Mattel pulls more Chinese-made toys over lead paint in new blow to industry

WASHINGTON (AP) - Toy-making giant Mattel Inc. issued recalls Tuesday for millions of Chinese-made toys that contain magnets that can be swallowed by children or could have lead paint. The recall includes 7.3 million play sets, including Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures, and 1.5 million die-cast cars that contain lead paint.

The Polly Pocket and Batman recalls were announced on the company's website. The recall of lead-painted cars was announced at a mid-morning news conference by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington.

Nancy Nord, acting CPSC chairman, said no injuries had been reported with any of the products involved in the recall.

"The scope of these recalls is intentionally large to prevent any injuries from occurring," she told the news conference.

It was the latest blow to the toy industry, which has had a string of recalled products from China, ranging from faulty tires to tainted toothpaste. With more than 80 per cent of toys sold worldwide made in China, toy sellers are nervous that shoppers will shy away from their products.

The recall involving lead paint was Mattel's second in two weeks. Earlier this month, consumers were warned about 1.5 million Chinese-made toys that contain lead paint.

Among the toys recalled Tuesday are 253,000 Sarge brand cars, because the surface paint could contain lead levels in excess of federal standard.

© The Canadian Press, 2007