Mattel, the makers of Barbie and Hot Wheels, is taking 4.4 million Polly Pocket magnetic playsets off the shelves because the tiny magnets have a tendency to fall off.
Three youngsters in the States had to undergo surgery after they swallowed the magnets and suffered serious injuries including intestinal perforation. If more than one magnet is swallowed - which occurred in all three cases - they can attach to each other and cause a number of potentially fatal problems, including blockage or infection.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it received 170 reports of the magnets falling out of the dolls and accessories in the Polly Pocket sets.
Mattel Canada said no products affected by the recall are currently on store shelves, but a spokesperson added that 191,000 of the 4.4 million play sets affected by the recall were sold here.
The magnets - one-eighth of an inch in diameter - are embedded in the hands and feet of the dolls, as well as their clothing, hairpieces, and other accessories.
The recall is for sets that were sold between May 2003 and September 2006.
Mattel spokesperson Sara Rosales said the company was working with the industry, consumer advocates and the U.S. government "to make appropriate revisions to the U.S. toy standard to prevent such issues in the future."
It's not the first time a toy company has been forced to recall toys with magnetic parts. Last March, Montreal's Mega Brands Inc. called back millions of its Magnetix magnetic building sets after one child died and four others were seriously hurt after swallowing the magnets.
The company paid out a US $13.5 million product liability settlement in that case.
In 2005 there were 20 toy-related deaths and 152,400 toy-related injuries involving children under 15.
The recalled Polly Pocket brand sets include:
- Polly Place Hangin' Out House
- Polly Place Treetop Clubhouse
- Spa Day
- Quik-Clik Boutique
- Quik-Clik City Pretty Playset
- Quik-Clik Sporty Style Playset
- Totally Zen Playset
- Polly Place Totally Tiki Diner
The recall has taken some parents by surprise.
"That's a bit shocking," confesses Debbie Rix. "I would never have thought that about these toys and we have them around all the time. Obviously I have to be a lot more careful."
While one toy giant is busy dealing with the emergency, another group is interested in telling you what products might be subject to future problems. W.A.T.C.H. - or World Against Toys Causing Harm - has issued a list of the worst toys for parents to buy their kids.
Some are deemed dangerous for the same reason millions of Polly Pockets are going to meet their maker - loose parts that could be swallowed.
Others aren't age appropriate.
A few can cause major physical harm when curious fingers unknowingly probe parts of the device they're not supposed to look at - like the battery compartment.
There's also a segment that can damage hearing by simply being too loud.
And there are things you might not expect.
"If it's swinging around your neck, it can become tightly wound," warns Alison Cassady of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, which sponsors W.A.T.C.H.
You can't be expected to know everything about a toy you buy your kids. But experts suggest common sense is the key to safety.
"Just because it's on the market doesn't mean that it's safe for your children," points out Anna Tavares of McMurrich Sprouts Daycare. "I think parents need to evaluate them for themselves. Any toy can be unsafe if it's used inappropriately."
Consumers should contact Mattel to arrange for the return of the Polly Pocket toy and to receive a voucher for a replacement toy. For more information about the recall, contact Mattel at
1-888-597-6597 or visit
http://www.service.mattel.com/ or
http://www.cpsc.gov/.
To see the list of the worst toys for the holiday season,
click here.
Toy safety tips for the holiday season:
For children under age eight, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
For children under age six, avoid sets with small magnets, which could cause serious injury or death if swallowed.
For children under age three, avoid toys with small parts, which could cause choking.
Helmets and safety gear should fit properly and be worn by children using riding toys, such as skateboards or in-line skates.
Improper use of projectile toys, such as rockets or darts, could result in serious eye injuries. The toys are for older children.
Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger children.
Battery chargers and adapters can pose a burn hazard for children. Adults should supervise charging batteries and pay attention to warnings on the chargers.
Look to toy labels for age guidelines and safety recommendations.
Choose toys that suit the child's age, abilities and skills.
Select toys with a sturdy construction.
Discard all plastic wrap after gifts are opened.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission