Parents advised of Thomas the Tank Engine toy recall

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech has warned parents to check their children’s toys and remove any Thomas the Tank Engine train set parts that have been recalled.

“The distributor of Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys has recalled a range of toys sold in Australia between January 2005 and June 2007,” Mrs Keech said.

“The wooden toys were recalled because of concerns they were coated in paint containing lead.

“If you suspect your children are playing with any of the recalled toys, you should take the toys away immediately.”

Parents should be aware that lead is a highly toxic substance, especially if ingested by young children.

“Lead can have a devastating effect on young children’s development and of course young children do put toys and other things straight into their mouths,” Mrs Keech said.

“Exposure to lead can damage a child’s brain development, and affect their nervous system and circulation.

“Even at low levels, lead poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of young children and the effects of lead poisoning can last into adulthood.

“All parents should ensure their children do not come into contact with any thing containing or treated with lead.”

The contaminated Thomas the Tank Engine toys were distributed by Learning Curve Australia and sold through major retailers and toy shops.

Consumers should contact Learning Curve Australia at service@rc2aust.com.au or phone 03 9550 3600 for information about returning the toys.

Information about the toy recall can be found on the company’s website at www.rc2aust.com.au.

For information about consumer rights and responsibilities visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.

Media contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 or Jane Dargaville (OFT) 3119 0334