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Toymaker Mattel has recalled more than 115,000 toys in New Zealand because of possible choking hazards and concern over unsafe levels of lead.
This is the company's second major recall in a fortnight involving Chinese-made toys. On August 2, Mattel recalled several Fisher-Price toys because of unacceptable levels
of lead.
The latest recall affects more than 22 million toys globally.
In New Zealand, about 3250 die-cast vehicles featuring the "Sarge" character from the movie Cars have been recalled because of high lead levels.
And 113,000 magnetic toys, mainly from the Polly Pocket range, have been recalled because the small, powerful magnets may come loose. Barbie, Batman and Doggie Day Care toys have also been recalled.
Mattel said yesterday there had not been any reports of injuries in New Zealand or overseas.
Chairman and chief executive Robert Eckert said the safety of children was the company's primary concern and it apologised to everyone affected.
"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," he said.
Mattel said it had since tightened safety procedures surrounding paint and magnets.
The company is offering a full cash refund for the returned product.
The Warehouse said yesterday it had taken the affected stock off its shelves - fewer than 10 products in each of its 85 stores.
The Manufacturers and Exporters Association said the recall Mattel's Chinese-made goods showed the wider risks of failing to monitor the quality and safety of imported goods.
Chief executive John Walley said the rush to import low-cost products had risks for public safety. Quality had become less important.
"Unfortunately, it appears that it will take an accident or a major health scare before people start to question the risks associated with low-cost country supply chains and poor quality goods," he said.
Consumers' Institute head Sue Chetwin said yesterday that toys brought into the country were required to be safe under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
She suggested parents take their children to the doctor if they were concerned about lead poisoning.
She recommended parents did as much research as possible to find out about the safety of toys before buying.
An ACC spokesman said it would cover doctors' visits to treat any injuries.
"If a child swallows something and gets some kind of injury, they are covered.
"If a parent just wants to go for a check-up then that is not covered."
Dr Michael Beasley, a toxicologist at the National Poisons Centre, said parents should not panic.
"The major concern with lead in children's toys has been with actual swallowing and if it doesn't pass through naturally within three days [then] the risk will start to go up as the lead gradually gets absorbed."
Mattel said "Sarge" was produced by one of its contract manufacturers in China, Early Light Industrial, which subcontracted the painting of parts of the toys to Hing Li Da Plastic Cement Products, also in China.
