A bottle or pacifier accessory that looks sturdy to an adult eye may still be small enough to block a toddler’s airway completely. By acting now, you are removing a variable that could turn a normal day of play into a medical emergency. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your child cannot accidentally ingest these parts is worth far more than the convenience of keeping them on the shelf.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a dangerous choking hazard associated with small accessories for collectible animal figures, the underlying principle applies to a wide range of children’s toys and playsets. The most effective way to prevent accidents is to view every toy not just as a source of entertainment, but as a potential safety puzzle that requires regular inspection. Small parts, such as bottles, pacifiers, beads, or detachable eyes, can become hazardous if they loosen over time due to rough play, chewing, or general wear and tear. To stay safe, you should establish a routine "toy audit." Periodically pick up each item in your child’s collection and gently tug on any accessories, joints, or small components. If anything feels loose, cracked, or easily detachable, remove it from circulation immediately. This proactive approach helps catch potential hazards before they result in injury.

It is also crucial to match toys to developmental stages. Manufacturers provide age recommendations not as arbitrary guidelines, but as safety boundaries based on a child’s motor skills and understanding of danger. A toy labeled for ages 3+ often contains small parts that are safe for a preschooler but pose a severe choking risk to an infant or toddler who still explores the world by putting objects in their mouth. Always verify the age grading on packaging and consider your individual child’s chewing habits and dexterity. Even if a set is marked for older children, keeping it out of reach of younger siblings is a simple yet vital step in preventing accidental ingestion.

Beyond physical inspection, staying informed is your best defense against hidden dangers. Many recalls go unnoticed because consumers do not know where to look. Bookmark the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website and sign up for their email alerts. You should also register your products with manufacturers whenever possible; this ensures that if a defect is discovered later, you receive direct notification rather than relying on public news reports. Additionally, consider joining online communities or forums dedicated to specific toy brands. Enthusiasts often share real-world experiences about durability issues long before an official recall is issued, providing valuable early warnings for other parents.

Finally, create a safe play environment by designating specific areas for different types of activities. Keep small-part toys in high-storage containers when not in use, and ensure that any large furniture or play structures are properly anchored to the wall. By combining vigilant inspection, appropriate age matching, and proactive information gathering, you can significantly reduce risks and create a safer home environment for all children.