One product recalled for impermissible levels of lead
November 2006 magnet recall expanded
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mattel, Inc.
announced today that the company has voluntarily recalled one toy from the
"CARS" die-cast vehicle line ("Sarge" character), manufactured between May
2007 and July 2007, containing impermissible levels of lead. The recalled
vehicles include 436,000 total toys, including 253,000 in the U.S. and
183,000 outside of the U.S.
The recall of the Sarge toy results from Mattel's increased
investigation and ongoing testing procedures following the recall of select
Fisher-Price toys on August 1, 2007. The toy was produced by Early Light
Industrial Co., Ltd (Early Light), one of Mattel's contract manufacturing
facilities in China, which subcontracted the painting of parts of the toy
to another vendor, Hong Li Da (HLD), also in China. While the painting
subcontractor, HLD, was required to utilize paint supplied directly from
Early Light, it instead violated Mattel's standards and utilized paint from
a non-authorized third-party supplier.
"We have immediately implemented a strengthened three-point check
system: First, we're requiring that only paint from certified suppliers be
used and requiring every single batch of paint at every single vendor to be
tested. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't get used. Second, we are tightening
controls throughout the production process at vendor facilities and
increasing unannounced random inspections. Third, we're testing every
production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach our
customers. We've met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened
procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them," said
Jim Walter, senior vice president of Worldwide Quality Assurance, Mattel.
Additionally, Mattel announced the voluntary recall of magnetic toys
manufactured between January 2002 and January 31, 2007, including certain
dolls, figures, play sets and accessories that may release small, powerful
magnets. The recall expands upon Mattel's voluntary recall of eight toys in
November 2006 and is based on a thorough internal review of all Mattel's
brands. Mattel is recalling 18.2 million magnetic toys globally (9.5
million in the U.S.); however, the majority of the toys are no longer at
retail. Beginning in January 2007, Mattel implemented enhanced magnet
retention systems in its toys across all brands.
"Since our November 2006 magnet-related recall, we have implemented
more robust magnet retention systems and more rigorous testing. We are
exercising caution and have expanded the list of recalled magnetic toys due
to potential safety risks associated with toys that might have loose
magnets," said Walter.
"The safety of children is our primary concern, and we are deeply
apologetic to everyone affected," said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief
executive officer, Mattel. "Mattel has rigorous procedures, and we will
continue to be vigilant and unforgiving in enforcing quality and safety. We
don't want to have recalls, but we don't hesitate to take quick and
effective action to correct issues as soon as we've identified them to
ensure the safety of our products and the safety of children."
Mattel is working in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission and other regulatory agencies worldwide. Mattel is also working
with retailers worldwide to identify and remove affected products from
retail shelves.
Details of the recall are as follows:
Mattel voluntarily recalled 63 magnetic toys sold at retail prior to
January 2007. Magnetic toys recalled within the U.S. include 44 Polly
Pocket(TM) toys, 11 Doggie Day Care(R) toys, 4 Batman(TM) toys, 1 One
Piece(TM) toy, and the accessory part of 2 Barbie(R) toys. For additional
information regarding the magnetic toy recall, contact Mattel at (888)
597-6597, or visit the company's Web site at http://www.service.mattel.com.
The Sarge toy from the "CARS" die-cast vehicle line was manufactured
between May 2007 and August 2007. For additional information regarding the
Sarge toy recall, contact Mattel at (800) 916-4997, or visit the company's
Web site at http://www.service.mattel.com.
A full list of products is published on the company's Web site at
http://www.mattel.com, as well as by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.
Consumers should immediately take these products away from children and
contact Mattel to arrange return and to receive a voucher for a replacement
toy of the consumer's choice, up to the value of the returned product.
About Mattel
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT) (http://www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in
the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The
Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie(R), the
most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R),
American Girl(R), Radica(R) and Tyco(R) R/C, as well as Fisher-Price(R)
brands, including Little People(R), Power Wheels(R) and a wide array of
entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of the 100
Most Trustworthy U.S. Companies by Forbes Magazine and is ranked among the
100 Best Corporate Citizens by CRO Magazine. Committed to ethical
manufacturing practices, Mattel marks a 10-year milestone in 2007 for its
ever-evolving Global Manufacturing Principles and focus on sustainable
business practices. With global headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel
employs more than 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells
products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's
premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.
SOURCE Mattel, Inc.
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CONTACT:
Mattel Corporate Communications,
+1-310-252-4705, corporate.communications@mattel.com
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