A toy cat is one of the products affected. Photo / Mattel
A toy cat is one of the products affected. Photo / Mattel
KEY POINTS:
Giant toy manufacturer Mattel is recalling more toys, again because of excess lead paint in Chinese-made products.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs said it had been informed by Mattel of a recall of toys made in China. The ministry said it had contacted all major retailers and theNew Zealand Retailers Association to ensure that they aware of the recall and are taking action.
The recall covers four different Barbie playsets but no Barbie dolls.
A spokesman for the ministry said: "As with the previous recalls there have been no reports of injuries. The recall is a result of an internal audit undertaken by Mattel.
"According to Mattel, the toy animals and dinner sets were painted by sub-contractors in China using unapproved paint.
"Consumers should immediately take the affected toys away from children."
The latest recall comes after Mattel last month recalled 19 million toys worldwide, including New Zealand.
SpongeBob SquarePants and Thomas the Tank Engine toys have been involved in previous recalls.
David Naulls, editor of Consumer magazine, said today it was time the Government looked at randomly testing products, particularly children's toys, coming into New Zealand.
He had not heard of a fresh recall but said: "There's been a rash of these."
Today's report came after two unnamed sources approached Associated Press, claiming to have been briefed by Mattel executives.
Mattel in the US and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission will make an official statement of a "voluntary product safety recall" at 10pm tonight NZ time.
Mattel Australia recalled Polly Pocket, Barbie and Tanner accessory toys after concerns were raised about possible loose magnets that were sold in New Zealand.
The company also recalled a batch of the "Sarge" green army toys which contain high levels of lead paint.
