Mattel Recalls 9 Million Chinese-Made Toys

Toymaker Cites Hazards From Lead Paint And Magnets; Warns More Recalls Possible

(CBS/AP)  Mattel has recalled 9 million Chinese-made toys, including Polly Pockets play sets and Batman action figures, because of dangers to children from lead paint or tiny magnets that could be swallowed.

Even as the massive recall was announced Tuesday, company officials warned that it could grow as Mattel implemented more rigorous testing measures to ensure toy safety as the industry gears up for the holiday-buying season.

The government warned consumers to check at home and make sure their children were not playing with any of the recalled toys.

The recalled toys run the gamut, from dolls to toy trucks to action figures, reports CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes.

Nancy A. Nord, acting Consumer Product Safety Commission chairman, told reporters no injuries had been reported with any of the products involved in Tuesday's recalls. She explained that the scope of the recalls was intentionally broad, to "prevent any injuries from occurring."

Several injuries had been reported in an earlier Polly Pocket recall last November. In all, at least one U.S. child has died and 19 others have needed surgery since 2003 after swallowing magnets used in toys, the government said.

It's the second major recall in two weeks from Mattel, which pulled 1.5 million Fisher Price toys made in China after it discovered they, too, were coated in lead, adds Cordes.

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Product Recall List

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The new recall includes about 9.3 million play sets that contain small, powerful magnets, including Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures, and 253,000 diecast cars that contain lead paint. Many of the magnetic toys are older and may have been purchased as early as 2003.

In a conference call, Mattel chief executive Bob Eckert said the company is stepping up its oversight and testing in its production processes. As a result, he noted, more recalls may occur.

"There is no guarantee that we will not be here again and have more recalls," Eckert said, adding "we are testing at a very high level here."

Mattel, in a full-page ad Tuesday in some U.S. newspapers, said the company was "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."

There's a lot on the minds of toy companies, according to industry analyst Chris Byrne.

"The reputation and the business of these toy companies rests on the ability to produce safe toys and have consumers trust that they're safe," Byrne told CBS Radio News. "So I think you're going to see a renewed effort on the part of all these people."

The recall was the latest blow to the toy industry, which has been part of a string of recalled products from China that includes pet food, tires and toothpaste. With about 80 percent of toys sold worldwide made in China, toy sellers are worried shoppers will shy away from their products.

From toxic toothpaste to tires that explode, it has been a summer of discontent over Chinese imports, with China's government slow to react, reports CBS News correspondent Barry Petersen in Beijing.

One problem is China's leaders are focused on keeping the economic miracle powering on, adds Petersen. Cracking down on factories that make exports means threatening sales and profits.

[nut_yau]

This is not fair that all titled them as toys made in China being recalled. As of the massive recalls, there are mostly due to the small powerful magnets. In another word, this is due to the design not of manufacturing.
I am one of the manufacturer in China. I had an experience like that when our products being chosen by a retailer, they usually have procedure of lab testing, which is very costly for us. But it is only aiming for what we call import program, meaning for product ship out directly to the retailer from overseas. Yet at the same time, they also running domestic program, which they receiving ordered products from local warehouse within United States of America. For these merchandises, there is no lab test procedure at all. The reason I know because in the same year, 4 of my products are in the import program, and 1 product in the domestic program. And I am telling the fact that they do not test the products supplied domestically. I think it is where the problem come. So please instead of going after all "China made" products. Go to those products which supplied domestically. I think you all will be shock to see what really hurting you people.
Good luck to you all.

[nothappyatall]

"Americans are addicted to Chinese goods" or "

We don''t have a choice, other than not buying the things that we want or need!!"

My company just bought a $25,000 machine, it was delivered yesterday, the last one we bought 15 years ago the manufacturer was in GERMANY and it was made in Germany, distributed by a US rep.
This same model that arrived yesterday by the same company now has CHINESE writing on all of the warning stickers and unpacking instructions, I didn''t even look for what I knew I would see- MADE IN CHINA, oh but wait a second, one of the useable/disposable PARTS for it was in a box marked "Made in Germany"

[thgdriver]

Strange rules of trade----- We can't deal with Cuba at all because of the embargo, why an embargo? Because they are communist.

But we deal with Red China who are also communists not only that, they just recently poisoned our pets and now are poisoning our children.

God only knows what else they are doing that we don't know about yet.

Wait till all those imports start coming directly into Mexico, to be offloaded by cheaply paid Mexican longshoremen, then trucked to destinations in the United States using cheaply paid truck drivers while using the highways your tax dollar pays for.

Wake up America, before it's too late, If it's not too late already!

[grifflover]

I highly resent the fact that some of the anchors on the various news stations report that "Americans are addicted to Chinese goods" or "Americans can't get enough of Chinese products" (I'm paraphrasing Brian Williams of NBC and Katie Couric of CBS, respectively). We don't have a choice, other than not buying the things that we want or need!! A few years ago my husband and I searched everywhere for a toaster oven, looking for something that was American made. We try and buy American made whenever we can, because we're willing to pay the extra money for quality items. Well guess what?? There was not one to be found anywhere in any store, and not even on line. So, Brian and Katie, don't report that we are all "addicted" to Chinese goods, or that we "can't get enough" of Chinese products...WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! Many times, we just decide that an item is not worth supporting the Chinese economy, and we do without.

[grifflover]

I highly resent the fact that some of the anchors on the various news stations report that "Americans are addicted to Chinese goods" or "Americans can't get enough of Chinese products" (I'm paraphrasing Brian Williams of NBC and Katie Couric of CBS, respectively). We don't have a choice, other than not buying the things that we want or need!! A few years ago my husband and I searched everywhere for a toaster oven, looking for something that was American made. We try and buy American made whenever we can, because we're willing to pay the extra money for quality items. Well guess what?? There was not one to be found anywhere in any store, and not even on line. So, Brian and Katie, don't report that we are all "addicted" to Chinese goods, or that we "can't get enough" of Chinese products...WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! Many times, we just decide that an item is not worth supporting the Chinese economy, and we do without.

[grifflover]

I highly resent the fact that some of the anchors on the various news stations report that "Americans are addicted to Chinese goods" or "Americans can't get enough of Chinese products" (I'm paraphrasing Brian Williams of NBC and Katie Couric of CBS, respectively). We don't have a choice, other than not buying the things that we want or need!! A few years ago my husband and I searched everywhere for a toaster oven, looking for something that was American made. We try and buy American made whenever we can, because we're willing to pay the extra money for quality items. Well guess what?? There was not one to be found anywhere in any store, and not even on line. So, Brian and Katie, don't report that we are all "addicted" to Chinese goods, or that we "can't get enough" of Chinese products...WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! Many times, we just decide that an item is not worth supporting the Chinese economy, and we do without.

[grifflover]

I highly resent the fact that some of the anchors on the various news stations report that "Americans are addicted to Chinese goods" or "Americans can't get enough of Chinese products" (I'm paraphrasing Brian Williams of NBC and Katie Couric of CBS, respectively). We don't have a choice, other than not buying the things that we want or need!! A few years ago my husband and I searched everywhere for a toaster oven, looking for something that was American made. We try and buy American made whenever we can, because we're willing to pay the extra money for quality items. Well guess what?? There was not one to be found anywhere in any store, and not even on line. So, Brian and Katie, don't report that we are all "addicted" to Chinese goods, or that we "can't get enough" of Chinese products...WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! Many times, we just decide that an item is not worth supporting the Chinese economy, and we do without.

[grifflover]

I highly resent the fact that some of the anchors on the various news stations report that "Americans are addicted to Chinese goods" or "Americans can't get enough of Chinese products" (I'm paraphrasing Brian Williams of NBC and Katie Couric of CBS, respectively). We don't have a choice, other than not buying the things that we want or need!! A few years ago my husband and I searched everywhere for a toaster oven, looking for something that was American made. We try and buy American made whenever we can, because we're willing to pay the extra money for quality items. Well guess what?? There was not one to be found anywhere in any store, and not even on line. So, Brian and Katie, don't report that we are all "addicted" to Chinese goods, or that we "can't get enough" of Chinese products...WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! Many times, we just decide that an item is not worth supporting the Chinese economy, and we do without.

[grifflover]

I highly resent the fact that some of the anchors on the various news stations report that "Americans are addicted to Chinese goods" or "Americans can't get enough of Chinese products" (I'm paraphrasing Brian Williams of NBC and Katie Couric of CBS, respectively). We don't have a choice, other than not buying the things that we want or need!! A few years ago my husband and I searched everywhere for a toaster oven, looking for something that was American made. We try and buy American made whenever we can, because we're willing to pay the extra money for quality items. Well guess what?? There was not one to be found anywhere in any store, and not even on line. So, Brian and Katie, don't report that we are all "addicted" to Chinese goods, or that we "can't get enough" of Chinese products...WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! Many times, we just decide that an item is not worth supporting the Chinese economy, and we do without.

[ebb2384]

I think the American people should seriously consider the fact that China has been wanting to take the USA down for a long time. They don't want to cooperate with any political requests and lie to us all the time. When the dog food recalls came out, my very first thought was it was a form of terriorism. And the more recalls that come from only that one country make my terriorism thought much more pliable. Terriorism comes in many forms, The chinese are NOT stupid people, they are highly intelligent and you cannot tell me that all of these recalls are just isolated incidents. Come on America, wake up!!

[nonameabc]

Mattel, Fisher-Price are all US based company. They should better to control of the production quality. I believed that they have their own managers level people from US taking in charge at China. Why this happened? Think yourself.

[drivelphobe]

Hey MCVet....

NIce try but no cigar. The reason the $18/hr job went to$8/hr is because the illegals have set the bar so low. It's true outsourcing causes the loss of jobs, but those seeking other jobs find themselve competing with the illegals.

Also, you said a 30 year old can expect to make $5,000 per year less than his dad did when he was 30. It's also true that a 30 year old today can make 20 times what his dad made at the same age if he has a college degree, some common sense, a work ethic and puts in his time. Sometimes it's just hard work and brains, no college. I'd like to know what 30 year old would take a job that paid more over 30 years ago except the very lowest of candidates without any skills at all.

The big companies didn't move the construction industry out of the country. How do you think a drywaller's income of $50,000/yr in 1975, is now less than $35,000? It's the illegals working for $8-15/hr that have undermined the wages in that business. A drywaller today should be making at least $90,000/yr. A family man can't make it anymore on what a drywaller gets paid. But these illegal aliens live 15-20 to an apartment, sharing their costs and driving the wages down to an unlivable number. We need to deport all of them and restore the jobs with decent pay for the citizens of this country. If anyone is guilty of bigotry, it is you, not I.

[drivelphobe]

Hey MCVet....

NIce try but no cigar. The reason the $18/hr job went to$8/hr is because the illegals have set the bar so low. It's true outsourcing causes the loss of jobs, but those seeking other jobs find themselve competing with the illegals.

Also, you said a 30 year old can expect to make $5,000 per year less than his dad did when he was 30. It's also true that a 30 year old today can make 20 times what his dad made at the same age if he has a college degree, some common sense, a work ethic and puts in his time. Sometimes it's just hard work and brains, no college. I'd like to know what 30 year old would take a job that paid more over 30 years ago except the very lowest of candidates without any skills at all.

The big companies didn't move the construction industry out of the country. How do you think a drywaller's income of $50,000/yr in 1975, is now less than $35,000? It's the illegals working for $8-15/hr that have undermined the wages in that business. A drywaller today should be making at least $90,000/yr. A family man can't make it anymore on what a drywaller gets paid. But these illegal aliens live 15-20 to an apartment, sharing their costs and driving the wages down to an unlivable number. We need to deport all of them and restore the jobs with decent pay for the citizens of this country. If anyone is guilty of bigotry, it is you, not I.

[toldyouso21]

If they didn't their children (ages 5 and up)would probaly have to stop school and go to work. Plus if they were not here you would not have any fresh fruits, vegtables, or poultry to eat. Most of them would become legal if the rules were not so tight. Most of them want to do the right thing!
Posted by GAGirl8 at 11:54 AM : Aug 14, 2007


Hmmmm. Do you imagine that the legal immigrant who can't get in do not have families? Or do nit want to work? Or do not want a chance? Why not hire legal immigrants to do these jobs? Why reward illegal behavior? Every illegal CUT in front of a legal applicant and flouted our laws. Why not make working 2 to 3 years if unskilled--at these kind of jobs mandatory? And why not reward those who did it the legal way instead if defending cheaters?

Incidentally, when Americans try for those "low paying jobs" (like HS students) they are rebuffed. the illegals don't want Americans around and the business owners do not want to pay for OSHA, benefits, or wrker's comp. so they don't hire them.

Jobs americans WON'T do? or are not allowed to do? I can speak of the latter from experience.

[toldyouso21]

Mattel should recall the days when they made better quality toys in America and sold them to Americans. Global markets and goods may b good for investors and the stock market, but it is hell on the people who sacrifice the most and finance it the most. Americans buy most of the goods, give up lots of jobs to insourcing and outsourcing and are the people who spawn many of the companies that exploit wars, the environment and the markets for their own ends. Talk about getting "it" from all sides.

[mattcbsmatt]

THE hinese the asian ***
They are JUST MONKEYING AROUND and enjoying it :)

[mcvet]

It has to do with the reduced purchasing power of US workers displaced by the disruption of the wage system created by the influx of illegals. With the increasing numbers of poor citizens, whose lives have been ruined by the illegals taking the low wages, they are now forced to buy cheaper goods. This seems to give justification to the Walmarts of the world to increase their outsourcing, China being one of the countries. Look what happens. No surprises here.
Posted by drivelphobe at 05:22 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Oh come on!! Stop with the Bigotry, it's stupid. American Business has been exploiting Illigal workers for as long as I've been alive. The problem is we allowed the Corporations to MOVE production and all the Jobs that paid AMERICAN Workers good wages to other Cheap Third World Countries. When that happened the average worker who WAS making $18 per hour found themselves making $8 per hour. This "Trickle Down" Economics, where we had a massive shift of Wealth to the Upper Class, HAS NOT worked. A 30 year old today can expect to make $5,000 less a year than his dad when he was 30. Our standard of Living, once the best in the entire world, is now closer to Third World than it is the top. Enough said... That's FAILURE period!!

[mcvet]

Hint: If they did, they wouldn't be recalling their items now!
Posted by thomderr at 07:07 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Hint, self policing of these corrupt and greedy organizations has NEVER worked. The difference? When they weren't allowed to exploit Slave Labor in China, they were well regulated right here in the good old USA. Sure you paid a couple of bucks more for Toys but then your kids didn't get brain damage or die from them. I guess you can pay now or pay later... Sieg Heil Y'all.

[pepperp1]

Is it really worth it??????

Posted by tylenol6 at 06:26 PM : Aug 14, 2007

Nope I am with ya, off toys, off walmart, off target and off toy r us and cleaned out the cupboards, done toast, buying local avoiding china and companies that do business in, I agree, Mattel is on my list of never to again buy from, it is not like the manufacture of children%u2019s toys did not know know the risk of lead to children greed, they choose to move the work off shore and not check and not comply, do not let them off the hook fellow parents and grand parents. Decided to pull my own nuclear option only as a consumer not a holder of 133 Trillion dollars of US debt, ohhhhhhhhhhhhh don%u2019t care if it hurts their economy thus ours they poisoned our pets and children.

[thomderr]

It would seem that 'quality checks' are no longer in place for any item brought into the United States.

It would seem that a reputable company that imports goods would implement a quality assurance program that checks their goods on a regular basis, from ANY country!

Hint: If they did, they wouldn't be recalling their items now!