CPSC Announces Recall of Metal Toy Jewelry Sold in
Vending Machines
Firms agree to stop importation until hazard is eliminated
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), four toy jewelry importers announced the
voluntary recall of 150 million pieces of toy jewelry sold in vending
machines across America. CPSC has determined that some of this toy
jewelry contains dangerous levels of lead, posing a risk of lead
poisoning to children. Only about half of the 150 million pieces of toy
jewelry actually contains lead, but, because it is difficult to
distinguish the lead jewelry from the non-lead jewelry, the industry
decided to recall all of it. The four firms are A & A Global Industries,
Inc., of Cockeysville, Md.; Brand Imports, LLC, of Scottsdale, Ariz.;
Cardinal Distributing Co. Inc., of Baltimore, Md.; and L. M. Becker &
Co., Inc., of Kimberly, Wis.
CPSC has received one report of lead poisoning when a child swallowed a
piece of toy jewelry containing lead that was previously recalled. No
reports of injury or illness have been received for the recalled
products announced today. Young children sometimes mouth or swallow
items like these, and lead can leach from the jewelry into the child’s
body. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems,
learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.
The four firms have advised the Commission that they have stopped
importing toy jewelry with lead and are committed to working with the
CPSC staff on eliminating hazardous levels of lead in future
importations of toy jewelry.
“With millions of pieces of jewelry involved in this recall, I urge
parents to search their children’s toys for this jewelry,” said CPSC
Chairman Hal Stratton. “Throw away this recalled toy jewelry.” CPSC has
issued guidance urging firms to eliminate lead in consumer products, or,
if lead is used, to assure it is not accessible. CPSC collected and
analyzed some samples of toy metal jewelry sold in vending machines and
found that 10 of those products had lead that could be accessible to
children. The industry volunteered, out of an abundance of caution, to
recall additional products.
This toy jewelry recall involves various styles of rings, necklaces and
bracelets. The rings are gold- or silver-colored with different designs
and paint finishes with various shaped center stones. The necklaces have
black cord or rope or gold- or silver-colored chains. The necklaces have
pendants, crosses or various geometrical designs or shapes, and can
include gemstones. The various styles of bracelets include charm
bracelets, bracelets with medallion links, and bracelets with faux
stones. All the jewelry was manufactured in India.
The toy jewelry was sold in vending machines located in malls, discount,
department and grocery stores nationwide from January 2002 through June
2004 for between $0.25 and $0.75. The industry estimates that this toy
jewelry is kept in homes for a short period of time, but parents should
look for these items in their homes.
Consumers should throw away recalled jewelry. Consumers can contact the
Toy Jewelry Recall Hotline for more information about this recall. Visit
the Toy Jewelry Recall Hotline at (800) 441-4234 between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms’ Web site at
www.toyjewelryrecall.com
For more information on Choking Hazards go to Safety tips for Buying Safe Toys and Using Toys Safely
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