Units: About 7.3 million play sets (about 2.4 million play sets were recalled on November 21, 2006)

Importer: Mattel Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Hazard: Small magnets inside the dolls and accessories can come loose. The magnets can be found by young children and swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: Since the previous recall announcement, Mattel has received more than 400 additional reports of magnets coming loose. CPSC was aware in the first recall announcement of 170 reports of the magnets coming out of the recalled toys. There had been three reports of serious injuries to children who swallowed more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery.

Description: The recalled Polly Pocket play sets contain plastic dolls and accessories that have small magnets. The magnets measure 1/8 inch in diameter and are embedded in the hands and feet of some dolls, and in the plastic clothing, hairpieces and other accessories to help the pieces attach to the doll or to the doll’s house. The model number is printed on the bottom of the largest pieces on some of the play sets. Products manufactured after November 1, 2006 and are currently on store shelves are not included in this recall. Contact Mattel if you cannot find a model number on your product to determine if it is part of the recall.

Sold at: Toy stores and various other retailers from May 2003 through November 2006 for between $15 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and contact Mattel to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the customer’s choice, up to the value of the returned product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Mattel toll-free at (888) 597-6597 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

Mattel issues information to correct inaccurate reports
Mattel advises consumers to not return products to retailers

STEPS TO RETURN A MATTEL TOY THAT IS AFFECTED BY THE AUGUST RECALLS,
ANNOUNCED IN COOPERATION WITH THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION:

1. The first step is for consumers to determine if they have a toy that has been affected by the recall. To do so, they can visit www.service.mattel.com where they will find a complete list of each toy recalled, including color photos and toy model numbers. Consumers can locate toy model numbers on most recalled toys.
   
   For consumers without a computer, or for those preferring phone support, they may call the following hotlines dedicated to the different product recalls:
2. • "CARS" Sarge character diecast vehicle recall hotline: 1-800-916-4997
   • Fisher-Price toys lead paint recall hotline: 1-800-916-4498
   • Magnet hazard recall hotline: 1-888-597-6597
3. Once consumers determine if they think they own a Mattel toy affected by the recall, they are prompted to fill out a form (online) or provide their postal address (via phone), and Mattel will send to consumers (via email or to a postal address) a color brochure with photos and toy numbers of every affected toy, as well as a pre-paid mailing label for return of the affected toys.
   
4. After receiving consumers' returned, affected toys, Mattel will send vouchers to consumers for the amount of the toy(s)' original value or a replacement part (if applicable). Vouchers may be used at most national retailers and are good toward any Mattel or Fisher-Price manufactured product.

Mattel recommends that consumers do not return products to retailers for three reasons:

Consumers do not need to have the toy's original packaging or a receipt to return affected products to Mattel.

Links for more information:

http://magnetscankill.spaces.live.com

http://cpsc.gov

http://www.kidsindanger.org

Chicago Tribune June 2007 expose on magnetic toys

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