Information Regarding the Cub Scout Product Recall by BSA Supplier
East Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America

A routine test of Boy Scouts of America products has shown that one component of the Cub Scout Immediate Recognition Kit, No. 01804, contains unacceptable amounts of lead.

The kit contains a decoration that is worn on a boy's uniform shirt, not typically placed in the mouth, ingested, or in contact with the skin. No illness or injury related to the product use has been reported to the BSA or the supplier, Kahoot Products, Inc.

The BSA has directed its Scout shops and retailers to remove the product from their shelves and immediately return it to National Supply.

Unit leaders should remove the product from the possession of Scouts and keep them until they are notified of the next steps. At this time, the totems should not be returned to the East Carolina Council; as soon as we know what the process is to replace the totem, we will inform leaders and parents.

The supplier, Kahoot, has called for a voluntary consumer recall of all kits and has urged those who have purchased the item, since the year 2000, to remove the recognition totem from their child's possession until the details of the recall have been worked out with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The BSA is posting this recall notice on its Web sites and will place consumer alerts in its member magazines.


The Boy Scouts of America's highest priority is the safety of its youth members and their families. We apologize for any concern this matter has caused and will continue to do everything possible to help ensure the health and safety of all those who participate in our programs.

Q1. How many of the recalled products have been purchased? How long have they been manufactured?

A1. The test sample was conducted on the most recent shipment. We do not know if previous lots had a similar problem, so the recall notice encompasses all kits, whenever purchased. The BSA has received no report of illness or injury regarding this item. This was the first product to show any problem, and similar tests of other products also have shown no such problems. The BSA and Kahoot Products are researching whether that one item, the entire lot, or the total manufacture of the kit was affected. We will respond appropriately depending on the distribution level of items that will be subject to recall. Some 20,000 kits containing 10 decorations per kit have been sold annually for the last seven years.

Q2. How was this problem discovered?

A2. This test was part of a routine inspection of a large group of BSA products and apparel.

Q3. How often are BSA products tested?

A3. We recently began requiring all BSA products to be tested for compliance with lead paint regulations. This product is the first of 94 items tested to show excessive lead content. Consumer safety concerns, not any report of illness or injury, prompted our testing initiative.

Q4. Is it true that lead was in the paint?

A4. Yes. Lead was detected in yellow and blue paint used in the manufacture.

Q5. What will be the process for replacing the kits?

A5. Further instructions will be provided when the recall is announced. For now, parents should ensure that the totems are removed from their children's possession. At this time, our efforts are concentrating on the safety of Scouts and their families.

Q6. How many BSA products have been tested?

A6. All other products sourced directly to the BSA from offshore have been tested and have passed inspection. Our domestic suppliers are responsible for testing the products they have sourced.

Q7. Will there be more recalls?

A7. We can promise only that we will remain vigilant in maintaining product quality and safety. Again, we are not aware of any illness or injury resulting from the use of this product.

For more information, you can visit the BSA National website or contact the East Carolina Council's Scout Shop at (252) 522-1521 ext. 24 or terose@bsamail.org.