Mattel makes third recall

In total, there are 530,000 affected toys in the US, and 318,000 affected toys outside of the US. Mattel has completed the testing program for the majority of its toys, including all of its toys currently sourced from vendors.

The recall results from Mattel's investigation of vendor-sourced toys. Mattel has also globally implemented a strengthened, three-point check system to test toys throughout the manufacturing process.

"In August we promised that we'd continue to focus on ensuring the safety and quality of our toys through extensive testing of finished products, thorough investigation of our vendors and the implementation of a strengthened three-point check system. As a result of our ongoing investigation we discovered additional affected products. Consequently, several subcontractors are no longer manufacturing Mattel toys. We apologise again to everyone affected and promise that we will continue to focus on ensuring the safety and quality of our toys," said Robert A. Eckert, chairman and chief executive officer, Mattel.

In the US, there are seven recalled Barbie-branded toys. The specific affected parts include:

• Dream Puppy House™ – orange on miniature dog
  
• Dream Kitty Condo™ – brown on miniature cat
  
• Table & Chairs Kitchen Playset – yellow food on two dinner plates, brown on miniature dog, yellow and orange on potato chip bowl, orange on salad bowl
  
• Bathtub & Toilet Playset – brown on miniature cat
  
• Desk & Chair Bedroom Playset – brown on miniature dog
  
• Living Room Playset (deluxe) – brown on miniature cat
  
• Living Room Playset (premium) – yellow flower on purse

The playsets affected by the recall were produced by Holder Plastic Company (Holder), a Mattel contract vendor, which subcontracted the painting of miniature toy pets and small furniture pieces to Dong Lian Fa (DLF) and Yip Sing (YS). DLF and YS used uncertified paint and are no longer producing toys for Mattel.

Mattel's investigation revealed that the subcontractors painted the affected toys between March 2007 and August 2007. However the company is being cautious and recalling the entire production of the seven toys painted by the subcontractors. Therefore, toys manufactured beginning in October 2006 are included within the recall. The toys being recalled were sold at retailers between November 2006 and August 2007.

Among the three Fisher-Price toys recalled are two Fisher-Price GEOTRAX™ toys and one "It's a Big Big World" toy. Fisher-Price toys with specific parts affected include:

• GEOTRAX™ Rail & Road System Freightway Transport™– yellow headlights on train car and miniature ladder
  
• GEOTRAX™ Special Track Pack™ – yellow headlights on train car and miniature ladder
  
• "It's a Big Big World" 6-in-1 Bongo Band – painted decal on top of clear plastic on drum

The two GEOTRAX™ toys were manufactured by Apex Manufacturing Company Ltd. (Apex), one of Mattel's contract vendors, which outsourced paint work to a subcontractor, Boyi Plastic Products Factory (Boyi). Apex supplied Boyi with certified paint; however, the toys were manufactured with uncertified paint. Boyi is no longer in business. These two toys that tested for impermissible levels of lead were manufactured between 31 July 2006 and 4 September 2006; however, the painted parts were stored and incorporated into toy production throughout the year. Mattel is being cautious and recalling toys shipped between 3 August 2006 and 31 July 2007.

The Fisher-Price "It's a Big Big World" 6-in-1 Bongo Band toy was manufactured by Shun On Factory, one of Mattel's contract vendors, which outsourced the molding and painting of one plastic piece. A subcontractor, Jingying Tampo Printing Processing Factory, used uncertified paint on the affected piece. The toy was manufactured between 19 May 2007 and 1 August 2007.

Mattel is working in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies worldwide; as well as with retailers to identify and remove affected products from shelves.

For additional information regarding this recall, including a full list of affected products, visit: www.service.mattel.com