Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries, and private label food companies, today announced an expanded recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility as well as the voluntary recall of peanut paste produced in the same plant because these products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The company on January 13, 2009 previously announced the recall of 21 lots of peanut butter produced on or after July 1, 2008.

Today’s announcement and voluntary recall affect all peanut butter produced on or after August 8, 2008 and peanut paste produced on or after September 26, 2008 at the Georgia facility. The peanut butter being recalled is sold by PCA in bulk packaging in containers ranging in size from five to 1,700 pounds. The peanut paste is sold in sizes ranging from 35 pound containers to tanker containers.

PCA is notifying customers who received the recalled product by telephone or in writing, as well as through the news media and a toll-free 24/7 hotline number. None of the peanut butter or peanut paste being recalled is sold directly by PCA to consumers through retail stores.

“Today, the FDA informed PCA that new product samples in unopened containers tested positive for Salmonella,” said Stewart Parnell, President of Peanut Corporation of America.

The FDA has not yet confirmed the DNA fingerprints of these positive samples to match the strains causing the outbreaks of food borne illness in several states.

PCA is immediately stopping all production at the Blakely, Georgia facility and notifying its customers to recall and retain all affected product produced during these dates at this plant.

“We deeply regret that this product recall is expanding and our first priority is to protect the health of our customers. Our company has worked around the clock for the last week with federal regulators to help identify any potential problems. Our Blakely facility is currently not operating as we continue to work with federal food safety investigators,”Parnell said.

Customers should call 1-877-564-7080 for further instructions on what to do with the product or visit the company web site at www.peanutcorp.com.

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can result in abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and fever. Most people infected with Salmonella develop the symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover with treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. For more information on Salmonella bacteria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Website at www.cdc.gov.

Peanut Corporation of America is a family-owned and operated business since 1976 based in Lynchburg, VA and operating facilities in Blakely, GA, Suffolk, VA and Plainview, TX. The company prides itself on the quality and freshness of its products and strives constantly to maintain an environment in compliance with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines to provide a clean, safe product. For more information, visit Peanut Corporation of America’s Website at www.peanutcorp.com.

Read the recall on the FDA website: www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/peanutcorp201_09.html

Thirty-five reports of plush rocker toys tipping over and ten reports of bumps, bruises and lacerations has prompted the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Tek Nek Toys Int’l to recall more than 120,000 Rock ‘N Ride Plush Rocker Toys. The rocker base can become unstable allowing the rocker to tip forward or backward.

Eight models of the Rock ‘N Ride rockers are included in the recall: brown pony, pink pony, pink unicorn, deluxe pony, deluxe bull, lil’ penguin, lil’ propeller plane and Clifford big red rocker.

“The toys have molded plastic rocker bases and were sold for children at least 18 months old and up to 65 lbs. A button on the toy’s ear, hat or dash activates songs and phrases when pressed. Rockers included in this recall have a date code from July 26, 2007 through December 29, 2007. The date codes are printed on a sticker inside the battery compartment,” according to the CPSC.

The rockers were sold from September 2007 through March 2008 for about $30 at Wal-Mart, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, Target, Atwoods, and Pamida stores nationwide and Internet retailers from September 2007 through March 2008 for about $30.

Consumers should immediately take the rocker toys away from young children and contact Tek Nek Toys for a free replacement base.

For additional information, contact Tek Nek Toys toll-free at (888) 686-2728 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.teknektoys.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Ellaroo, today announced a voluntary recall of 1,200 Ellaroo Ring Sling Baby Carrriers. “The aluminum rings on the sling carriers can bend or break,” according to the CPSC. “This can cause the fabric to slip through the rings and infants to fall out of the carrier.”

Four instances of the rings bending and two instances of rings breaking have been reported. The carriers involved in the recall are those slings item numbers 2101 and 2102 printed on the outside of the product box. “The Ellaroo Ring Sling has a fabric carrier with two aluminum rings that is worn by the user to carry an infant up to 35 pounds. The carriers are sold in mahogany, mango stone, brasilia and malay color prints. Only sling carriers with lot numbers 03/07 and 07/04 printed on a label, under the size label, inside the Ring Sling are included in the recall.”

The Ellaroo Sling Carriers were sold for about $100 at juvenile product and department stores nationwide and online, including BabiesRUs.com, between June 2007 and February 2008.

Consumers should immediately stop using the sling carriers and contact Ellaroo for instructions on returning the carriers for a repair or replacement Ring Sling.

For additional information, contact Ellaroo at (800) 483-4902 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.ellaroo.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Infantino, LLC today announced a voluntary recall of 20,000 Infantino Lamb Grabby Rattles™. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The rattle’s tail piece can detach, posing a choking hazard. Eight reports of the tail piece detaching have been reported.

“The recalled Infantino Lamb Grabby Rattles™ are shaped like a lamb with an Infantino elliptical-shaped logo stamped on the front right foot of the lamb. Only rattles with date code 0907 printed on the back of the left ear of the lamb are included in the recall. The production batch code is printed in a dial format with the year in the middle of a circle and an arrow pointing to the number on the circle that indicates the month. Rattles that do not have a date code are not included in the recall.”

The rattles were sold for between $3 and $4 at Wal-Mart, Babies “R” Us and other specialty stores nationwide from September 2007 through February 2008.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from young children and contact Infantino for a replacement rattle or a product of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Infantino toll-free at (888) 808-3111 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at service.infantino.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Munire Furniture Inc., of Piscataway, N.J., today announced a voluntary recall of 24,000 cribs.

According to the CPSC, “The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards for cribs. The four support brackets on the mattress support spring are too long. The brackets prevent the spring from lowering to the full 26 inch minimum height in its lowest position, allowing children inside to crawl over the railing, posing a fall hazard.”

Cribs sold between November 1, 2005 and November 1, 2007 (under the following product names: Majestic Curved Top and Flat Top Cribs, Essex Cribs, Brighton/Sussex Cribs and Captiva Cribs) are affected by this recall; owners can contact Munire to receive replacement spring brackets. For additional information, contact Munire Furniture Inc. at (866) 586-9639 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.munirefurniture.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Family Dollar, today announced a voluntary recall of 250,000 FUN ‘N SAFE Magnetic Dart Boards. Small magnets at the ends of the darts can detach from the darts. Young children can swallow or aspirate the magnets. “If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.”

“The magnetic dart board is about 15 inches wide with a black, white, green, and red bulls eye checkered design and was sold with six 4-inch long magnetic darts. The darts magnetically adhere to the dart board when thrown. “Made in China” is embossed on the back of the board.”

The dart boards were sold exclusively at Family Dollar stores nationwide for about $5 from January 2001 through January 2008.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and return the board and all of the darts to a Family Dollar store for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Family Dollar at (800) 547-0359 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.familydollar.com

Approximately 64,000 Cinderella 12-Volt Electric Ride-On Vehicles have been recalled by Dumar International, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Wiring in the car can short circuit posing a fire and burn hazard. 40 incidents of short circuits in the wiring (located under the hood of the car and/or in the battery compartment under the seat) have been reported.

“In several incidents, smoke was seen coming out from underneath the seat area where the battery is located. In one incident, flames shot from under the hood while a 4-year-old girl was riding the vehicle,” according to the CPSC. No injuries have been reported.

“The electric ride-on toy resembles the Pontiac Solstice. It is light blue and has Cinderella graphics on the front and sides. The wheels, steering wheel and two seats are pink. The white dashboard may contain an optional radio. “Pontiac Solstice” is printed on the back of the car. “Walt Disney’s Cinderella Special Edition” is printed on the license plate. It is designed for children 4 to 7 years old.”

The ride on vehicles were sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from August 2005 through February 2006 for about $200.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy cars away from children and contact Dumar International for a free retrofit kit, including a new battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dumar International at (866) 424-0500 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dumarusa.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Fast Forward LLC, today announced a voluntary recall of 6,600 Spiderman® Water Bottles. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. “Screws under the bottle’s lid can come loose and fall into the cup, posing a choking hazard to children.”

To date, Fast Forward has received three reports of screws coming loose under the water bottle’s lid; no injuries have been reported.

“The recalled plastic water bottles have a Spiderman® picture on the cup and a Spiderman® figure on the screw-on lid. The water bottle is red, white, blue, and black and measures nine inches high.”

The $10 water bottles were sold exclusively at Sears stores nationwide from July 2007 through August 2007.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled water bottles away from children and contact Fast Forward LLC for instructions on returning the water bottles for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact company toll-free at (877) 244-4433 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Trek Bicycle Corp, today announced a voluntary recall of nearly 50,000 Trek MT220 Girls Bicycles.

The frame of the bicycle can break during use, resulting in the rider losing control and suffering injuries. To date, 13 incidents of frames breaking have been reported including four minor injuries.

“This recall involves Trek girls’ bicycles model MT220 and model years 2005 (light metallic blue), 2006 (metallic silver and metallic purple or pink and pearl white), and 2007 (pink and white pearl or metallic purple). The model name is printed on the frame of the bicycle. Model year 2008 bicycles re not included in this recall.”

The bicycles were sold at authorized Trek dealers nationwide from April 2004 through June 2007 for about $300.

Consumers should take the recalled bicycle away from children immediately and return it to a Trek dealer for a free replacement MT220 girl’s bicycle or a $100 discount on a different size Trek bicycle.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact Trek at (800) 373-4594 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.trekbikes.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with West Music Company, today announced a voluntary recall of about 5,500 Transparent Toy Egg Shakers. Small beads within the egg shakers can spill out of the end cap, posing choking and aspiration risks to young children. To date, one report of the end cap of the shaker detaching has been reported.

“This recall involves clear, plastic egg-shaped instruments with various color beads inside. The beads inside the shaker instrument come in five colors: red, white, green, dark blue and aqua. “Basic Beat” and “Jumbo Egg Crystal” is printed on a label attached to the plastic bag packaging. Model numbers “BB5102” and “202212” are printed on the side of the label.”

The $2 shakers were sold at West Music stores in Iowa and Illinois, through the West Music catalog, online through www.westmusic.com and at West Music exhibit booths nationwide from October 2006 through December 2007.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled egg shakers from young children and contact West Music for a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact West Music at (800) 397-9378 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or e-mail the firm at rcousins@westmusic.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Cranium, Inc today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 38,000 Cadoo Board Games.

“The surface paint on the die contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard,” according to the CPSC.

The only affected game pieces are die found in Cranium Cadoo board games with lot numbers 2007195 through 2007244. The Cranium Cadoo game is packaged in a square cardboard box with an orange background. The seven digit lot number is printed under the plastic tray on the bottom half of the box.

Games were sold at Fred Meyer, Kmart, Shopko, Wal-Mart and specialty game stores nationwide between October 2007 through January 2008 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately dispose of the die and contact Cranium Inc. to receive a free replacement die.

For additional information, contact Cranium Inc. at (877) 272-6486 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cranium.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with the Global Design Concepts Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of 110,000 Magnetic Game Pieces sold with “Cars” Themed Backpacks.

“Small magnets inside the four game pieces that were sold with the “Cars” backpack can fall out of their plastic enclosure,” says the CPSC. “Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.”

Global Design Concepts has received three reports of a magnet that became loose. No injuries have been reported.

“The 12 inch “Cars” Backpack was sold with four sealed game pieces that contain magnets. The game pieces included a red plastic car; a blue plastic car; and two red and black plastic disks that have “GAS,” “OIL” and “SERVICE” printed in red letters on the black perimeter of the disks. “Warning: Choking Hazard-Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years” is printed on the backpack hangtag. “Disney Presents a PIXAR film” is printed on the gray vinyl front of the backpack.”

The game pieces were sold with backpacks at Target stores nationwide from February 2007 through September 2007 for about $13.

“Consumers should immediately take the recalled game pieces away from young children and contact the Cars Backpack Recall hotline for instructions on returning the recalled game pieces for a free replacement “Cars” wallet or equivalent product.”

For additional information, contact the Cars Backpack Recall hotline toll-free at (877) 848-4070 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the www.carsbackpackrecall.com

Risks outweigh the benefits in cough and cold medicines marketed for children under two years of age.

Several drug manufacturers including Johnson and Johnson, Wyeth and Novartis have issued a voluntary recall of several infant cold and cough medicines including the brands Dimetapp, Little Cods, PEDIACARE, Robitussin, Triaminic and TYLENOL, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).

The driving factor behind the product recall, according to the CHPA, is potential misuse of the infant medicines and not product safety. The recall only includes those cold and cough medicines for children under the age of two. An FDA advisory committee meeting scheduled for October 18 and 19, 2007, will further evaluate these medicines.

“It’s important to point out that these medicines are safe and effective when used as directed, and most parents are using them appropriately,” said Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A, president of CHPA. “The reason the makers of over-the-counter, oral cough and cold medicines for infants are voluntarily withdrawing these medicines is that there have been rare patterns of misuse leading to overdose recently identified, particularly in infants, and safety is our top priority.”

The branded cough and cold medicines that are being voluntarily withdrawn are:

* Dimetapp® Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops
* Dimetapp® Decongestant Infant Drops
* Little Colds® Decongestant Plus Cough
* Little Colds® Multi-Symptom Cold Formula
* PEDIACARE® Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine)
* PEDIACARE® Infant Drops Decongestant & Cough (containing pseudoephedrine)
* PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing phenylephrine)
* PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough
* PEDIACARE® Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (containing phenylephrine)
* Robitussin® Infant Cough DM Drops
* Triaminic® Infant & Toddler Thin Strips® Decongestant
* Triaminic® Infant & Toddler Thin Strips® Decongestant Plus Cough
* TYLENOL® Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold
* TYLENOL® Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold & Cough

CHPA will be launching a major, multi-year national campaign to educate parents and healthcare providers about the safe use of over-the-counter medicines in children, partnering with major physician, nurse, and pharmacist organizations.

More information about the voluntary withdrawal can be found at www.OTCSafety.org.

About 20,000 E300 Razor USA electric scooters have been recalled, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The welds on the handlebars of the scooters can detach, causing risk of injury. So far, 25 reports of detached handlebars resulting in a few minor injuries have been reported to Razor.

“The recall involves Model E300 Electric Scooters, which are powered by battery-operated motors. The model number appears on the tube that connects the head tube to the deck,” according to the CPSC.

“The recalled scooters are blue or silver. This recall includes only products with barcodes beginning in 100620-03 through -09. Products with other barcodes or no barcode are not included in this recall. The barcode can be located on the steering stem, the battery tray, the charger, and the product’s packaging.”

The scooters were sold from January 2006 through October 2006 at Pep Boys stores nationwide and various Internet retail sites for between $190 and $230. “Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Razor USA to obtain a free repair kit.”

For additional information, contact Razor USA toll-free at (866) 623-3297 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.razor.com/recall

Lately, we have been inundated with news headlines about toys being recalled: the lead paint on Dora dolls from China; the tiny yet powerful magnets in Magnetix that end up in kids’ tummies and cause internal injuries and death; and hundreds of other toys for young children. There is plenty of blame to go around, and we consumers need to ask ourselves why so many of the things we buy are manufactured in ways that put our children at risk. It is great that we can buy so many fun things for $2-$3. But there are at least two downsides to continuing to demand ever cheaper products:

1) The cheapest forms of manufacturing will always be the ones that prize efficiency over safety

2) If we reduce all of our playthings to the inexpensive trinket level, are we training kids to be “disposable” consumers?

The Blue Lake take on it:

Unfortunately, it is that scary. Watch this video about Magnetix danger and death that was produced for The Chicago Tribune. If you haven’t already done so, check out the somewhat overwhelming U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s summary of recalled toys and Mattel’s list of Fisher Price Recalled Lead Painted Toys (with very helpful photos) . We are just starting to think about manufacturing our magazines overseas – and these events make us realize how lucky we are that our local printer is a family-owned business that enthusiastically sources soy-based inks, water-based coatings and FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) paper to meet our standards for The Tessy & Tab Reading Club. If and when we add new printers to our roster, we need to have the best references and reliable QA checkpoints. We understand that parents want the best deal for their purchases, and the $48 for 24 issues is not cheap. On the other hand, we don’t want to cut costs to get down to $35 if it means that the natural behavior of a 2-year-old (“Now I think I will put my magazine in my mouth!) becomes a threat to their health.

Approximately 425,000 Kolcraft infant play yards were recalled today following the strangulation death of a 10 month old boy.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the boy “strangled on the
changing table’s restraint strap that was hanging down into Kolcraft’s
“Sesame Beginnings” Travel Play Yard where the child was located.”

The twelve different Kolcraft play yards included in this recall all have raised changing tables with a restraint strap that forms a loop beneath the changing table, posing a strangulation hazard to a child in the play yard.

“In addition to the strangulation hazard with the changing table
restraint strap, one play yard also has a raised cradle that rocks back
and forth,” according to the CPSC. “A child can roll and get trapped against the side of the cradle in the Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard. If that happens, a child can
suffocate. Kolcraft has received 45 reports of children rolling to the
side of the rocking cradle attachment.”

The recalled play yards were sold in a variety of colors and patterns at retail stores nationwide from January 2001 through September 2007 for between $50 and $130.
Play yards and model numbers included in this recall are listed below. (The model number is printed on a white sticker located on one of the feet of the play yard.)

“Consumers should immediately stop using the changing tables and rocking
cradle and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a free
non-looped replacement strap for the changing table and a free repair
kit to secure the base of the cradle. Consumers should immediately cut
off and remove the existing changing table restraint strap. Consumers
should always remove the raised changing table and cradle or bassinet
before placing a child in a play yard.”

“A free repair kit for the rocking cradle will be sent to consumers
separate from the replacement strap.”

For additional information, call Kolcraft at (888) 655-8484 anytime, or
visit the firm’s Web site at www.kolcraft.com

About 1 million cribs are being recalled by Simplicity, Inc., according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Affected cribs include several models with the Simplicity logo and Simplicity brand cribs using the Graco logo. The risk that prompted the recall is “the drop-side can detach from the crib, which can create a dangerous gap and lead to the entrapment and suffocation of infants,” according to the CPSC. “CPSC is aware of two deaths in Simplicity manufactured cribs with older style hardware, including a 9-month-old child and a 6-month-old child, where the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is also aware of seven infant entrapments and 55 incidents in these cribs.” The recalled cribs, which were made in China, were sold nationwide from January 1998 through May 2007 for between $100 and $300.

In addition to the recalled cribs, CPSC is also investigating the death of a 1-year-old child in a Simplicity crib with newer style hardware, in which the drop-side was installed upside down. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers to check all Simplicity cribs to make sure the drop-side is installed right side up.

“The drop-side failures result from both the hardware and crib design, which allow consumers to unintentionally install the drop-side upside down. This, in turn, can weaken the hardware and cause the drop-side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side detaches, it creates a gap in which infants can become entrapped.”

“CPSC is also aware of two incidents that occurred when the drop-side was correctly installed with older style hardware, though the upside down installation greatly increases the risk of failure.”

The following models are included in the recall:

Cribs with Simplicity logo:

• Aspen 3 in 1
• Aspen 4 in 1
• Nursery-in-a-Box
• Crib N Changer Combo
• Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1

Simplicity cribs using the Graco logo:

• Aspen 3 in 1
• Ultra 3 in 1
• Ultra 4 in1
• Ultra 5 in 1
• Whitney
• Trio

The recalled cribs have one of the following model numbers, which can be found on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label attached to the headboard: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760, and 8996.

“As an immediate precaution, consumers should check to see if the drop-side is installed right side up. To do this, check to see that the slightly rounded rail with the decorative groove is installed at the top and the plain rail is on the bottom. Next, consumers should make sure the drop-side is securely attached to the tracks in all four corners.”

“If the drop-side is installed upside down or not securely attached, consumers should stop using the crib immediately. Incorrect installation can cause permanent damage to the hardware and re-installing the drop-side using the same hardware is unsafe.”

“Consumers should check to see if their crib contains the recalled hardware. Recalled hardware has a flexible tab at the bottom of the lower tracks and the top of the lower tracks are open. Newer hardware, which is not subject to the recall, has the flexible tab located at the top of the lower track, and a permanent stop at the bottom.”

Consumers who have a crib with older style hardware can receive a free repair by immediately contacting Simplicity toll-free at (888) 593-9274 between 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, or by visiting the firm’s website at www.simplicityforchildren.com

Consumers who have a crib with newer style hardware and have installed the drop-side upside down or have broken hardware, should also contact Simplicity immediately.

It what is becoming a familiar event, Mattel announced another recall today. This one covering nine million more toys.

Lead poisoning and choking risks associated with more than nine million Chinese-made Mattel toys including Barbie, Batman, Sarge, Tanner and Doggie Day Care sparks huge recall, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.

According to the CPSC, about 253,000 “Sarge” die cast toy cars could contain lead levels in excess of federal standards. The 2 and a half inch toy cars which look like military jeeps are marked “7EA” and “China” on the bottom, according to the CPSC. The product number “M1253″ and “K5925″ may be printed on the packaging.

The cars were sold nationwide at retail stores from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $7 and $20 (depending on whether they were sold in sets.) Though no injuries have been reported to date, lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Also according to the CPSC, about 683,000 Barbie and Tanner play sets have been recalled because of choking risks. Magnets within the toys can come loose and can be swallowed or aspirated. “If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal. Mattel has received three reports of magnets coming loose; no injuries have been reported.

The model numbers of the recalled Barbie and Tanner(tm) play sets are J9472 and J9560. The play sets were sold at toy stores and other various retailers for about $16 from May 2006 through August 2007.

About 345,000 Batman(tm) and One Piece(tm) magnetic action figure sets are included in the recall because small, powerful magnets inside the toy figures can fall out and be swallowed or aspirated, according to the CPSC. Mattel is aware of 21 incidents where a magnet fell out of the toy figure, including a case of a 3 year old boy who was found with a magnet in his mouth. The boy did not swallow the magnet and no injuries have been reported.

The seven inch tall Batman action figures have a logo on the front and include magnetic accessories. The model number can be found on the lower right corner of the tag, sewn into the figure.

The recalled Batman(tm) toys include:
The Batman(tm) Magna Battle Armor(tm) Batman(tm) figure with model
number J1944,
The Batman(tm) Magna Fight Wing(tm) Batman(tm) figure with model number
J1946,
The Batman(tm) Secret ID(tm) figure with model number J5114, and
The Batman(tm) Flying Fox(tm) figure with model number J5115.

The recalled One Piece(tm) toy is:

“One Piece(tm) Triple Slash Zolo Roronoa(tm) figure with model number J4142. The 5 1/2 inch tall action figure has green hair, black pants, and has magnets in his hands which connect to magnets on various swords
that the figure can hold. The model number is printed on the back of the action figure’s left leg.”

The action figures were sold for about $11 between June 2006 and June 2007 at discount department stores and toy stores nationwide.

Also included in the Mattel recall are about 1 million Doggie Day Care(tm) play sets. Small magnets within 11 different Doggie Day Care(tm) products can fall out and be swallowed or aspirated, causing choking and / or intestinal blockage risks. The toys were sold for between $4 and $20 at toy stores and various retailers from July 2004 to August 2007, according to the CPSC.

The following products and names are included in the Doggie Day Care(tm) portion of the recall:
Product # and Name
H1532 Doggie Day Care Coco
H1533 Doggie Day Care Sparley
G4461 Doggie Day Care Lula and Baby
G4462 Doggie Day Care Crockett and Baby
G4464 Doggie Day Care Taffy and Baby
G4459 Doggie Day Care Snack Time with Cookie
G4460 Doggie Day Care Diaper Change with Ginger
H1530 Doggie Day Care Ice Cream with Ranger
G9703 Doggie Day Care Puppy Park with Dixie
G4457 Doggie Day Care Dream House Nursery with Honey
G4458 Doggie Day Care Bath Time with Beau

Additional reports of magnets detaching from Polly Pocket play sets prompt expanded recall to include 7.3 million play sets (about 2.4 million play sets were recalled on November 21, 2006). The toys were sold at toy stores and various other retailers from May 2003 through November 2006 for between $15 and $30, according to the CPSC.

“Since the previous recall announcement, Mattel has received more than 400 additional reports of magnets coming loose,” says the CPSC. “CPSC was aware in the first recall announcement of 170 reports of the magnets
coming out of the recalled toys. There had been three reports of serious injuries to children who swallowed more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery.”

“The recalled Polly Pocket play sets contain plastic dolls and accessories that have small magnets. The magnets measure 1/8 inch in diameter and are embedded in the hands and feet of some dolls, and in the plastic clothing, hairpieces and other accessories to help the pieces attach to the doll or to the doll’s house. The model number is printed on the bottom of the largest pieces on some of the play sets. Products manufactured after November 1, 2006 and are currently on store shelves are not included in this recall. Contact Mattel if you cannot find a model number on your product to determine if it is part of the recall.”

List of Recalled Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets and Item Number

Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Hangin’ Out House(tm) Playset B2632
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Treetop Clubhouse(tm) Playset B3158
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Caboodle Asst. B3201
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Gameroom Garage(tm) Playset B3211
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Totally Tiki Diner(tm) Playset B7118

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Boutique G8605
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) City Pretty(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1537

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Sporty Style(tm) Playset (Lea(tm)) H1538

Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Totally Zen(tm) Playset (Shani(tm))
H3211
Polly Pocket!(tm) Fashion Polly(tm) Happenin’ Pet Salon(tm) Playset
55503
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Magnetic Additions Assortment B2631
Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lunchbox Cafe(tm) Playset B3203
Polly Pocket!(tm) School Time Fun(tm) Playset B3204
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lip Gloss Studio(tm) Playset B3207
Polly Pocket!(tm) Glitter Boutique(tm) Playset B3209
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Dip N’ Dive Pool(tm) Playset B3210
Polly Pocket!(tm) Birthday Suprise (INTL) B3396
Polly Pocket!(tm) Dazzlin’ Pet Show(tm) Divine Dogs(tm) B7078
Polly Pocket!(tm) Dazzlin’ Pet Show(tm) Magic Rabbits(tm) B7082
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Sweet Treats(tm) Playset B7125
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mailbox Surprise(tm) Playset B7127
Polly Pocket!(tm) Stretch Polly Disco Lamp B7128 Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Jewlery Box Bedroom(tm) Playset B7129
Polly Pocket!(tm) Polly Place(tm) Party On The Go!(tm) Playset B8478
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Playset B9521
Polly Pocket!(tm) Lunchbox Cafe(tm) Playset B9522
Polly Pocket!(tm) School Time Fun(tm) Playset B9523
Polly Pocket!(tm) Glitter Puff B9525
Polly Pocket!(tm) Spa Day(tm) Playset B9578
Polly Pocket!(tm) Boutique On The Go(tm) Playset B9929
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mailbox Surprise(tm) Playset C0504
Polly Pocket!(tm) Jewelry Box Bedroom(tm) Playset C0505
Polly Pocket!(tm) Disco Lamp C1341
Polly Pocket!(tm) Disco Lamp C1342
Polly Pocket!(tm) Mermaid Stars(tm) Playset G8602
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quick Click(tm) Playset G8606 Picture not available
Polly Pocket!(tm) Snow Cool(tm) Hotel Playset G8612
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) House of Style(tm) Playset G8614
Polly Pocket!(tm) Totally Beadiful(tm) Jewelry Maker G8615
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quick Click(tm) Penthouse G8616
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Movie Time(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1553

Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Limo-Scene(tm) Vehicle J1659
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Dial-A-Style(tm) Lila(tm) Doll J1661
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollywood(tm) Dial-A-Style(tm) Lea(tm) Doll J1662
Polly Pocket!(tm) Stickin’ 2 Style(tm) Doll J1670
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Rockin’ Theme Park(tm) Playset J1681
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Dress N’ Drive(tm) Lounge Playset J1687

Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Theme Park Party(tm) Quick Clik(tm)
Doll and Fashions J1695
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Polly(tm) Doll J4169
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Crissy(tm) Doll J4170
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Lea(tm) Doll J4171
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Quick Clik(tm) Shanil(tm) Doll J4172
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Costume Cart (Lea(tm)) Playset J9305
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Gift Shop (Lila(tm)) Playset J9306
Polly Pocket!(tm) Twirl & Swirl(tm) Beauty Case J9648
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Dial-A Song Polly Fashions J9965
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Kerstie Fashions J9966
Polly Pocket!(tm) Pollyworld(tm) Rockin’ Tour Bus(tm) K3460
Polly Pocket!(tm) Quik-Clik(tm) Pool Party(tm) Playset (Lila(tm)) H1554

In all cases, consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and contact Mattel to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the customer’s choice, up to the value of the returned product.

For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at (888) 597-6597 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at
www.service.mattel.com

I don’t know what it is about recalls lately, but it blows my mind that big name companies and products are still using lead paint. Granted, outsourcing is here to stay, but what about quality control? First, Thomas the Train, now Fisher-Price licensed character toys. Here’s the latest:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Fisher-Price, today announced a voluntary recall of about 967,000 Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children’s toys sold since May of 2007 due to lead poisoning hazard, according to the CPSC. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

“Surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.”

“The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with “Fisher-Price,” are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging.”

Here’s a list of the recalled products:

33662 Elmo Light Up Musical Pal
33664 Big Bird Light Up Musical Pal
39038 Elmo Tub Sub
87946 Elmo Keyboard
90609 Elmo Collectible
90612 Zoe Collectible
90614 Big Bird Collectible
93068 Elmo Boom Box
93307 Press N Go Elmo
93492 Cookie Saxophone
93615 Splash Tub Puzzle

B7554 Count To Beat Elmo
B7987 Elmo In The Giggle Box
B9620 Dora’s Talking House
C6908 Dora, Backpack, Perrito Figure Pack
C6909 Diego Figure Pack
C6911 Boots, Tico Figure Pack
G5112 Sing With Elmo’s Greatest Hits
H2943 Grow With Me Elmo Sprinkler
H3344 Birthday Dora
H5570 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Zoe, Bigbird)
H4628 Water Fun Tote
H8237 Blue 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H9124 Chef Dora
H9186 Giggle Grabber Ernie

J0338 Diego Talking Field Journal
J0344 Go Diego Go Deep Sea Rescue
J0346 Go Diego Go Talking Rescue 4 X 4
J5936 Giggle Grabber Chef Cookie Monster
J6537 Sesame Street Giggle Toolbelt
J6763 Royal Boots And Tico
J7983 Sesame Street Tub Pots & Pans
J9692 Dora’s Talking Pony Place
K3414 Diego – Talking Gadget Belt
K3580 Fairytale Adventure Dora
K4140 Toucan Motorcycle Rescue

L3194 Surprise Inside Diego Eggs
L3488 Sesame Street Birthday Figure Pack
L3507 Sesame Street – Super Boom Box
L5202 Birthday Dora
L8905 Pablo & Pals
M0352 Dora Figures Diego & Bear
M0527 Sesame Street Giggle Doodler
M2051 Lets Go Rescue Center
33663 Ernie Light Up Musical Pal
34658 Elmo Stacking Rings
39054 Sesame Street Shape Sorter
90267 Ernie Splashin’ Fun Trike
90611 Cookie Collectible
90613 Ernie Collectible
90745 Construction Playset
93107 Action Fire Engine
93308 Rev & Go Cookie Monster
93493 Elmo’s Guitar
93780 Music And Lights Phone

B7888 Shake, Giggle & Roll
B7989 Silly Parts Talking Elmo

C6910 Swiper Figure Pack
G3825 Dora Talking Vamonos Van
G9717 Giggle Doodler
H3343 Cousin Daisy
H5569 Elmo & Pals (Elmo, Cookie, Ernie)
H4187 Dora Figures In Tube
H8236 Dora 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H8238 Sponge Bob 3 Pack Figures In Tube
H9125 Bedtime Dora
H9188 Giggle Grabber Oscar The Grouch

J0343 Go Diego Go Antarctic Rescue
J0345 Go Diego Go Mountain Rescue
J5935 Giggle Grabber Soccer Elmo

J6762 Queen Mami
J6765 Prince Diego
J9518 Sesame Street Giggle Drill
K0617 Twins Nursery
K3571 Go Diego Go Mobile Rescue Unit
K4139 Go Diego Go Dinosaur Rescue
L0305 Dora Figure

L3215 Sesame Street Elmo Jack-In-The-Box

L5813 Diego Tub Trike
M0351 Dora Figures Dora & Kitty
M0524 Go Diego Go Talking Gadget
M0732 Dora’s Talking House
M2052 Fairytale Castle

Toys were sold at retail stores nationwide from May 2007 through August 2007 for between $5 and $40, according to the CPSC. “Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer’s choice (up to the value of the returned product).”

To see a list of the affected toys, go here.

For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Clever Parents meets up with Scott Shoemaker, President of DadGear, for a demo of the very cool diaper bag – the Billboard Messenger Bag.

Plus, a couple of recalls you should know about and an adorable line of vintage inspired rattles and squeakers for babies.

View Clever Parents TV Vidcast Episode #28

Go to Clever Parents TV