THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 1997              TAG: 9701070252
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A4   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Briefs 
                                            LENGTH:   23 lines

DAIRY QUEEN RECALLS 150,000 ITEMS FOR FAULTY END CAPS

International Dairy Queen is recalling 150,000 water batons from kid's meals because the plastic balls inside can be released when a child sucks or chews on the end cap, the government said Monday.

The Minneapolis-based chain of ice cream stores has received at least eight reports of the baton's end cap coming off. None involved injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Glitter and blue, purple and green balls float in water inside the 9-inch clear plastic rods. Purple caps are on each end and the words ``Dairy Queen'' are printed on them.

Consumers may contact the company at 1-800-956-9565.

KEYWORDS: DAIRY QUEEN RECALL