Connecticut Governor Rell Dispatches Consumer Protection Inspectors to Remove Recalled Toys from Store Shelves

Public Health Officials Alerting Doctors, Day Care Centers to Watch for Signs of Lead Poisoning

August 23, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has ordered Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) inspectors to check stores across the state and remove any of the millions of popular-brand toys imported from China that were recently recalled.

Three inspectors began the sweeps today. The checks will continue through the weekend augmented by 10 inspectors from other parts of the agency who will assist with the priority effort.

In addition, Governor Rell is directing the Department of Public Health to alert all pediatricians, family practice physicians and day care centers in the state to be especially vigilant for signs of lead poisoning. Some of the recalled toys are contaminated with lead paint, which can cause neurological damage if ingested.

“We have received reports that a small number of retailers may be continuing to sell these recalled items,” Governor Rell said. “If they are doing so, in defiance of the recall, it needs to be stopped immediately. We will take every step possible to ensure those potentially dangerous toys are taken off the shelves and kept out of the hands of children.”

Earlier this month the federal government asked for a voluntary recall of millions of imported toys that contained lead paint or small magnets. In recent weeks Mattel Inc. and its Fisher-Price unit have announced recalls of a number of toys and toy sets. Many retailers have voluntarily removed the products from their shelves. However, DCP Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. noted that any of the recalled toys inspectors find during the store sweeps will be immediately banned from sale.

“Our first step will be to embargo these toys on the spot so that they cannot be sold,” Commissioner Farrell said. “Then we will investigate the circumstances under which these retailers continued to sell the toys after the recall was announced and determine whether any laws have been broken.”

“I understand the frustration of parents or grandparents who are trying to buy safe and healthy toys for their children,” Governor Rell said. “They should not have to worry that what seems like a wonderful surprise for a child is actually posing a danger to them.”

Earlier this month Mattel recalled toy Jeeps featuring the Sarge character from the movie Cars because of lead paint hazards. Barbie and Tanner, Polly Pocket, Batman Magna, Doggie Daycare and Shonen Jump’s One Piece play sets were recalled because they contain small magnets that – if swallowed – could cause health complications. Fisher-Price has recalled 1 million character toys including Elmo, Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer products because surface paints contain excess levels of lead.

Details on these recalls and others are available at a number of sites on-line, including www.recalls.gov, www.cpsc.gov and http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp. Parents with concerns can also call the DCP hot line at (800) 842-2649.

Governor Rell said she will be working with Commissioner Farrell to propose legislation for the next session of the General Assembly to give his agency added authority needed to combat these problems.

Source: Connecticut Governor

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