Mattel recalls 18 million Chinese-made toys
- On August 14, US toymaker Mattel has recalled more than 18 million Chinese-made toys worldwide, the second such recall in two weeks
- Reuters reported that China was aware of the problems with the toys since March.
- Mattel brand name has taken a hit.
New York. The list is long. US toymaker Mattel announced on Tuesday August 14 2007 that it would recall more than 18 million Chinese-made toys worldwide, including 9.5 million in the United States. Among them, girls will have to say goodbye to their new Barbie dolls whereas boys will have to live without their Batman figures and Sarge cars (photo). The company blamed a Chinese subcontractor for using unauthorized lead paint and said that toys containing small magnets could be a potential hazard for children. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) said that there had been 400 reports of magnets coming loose since Mattel first recalled 2.4 million magnetic play sets in November 2006.
The CSPC said there had been no reported accident. But it warned on its website that “magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal”.
About 683 000 units of Barbie and Tanner play sets sold in the US between May 2006 and August 2007 have been recalled by Mattel. 253,000 units “Sarge” Die Cast Toy Cars have been recalled too because of concerns by the CSPC that the toy would contain lead levels in excess of federal standards.
This recall came two weeks after Mattel was forced to recall 1.5 million Fisher-Price infant toys worldwide because of lead paint concerns.Mattel CEO Robert Eckert apologized to the customers on Monday as the stock of the company fell as much as 6% on the day. The brand name of the company has also taken a hit. In full-page ads in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today on Tuesday, Mattel tried to address the damage it has sustained. It said it has “one of the most trusted names with parents” and was “working extremely hard to address your concerns and continue creating safe, entertaining toys for you and your children.”
With more than 80 percent of toys on U.S. store shelves manufactured in China — according to the Toy Industry Association — retailers are worried consumers will stay away from Chinese-made products. Beijing will have a hard time convincing US families that its toys are safe. On Wednesday August 15, Reuters reported that the Chinese toy group, which produced the recalled toys, was aware of the problem since March as some toys had been recalled due to magnetic parts problems.
Jean-Cosme Delaloye
List of recalled products
For information about Tuesday’s recalls, consumers should call Mattel at 888-597-6597 for information about toys with magnets, or 800-916-4997 for information about the die cast cars.
“Sarge” toy car
The Batman Magna Battle Figure
The Batman Magna Fight Wing Figure
The Batman Magna Bruce to Batman Figure
The Batman Magna Fight Figure
Barbie doll and Tanner
One Piece Triple Slash Zolo Roronoa figure
Snacktime With Cookie Play set
Diaper Change with Ginger Play set
Ice cream with Ranger Play set
Lula and Baby Play set
Crockett and Baby Play set
Lucy and Baby Play set
CoCo and Baby Play set
Sparky and Baby
Dreamhouse Nursery with Honey Play set
Bathtime with Beau Play set
Puppy Park With Dixie Play set
Polly Pocket Totally Zen Playset
Polly Pocket Spa Day (pink)
Polly Pocket Spa Day (purple)
Polly Pocket Activity lunchbox (blue)
Polly Pocket Activity locker (pink)
Polly Pocket Activity lunchbox (pink)
Polly Pocket Activity locker (orange)
Polly Pocket Collectible Lip Gloss
Polly Pocket Collectible Powder Puff
Polly Pocket Glitter Puff
Polly Pocket Dazzlin Pet Show Divine Dogs
Polly Pocket Rick’s Magic Show
Polly Pocket Dip N’ Dive Pool
Polly Pocket Sweet Treats
Polly Pocket Birthday Mailbox Purple
Polly Pocket Jewellery Box Purple
Polly Pocket Birthday Mailbox Pink
Polly Pocket Jewellery Box Yellow
Polly Pocket Disco Lamp (Pink)
Polly Pocket Disco Lamp (Purple)
Polly Pocket Mermaid Stars
Polly Pocket Quik-Clik City Pretty Play set (Lila)
Polly Pocket Quik Clik Sporty Style Play set (Lea)
Polly Pocket Quik Clik Totally Zen Play set (Shani)
Polly Pocket Totally Beadiful Jewellery Maker
Polly Pocket Quik Clik Movie Time Play set (Lila)
Polly Pocket Quik Clik Pool Party Play set (Lila)
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Dial-a-Style Lila Doll
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Dial-a-style Lea Doll
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Costume Cart Play set (Lea)
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Gift Shop Play set (Lila)
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Dial-a-Song Polly Fashions
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Dial-a-Song Polly Fashions
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Quik Clik Polly Doll
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Quik Clik Crissy Doll
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Quik Clik Lea Doll
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Quik Clik Shani Doll
Polly Pocket Totally Polly Tiki Diner Set
Polly Pocket Polly Place Treetop Clubhouse
Polly Pocket Happenin Pet Salon
Polly Pocket Hangin Out House
Polly Pocket Birthday Surprise
Polly Pocket Polly Place Party On the Go
Polly Pocket Fashion Boutique On the Go
Polly Pocket Quik Clik Boutique
Polly Pocket Snow Cool Hotel Playset
Polly Pocket Quik Clik House of Style Play set
Polly Pocket Pollywood Limo-Scene Vehicle
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Rockin Theme Park
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Dress N Drive Play set
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Theme Party Quik Clik Doll and Fashions
Polly Pocket Twirl and Swirl Beauty Case
Polly Pocket Pollyworld Rockin Tour Bus
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