Published: October 25, 2009
Mattel Knowingly Imported Poison
By Nancy Lee Wolfe
In June of this year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) alleged that Mattel, Inc. "knowingly imported and sold children's toys with paints or other surface coatings that contained lead levels that violated a 30-year-old federal law."¹
Mattel and its subsidiary, Fisher-Price, Inc., agreed to pay a $2.3 million civil penalty for violating the lead paint ban.
Millions of tainted toys were imported and distributed exposing children to lead poisoning and the life-threatening effects of exposure. The toxic toys included the "Sarge" car and many Barbie toys and accessories. Also among the potentially deadly products were the licensed character toys known as Bongo Band, GEO TRAX toys and the Go Diego Go Boat.
Mattel's problems continued in San Diego this week where it was announced that a multi-million dollar, landmark settlement has been reached which represents the largest recall of children's toys in history. Mattel and Fisher-Price have agreed to provide refunds and compensation to families who purchased the toxic toys.
The toys in the center of the recall include some of the more popular items such as Sesame Street toys, Dora the Explorer, Batman and Polly Pocket.
John J. Stoia, Jr.,² co-Lead Counsel representing consumers, declared, "Thanks to this important victory for consumers as a result of this landmark settlement involving toys made by the largest toy company in the world, families can shop with a greater sense of security when purchasing toys."
To receive a payment, to learn more about the settlement, and to get a list of toys at issue, visit www.MattelSettlement.com or www.CSGRR.com/Mattel.
¹ http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09237.html
² http://www.csgrr.com
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