Press Release: Consumers: Mattel expands recall of Chinese toys

The European Commission has confirmed that Mattel Inc. has expanded its recall of dangerous toys in Europe. This is the second large-scale recall within two weeks of toys of Chinese origin, highlighting the risks of lead pigments and those of magnets in toys. On 14 August 2007, the Commission received information from Mattel that a new recall was imminent. In accordance with the EU legislation, receiving such notifications is the competence of the Member States, who in turn inform the Commission. The Commission ensures that the same information reaches the appropriate authorities of all the other Member States, who have the responsibility of enforcing corrective measures if adequate voluntary steps are not taken. Two RAPEX notifications were subsequently received from the British Authorities concerning voluntary recall by Mattel of a number of dangerous toys.