Recalled Toys | www.reinerinjurylaw.com

Handy Manny Toy Tool Kits Recalled

Posted under: Product Recall, Recalled Toys — tslaughter @ 10:39 am

Today, Disney Store USA issued a recall of its Playhouse Disney “Handy Manny” Toy Tool Sets. The toys are defective because the eyes of the individual tools have detached, presenting a choking hazard to young children. Two chokings have been reported.

According to the recall notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 20,000 of these Tool Sets were sold at Disney Stores from October 2007 through January 2009 for about $15.00.

If you, your children, grandchildren, etc. have received one of these tool sets, you are advised immediately stop using them. The toy sets can be returned to a Disney Store for a full refund.

The Redding lawyers at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter publish recall information from time to time on products that are commonly used in Northern California. We pay particular attention to recall of toys and children’s products. We hope to keep the public well informed about potentially hazardous products, so that injuries can be avoided. If you have any questions or information about products that have caused injury, please feel free to contact us.

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Toymaker Mattel Pays $12 Million in Lead Paint Case

Posted under: Product Safety, Recalled Toys — tslaughter @ 9:54 am

On December 15, 2008, Mattel Inc., the world’s largest toymaker agreed to pay $12 million to 39 U.S. states to settle claims that it had distributed toys manufactured in China with lead paint. Mattel also agreed to comply with newly enacted Federal laws restricting lead paint content immediately. As quoted by Bloomberg.com, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal stated, “This settlement should help stem the tsumani of toxic toys threatening to swamp playrooms and playpens, poisoning children.”

We applaud this settlement but still maintain that the government is not going far enough. The vast majority of these lead contaminated toys are manufactured in China and other Asian countries. Mattel is being held accountable in this country for toys it simply distributed. Mattel will likely stop purchasing toys from those manufacturers, or force them to stop using the paints. However, there does not appear to be any regulatory voice in these foreign lands, so the products will continue to “swamp” our market under non-brand names. Until every participant in the stream of commerce to this land, including the foreign manufacturers and distributors, are held fully accountable for the dangerous products that they sell in our markets, we will remain mired in the swamp. The government should look to legislate this protection, in coordination with the involved foreign nations, so that consumer safety is advanced, rather than manufacturing impunity.

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Consumer Safety Tips for Holiday Toy Shopping

Posted under: Recalled Toys — tslaughter @ 2:22 pm

Today, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its “Top 5″ hazards to be wary of when purchasing children’s toys this upcoming holiday season. In this regard, the CPSC noted that 18 toy-related deaths occurred last year involving children under the age of 15. Most of the deaths were caused by choking on small toy parts, drowning or being hit by motor vehicles while using the toy.

The CPSC warned parents, grandparents and others purchasing toys this season of the following toy hazards:

The top 5 toy hazards:

Scooters and other Riding Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.

Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

Balloons – Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.

Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

The CPSC also warned that once gifts are opened:

Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.

Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.

Another tip for shoppers is to watch for potential lead-based paint in toys. One should have concerns if the toys are bright and shiny, are quite inexpensive, and were manufactured in China, Vietnam, Indonesia or other Asian countries. To see if these toys have been recalled for excessive lead content, you can review the recall notices at the Consumer Protection Agency.

We at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter wish everyone the best and safest holiday season and hope that these simple consumer suggestions will prevent unexpected injuries to children.

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Toy Police Cars Recalled for Lead Paint

Posted under: Recalled Toys — tslaughter @ 11:14 am

Yesterday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for Toy Police Cars distributed by TCB Imports, Inc. These small friction propelled cars were sold at Dollar and discount stores nationwide from May 2008 through August 2008 for about $1.00. The toys were manufactured in China.

If you have, or suspect that your child is playing with one of these toys, immediately return it to the store where purchased for a refund. You can contact the importer at www.tcbimports.com.

Our Redding attorneys have particular interest in the deluge of defective toys which have been inundating our markets from China and other foreign countries in the recent past. It is clear that these foreign manufacturers are not abiding to the high standards that American Manufacturers have followed for decades, and that there is very little enforcement of standards concerning lead paint and other toxic substances in these toys. The proliferation of these toys throughout the nation and our households can not be underestimated.

With this post, we are creating a “Recalled Toys” category in our column to help parents and other consumers to be aware of the many defective toys that continue to make it to the shelves of our stores.

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Blog

February 13, 2009

Handy Manny Toy Tool Kits Recalled

December 22, 2008

Toymaker Mattel Pays $12 Million in Lead Paint Case

November 12, 2008

Consumer Safety Tips for Holiday Toy Shopping

September 26, 2008

Toy Police Cars Recalled for Lead Paint