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4.4 million Polly Pocket toys recalled worldwide

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 | 09:34 AM ET

The Associated Press

Mattel Inc. is recalling 4.4 million Polly Pocket magnetic play sets after three children were treated in hospital with serious injuries after swallowing tiny magnets that fell off the toys, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Tuesday.

As the holiday gift-buying season approaches, the commission is urging shoppers to avoid buying toy sets with small magnets for children under age six. Gift buyers also should check the toy labels, select age-appropriate toys and avoid gifts with sharp edges and small parts.

The commission said it received 170 reports of the small magnets falling out of the dolls and accessories in the Polly Pocket sets. Each of the three injured children swallowed more than one magnet and suffered intestinal perforation that required surgery.

The Polly Pocket play sets contain plastic dolls and accessories featuring small magnets measuring less than one-third of a centimetre in diameter. The magnets are embedded in the hands and feet of the dolls, plastic clothing, hair pieces and other accessories that attach to the dolls.

The tiny magnets can fall out and be swallowed or inhaled by children. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.

The recall applies to about 2.4 million sets that were manufactured before April 1, 2005, and sold at department stores and toy stores in the United States from May 2003 through September 2006. The recall also includes another two million Polly Pocket play sets sold worldwide. The toys cost between $15 and $30 US.

Tuesday's recall does not include sets currently on store shelves.

The recalled Polly Pocket brand sets include: Polly Place Hangin' Out House, Polly Place Treetop Clubhouse, Spa Day, Quik-Clik Boutique, Quik-Clik City Pretty Playset, Quik-Clik Sporty Style Playset and Totally Zen Playset. Polly Totally brand Polly Place Totally Tiki Diner sets are also being recalled.

The commission said consumers should take the toys away from children and contact Mattel to arrange for the return of the toy and to receive a voucher for a replacement toy. For more information about the recall, contact Mattel at 1-888-597-6597

Recall notice

Company website

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