Mattel issues second toy recall – Chinese manufacturers blamed
It is the second recall in as many weeks from toy maker Mattel Inc.. Today U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission acting chairman Nancy Nord announced the recall due to small magnets that can be dislodged and toxic lead paint. It was estimated that the recall impacted nearly 9.5 million toys in the United States, and 11 million toys in other countries.
The recalled toys were originally manufactured in China, and Chinese manufacturers are being blamed for the problem. The recall affects toys made between May 2003 and November 2006.
Mattel Chief Executive Officer Bob Eckert expressed concern when talking to CNN about the newest recall. Eckert said, “I’m disappointed, I’m upset, but I can ensure your viewers that we are doing everything we can about the situation…Every production batch of toys is being tested, and we’ll continue to enforce the highest quality standards in the industry.”
Specifically, 1 million Doggie Daycare sets; 680,000 Barbie and Tanner play sets; 345,000 Batman and One Piece magnetic action figures; and 253,000 “Sarge” die-cast miniature toy vehicles are being recalled.
There have been three reports of serious injuries to children affected by the recalled toys. The injured children swallowed multiple dislodged magnets.
The first recall came on August 2, 2007 and was prompted by similar concerns. The initial recall covered 1.5 million toys produced by Fisher Price’s preschool division.
An estimated 80% of the world’s toys and other goods are manufactured in China.
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