Blog Post

More Toy Trouble for Mattel


August 15, 2007
Topic: Recalled Products

Just when you thought all the toxic lead coated toys were off the shelves and you could breathe easy, comes a second recall from Mattel Inc. This time the company is puling out close to 9 million Chinese made toys that not just contain lead paint, but may also have small magnets that children may swallow. The toys include Polly Pocket play sets, Batman action figures and die cast cars that contain high levels of lead paint.

The Polly Pocket recall is an extension of an earlier recall in November last year when several injuries were reported after three children swallowed the little magnets and suffered severe injuries All three suffered intestinal perforation which necessitated extensive hospitalization and surgery.

In March 2006, another toy maker, Mega Brands recalled more than 4 million magnetic sets after one child died and four others were hospitalized after they swallowed the tiny magnets. According to medical experts, when more than one magnet is ingested, they stick together, causing perforations in the intestine. The resulting injuries can lead to infection and blockage, and can prove fatal.

Since 2003, a total of 19 children have required surgery after swallowing magnets used in toys.

Even as Mattel cautioned that more recalls could be on the way, and the government warned parents to check if their children were playing with the recalled toys, a South Florida woman named Farrah Shoukhry has filed a lawsuit against Mattel. No details are available at this point. But as Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Nancy Nord says, "There is no excuse for lead to be found in toys entering this country. It is completely unacceptable, and it has to stop."

If your child has been injured due to a defective toy, call the personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group for a consultation today.


The California personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group represent victims of accidents, injuries and wrongful death throughout California from our offices in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Fresno County, Kern County, Sacramento County, San Fernando Valley, Long Beach, Antelope Valley, Torrance, Glendale, Bakersfield, Santa Ana, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Ontario, and Victorville.