DANGEROUS MAGNETIC TOY RECALLED

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech warns parents that serious injuries in America have prompted a product safety recall of Mattel’s Polly Pocket magnetic play sets sold by major retailers and toy stores around the country.

Mrs Keech said the recall applies to Polly Pocket sets sold in Australia between 2003 and April 2005. Polly Pocket play sets currently on shelves are not included in this recall.

“Polly Pocket play sets have dolls and accessories that contain small magnets which can easily fall out and be swallowed by children,” Mrs Keech said.

“When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other in the intestine, which can be fatal.

“The magnets can also be sucked into a child’s lungs and can cause serious damage which requires immediate surgery.”

Mattel Pty. Limited announced a voluntary recall of eight Polly Pocket sets distributed in Australia and made between 2003 and April 2005.

“Parents who have bought a Polly Pocket set should contact Mattel to check if the model number they have is part of the recall by calling 1800 674 753 toll-free from Monday to Friday between 8am to 4.30pm (Australian EST),” Mrs Keech said.

“A young boy in America died earlier this year after he swallowed multiple tiny magnets from a Magnetix Magnetic Building Set.

“The Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit advised that there have been 58 injuries related to magnets reported to hospitals in Queensland between 1998 and 2005.

“Alarmingly, reports show that magnet-related injuries occur in all age brackets with children as old as nine years requiring treatment.”

Mrs Keech acknowledged that the toys, when used properly, could be educational.

“However, any toy with magnetic parts should be considered carefully,” she said.

“To minimise the chances of a serious or even fatal injury, parents should supervise their child during playtime to ensure toys are only used for their intended purposes.”

For more information or to report an unsafe toy call the Office of Fair Trading’s Product Safety Unit on (07) 3305 9614.

Note: Photographs are available on the Mattel website at www.service.mattel.com.

The following model numbers are included in the recall:

Media Contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Sofia Hum (OFT) 3119 0071.