Target Recall: 'Letters To Santa' Mailboxes Pulled Over Laceration Hazard

Target is recalling about 174,300 decorative mailboxes ahead of the holidays because they may pose laceration risks. Seven such incidences have been reported so far.

The recall affects the Bullseye's Playground Metal mailboxes that have the words "Letters to Santa" displayed on the front, an announcement posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website noted.

The problem is that the mail slot on the item can actually be rather sharp, thus posing a laceration risk for its users. So far, Target has received nine reports of sharp mail slot openings. There were seven incidents of lacerations, three of which even needed medical attention.

The recalled products came in red and white, and also came in two-count mailboxes. The single mailboxes (item number 234-17-8556) were sold at Target stores nationwide, while the two-count mailboxes (item number 234-20-9275) were sold online at the store's website from October to November this year, the CPSC noted.

Customers can find the product number on a white sticker at the bottom of the products sold in the stores. The number can be found in the inner packaging of the ones sold online. Those who have an affected item should stop using it and return it to a Target store to get a full refund "in the form of a Target gift card," the company noted. They can also contact the company to get a prepaid return label to return the item.

Those with questions about the recall can contact the company at 1-800-440-0680 for in-store purchases and at 1-800-591-3869 for online purchases.

Laceration wounds

It is important to know when a laceration wound can be taken care of at home and when it needs medical attention. Small, shallow cuts that are clean and aren't bleeding may only require an antibiotic ointment and a bandage, the University of Virginia (UVA) explained.

However, some factors that suggest a laceration may need medical repair include "exposed muscle, fat, tendon or bone," if there is still debris in the wound even after it has been cleaned, if the bleeding persists even after 10-15 minutes or if it is deeper than 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch.