Halloween teeth may contain lead paint

Naperville-based Factory Card & Party Outlet Corp. said Monday it has started a nationwide recall of about 2,500 "Ugly Teeth" party items because they may contain unsafe levels of lead.

The product was purchased from JCS Hong Kong Limited, a subsidiary of Amscan Inc., which initiated its own recall of the product earlier Monday. The product was sold by Factory Card & Party Outlet stores and other retailers nationwide. It's being pulled from store shelves and from Web site sales.

"Since learning about this potential risk to our customers just this morning, we have mobilized all of our resources in order to get the word out about this recall as quickly as possible," said Gary Rada, chief executive officer of Factory Card & Party Outlet. "We take responsibility for the safety of our customers very seriously and are working with our stores, supplier and the media to help ensure that we reach those who purchased this product."

The recalled product has the Universal Product Code 0-48419-65002-7, which appears below the bar code on the back of the package.

The Factory Card Web site Monday showed the item on clearance for $1.19. It said: "Ugly mouthpiece to make your teeth look hideous. Assorted styles feature brown gums, yellow teeth and green plaque. Fits on top or bottom teeth."

The recall is based on test results shared with the company Monday morning by an Ashland (Ohio) University chemistry professor. Neither the methodology nor specific findings of these tests have been shared or reviewed yet, the company said.

Consumers are urged to immediately discontinue use of the product and return it to any Factory Card store for a full refund.

Information is available at www.factorycard.com or by calling (888) 840-8066 between 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. beginning today.