22,270 Fisher-Price toys recalled

Some 22,270 Fisher-Price toys are being recalled from Irish toy retailers by manufacturers Mattel because of fears that their paint might contain too much lead.

Mattel has recalled 1.5 million toys worldwide, mainly from the Dora the Explorer, Diego and Lazy Town toy ranges. The US manufacturer made the move after it emerged that a contract manufacturer in China had used a paint pigment which contained lead.

"There have been no injuries regarding these products but the surface paints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead," a company statement said.

The recall notice affects toys that went on sale from May 1st last until this week. Smyths, the State's largest chain of toy shops, said the recall notice affected five toys in its range and these were withdrawn before last weekend.

They were a Dora Talking Vamonos Van; a Dora Let's Go Adventure Fairytale Castle; a Diego Go Rescue Go Adventure pack; a Diego Talking Rescue 4X4; and a Diego Talking Gadget Belt. As an extra precaution, Smyths also withdrew a Lazy Town Music Transporter which was for sale before the period in question.

The World of Wonder toy store chain said it only stocked one toy affected by the recall - the Dora Talking Vamonos Van - and this had been immediately removed from the shelves of its shops. Toy stores around the State have put up notices, advising customers of the toy recall and asking them to return affected toys.

Mattel has advised consumers with these products in their home to stop using them immediately and contact the Fisher-Price UK consumer helpline at 0044 1628 500303. A full list of products are on the Mattel website at www.mattel.com

They include a Dora Say it Two Ways Assortment; Dora's Talking House; Dora Pals; Dora's Talking House Deluxe; Dora Mini Playset Value Set and a Diego Talking Field Journal.

Concerned consumers can also email helplineUK@Mattel.com to arrange for a return of the items and the receipt of a replacement toy of equivalent value.

Mattel said it was conducting "a thorough investigation" and was also reviewing procedures followed in connection with all products manufactured in China.

The Consumer Association of Ireland (CAI) said it was very worrying that such a breach could happen in a company as large as Mattel. Dermott Jewell, chief executive said questions had to be asked about the length of time it took to identify the problem. He said this highlighted the need for a review of product safety standards at EU and international level.