MATTEL® Announces Expanded Voluntary Recall

MATTEL® Announces Expanded Voluntary Recall

SYDNEY, 15 Aug. /MediaNet International-AsiaNet/ --

One product recalled for impermissible levels of lead
November 2006 magnet recall expanded

Mattel® (NZ) today voluntarily extended the recall in relation to the lead issue announced on 2 August, adding one new item to the current list of 8 recalled products.

One toy from the “CARS” die-cast vehicle assortment line, manufactured between March 2007 and July 2007, containing impermissible levels of lead has been recalled. The toy in question is a green army vehicle known as “Sarge”. There have been no reports of injuries involving the affected product in New Zealand or overseas.

The recalled vehicles include 436 000 total toys, with 253,000 in the US and approximately 3,251 in New Zealand. The affected product is marked on the bottom with ‘7EA’ and was sold at major toy retailers, supermarkets and independent toy retailers throughout New Zealand.

Sarge Cars or Assortments containing Sarge Cars may contain the following Model Numbers on the package: H6414, M1253 or L6294. The affected products are marked “China”.

The recall of the Sarge toy results from Mattel’s increased investigation and ongoing testing procedures following the 2 August recall of select Fisher-Price toys. The toy was produced by Early Light Industrial Co., Ltd (Early Light), one of Mattel’s contract manufacturing facilities in China, which subcontracted the painting of parts of the toy to another vendor, Hong Li Da Plastic Cement Products Facility (HLD), also in China. While the painting subcontractor, HLD, was required to utilise paint supplied directly from Early Light, it instead violated Mattel’s standards and utilised paint from a non-authorised third-party supplier.

“We have immediately implemented a strengthened three-point check system: First, we’re requiring that only paint from certified suppliers be used and requiring every single batch of paint at every single vendor to be tested. If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t get used. Second, we are tightening controls throughout the production process at vendor facilities and increasing unannounced random inspections. Third, we’re testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach our customers. We’ve met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them,” said Jim Walter, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Quality Assurance, Mattel.

Additionally, Mattel announced the voluntary recall of magnetic toys manufactured between January 2002 and January 2007 including certain dolls, figures, play sets and accessories that may release small, powerful magnets (e.g. Polly Pocket).

The recall expands upon Mattel’s voluntary recall of eight toys in November 2006 and is based on a thorough internal review of all Mattel’s brands. Mattel is recalling 21.8 million magnetic toys globally (11.7 million in the U.S and approximately 113,000 in New Zealand); however, the majority of the toys are no longer at retail. Beginning in January 2007, Mattel implemented enhanced magnet retention systems in its toys across all brands.

“Since our November 2006 magnet-related recall, we have implemented more robust magnet retention systems and more rigorous testing. We are exercising caution and have expanded the list of recalled magnetic toys due to potential safety risks associated with toys that might have loose magnets,” said Walter.

Magnetic Mattel® toys being voluntarily recalled in New Zealand were sold prior to January 31, 2007 and include the following products:

PRODUCT# DESCRIPTION

J1659 POLLY POCKET POLLYWOOD LIMO
B7080 POLLY POCKET DAZZLIN PET SHOW ASSORTMENT
B7078 POLLY POCKET DIVINE DOGS W/DVD
K0043 POLLYWORLD THEME PARK PAL ASSORTMENT
B2632 POLLY POCKET HANGIN-OUT HOUSE
G8616 POLLY POCKET QUIK CLIK HOUSE OF STYLE
J1660 POLLYWORLD DIAL A STYLE ASSORTMENT
B7123 POLLY POCKET POLLY PLACE TOWN ASSORTMENT
J9648 POLLY POCKET TWIRL N SWIRL BEAUTY CASE
B3158 POLLY POCKET TREETOP CLUBHOUSE
J1682 POLLYWORLD PLACE ASSORTMENT
G8614 POLLY POCKET QUIK CLIK HOUSE OF STYLE
B3206 POLLY POCKET & ME MAKE-UP ASSORTMENT
G8602 POLLY POCKET MERMAID STARS PLAYSET
J9964 POLLYWORLD DIAL A SONG
G8605 POLLY POCKET QUIK CLIK BOUTIQUE
G8606 POLLY POCKET QUIK CLIK SHOPS ASSORTMENT
B2631 POLLY POCKET MAGNETIC ADDITIONS ASSORTMENT
G8615 POLLY POCKET TOTALLY BEAD-IFUL
55503 POLLY POCKET HAPPENIN' PET PALS SALON
J1687 POLLYWORLD SKY LOUNGE
G8612 POLLY POCKET SNOW COOL HOTEL
J1681 POLLYWORLD PLACE
C4065 POLLY POCKET DINER/CLUBHOUSE ASSORTMENT
B3201 POLLY POCKET & ME HAIR CABOODLE
B3202 POLLY POCKET & ME ACTIVITY ASSORTMENT
B9929 POLLY POCKET BOUTIQUE ON THE GO
J9472 BARBIE & TANNER (ACCESSORY ITEM ONLY)
H1530 DOGGIE DAY CARE REJUVENATION CHAMBER

“The safety of children is our primary concern, and we are deeply apologetic to everyone affected,” said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive officer, Mattel. “Mattel has rigorous procedures, and we will continue to be vigilant and unforgiving in enforcing quality and safety. 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.”

Mattel is working in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and is notifying other regulatory agencies of the recall worldwide. Mattel is also working with retailers worldwide to identify and remove affected product from retail shelves.

There are three ways to contact Mattel to determine if your product is affected:

1. Visit Mattel’s website at www.service.mattel.com and click through to New Zealand

2. Email Mattel via – infoaust@mattel.com

3. Call Mattel New Zealand: 0800-174-063 between Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm

Consumers need to be aware that different products are sold in different countries, and it is important to use the New Zealand contact information in order to determine whether they own any affected product.

Return of affected toys will be direct with Mattel® and at Mattel's® expense. Retail stores are not able to refund any of the recalled products. Consumers will receive a cash refund to the value of the returned product.

Mattel® Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel® family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People®, Rescue Heroes®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel® employs more than 30,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel's® vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

ENDS

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