Mattel Accepts Blame for Recalled Toys

September 2007

Mattel, the manufacturer that has recalled about 21 million toys internationally, has accepted the blame for its design flaw that allowed small magnets to detach and become a serious health risk if swallowed by children. The company stopped short of fully accepting blame for all 21 million recalled toys, failing to admit responsibility for toys containing hazardous levels of lead paint.

Of the 21 million recalled items including Barbie, Batman, Polly Pocket, and Sesame Street brand products, the lion’s share of toys were recalled due to small detachable magnets that could cause intestinal perforations and other internal injury if swallowed. To date, one death, at least three serious surgeries, and over 100 injuries worldwide have been linked to these magnetic toys.

But the 2.8 million toys recalled for excessive lead paint are no small matter. Recent research has shown that the lead levels in the recalled items were 180 times the limit allowed by U.S. regulations. These toys were painted in China, which has seen a slate of different products come under heavy scrutiny in the past few months, including toys, toothpaste, and ingredients used in pet food.