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Local Consumers React To Latest Mattel Toys Recall

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Alan Wang
More: Bio, abc7news.com News Team, E-mail

Sep. 4, 2007 (KGO) (KGO) -- Mattel is once again recalling hundreds-of-thousands of Chinese-made toys because of concerns about lead contamination. This is Mattel's third big recall in a matter of weeks.

The first two were last month on august 1st and 14th. this latest recall includes 800,000 toys and most of them Barbie accessories.

By late Tuesday afternoon the Toys R Us in Pinole had removed the newest recalled Mattel toys. Among them, Barbie accessories including pets and a purse, Fisher Price Geotrax and bongo band items.

"It definitely gives me a difference of opinion about buying Mattel items," said Sharrah Haymon from Oakland.

Last month, Mattel had already announced two recalls involving more than 20 million toys that contained excessive levels of lead paint, or small magnets that can easily be swallowed by children.

"You take a 2-year-old to take a blood test. A needle in her arm. It's awful, absolutely awful. In America we shouldn't put up with it. We should say no more," said Dawn Watson from Vallejo.

The toys were made in China and American consumers are mad.

"I think the biggest issue is what's going to happen to their business, their brand and their stock. This couldn't come at a worse time for Mattel. This is prime time for the toy industry," said Professor Lynn Upshaw from U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business.

Marketing professor Lynn Upshaw says this is the time toy manufacturers sell to the stores for the holiday season.

"She had her birthday and we didn't buy Mattel at all," said Kathryn Kark from Richmond.

Upshaw says if Mattel makes the right moves, they can win back their consumers with Chinese made products. Until then, he says American manufacturers will be trying to take advantage of the "Made in U.S.A." logo.

But consumers may find it difficult to boycott Chinese made toys. Because 65-percent of Mattel's products are made in China and its the largest toy maker in the world.

The following toys have been recalled and will be in the U.S Consumer Safety Commission:

Dream Puppy House(TM)- orange on miniature dog

Dream Kitty Condo(TM)- 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 car

Living Room Playset (premium) - yellow flower on purse

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

GEOTRAX(TM) Rail & Road System Freightway Transport(TM)- yellow headlights on train car and miniature ladder

GEOTRAX(TM) Special Track
Pack (TM) 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

To learn more about the latest recall visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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