2007
Consumer Direct South West is today warning consumers to be extra vigilant with some Mattel toys.
17 August 2007
Toy giant Mattel has initiated an international recall of many of its products due to safety concerns. Not all affected products have been sold in the UK but many Polly Pocket Playsets, Doggie Daycare Playsets and Batman figures have been recalled. These toys have strong magnet components which may become detached and pose a choking hazard to children. The Barbie and Tanner scooper accessory toy is also included in this recall.
The company have also recalled a “Sarge” die cast car toy due to concerns over excessive lead in the paint. “Sarge” was featured in the Pixar feature film “Cars”.
If your child has any of the toys recalled you are advised to stop your children playing with them immediately and seek further advice. The Mattel website fully lists all toys recalled www.service.mattel.com/uk. The site also advises parents on what to do next if they own a toy listed. Mattel have also set up a helpline for concerned consumers on 01628 500303.
Clive Kenyon, Consumer Direct contact centre manager for the South West advised:
'We would urge parents and carers to inspect their children’s toys regularly for signs of wear or breakages. Such damaged toys may pose choking hazards or risk of injury from sharp edges.'
'If you suspect that you have one of the affected products take it away from your children and don't let them play with it. Contact the helpline number and ring Consumer Direct where your statutory rights will be explained.'
If you are concerned about this issue, and to learn of your statutory rights in this or any other area of concern you may have, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.
Notes for Editors
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with local authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
3. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
4. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
6. Northern Ireland has its own service called Consumer Line which is similar to Consumer Direct. Visit the ConsumerLine website.
MEDIA enquiries: Kate Prosser: 01209 720281.
