Health Canada is recalling a Chinese-made toy truck due to excessive levels of barium in its yellow paint.

Approximately 7,000 of the toys were sold in Canada at Toys "R" Us stores between February 1999 and September 2008.

The toy is described as a Fast Lane brand yellow die-cast metal dump truck, approximately 18 centimetres long, with plastic wheels.

The word Soma appears in the black plastic moulding on the underside of the toy.

The package labelling indicates the truck is intended for children aged three and older.

Its item number is 78708 and UPC code is 803516114007.

Testing by Health Canada revealed that the surface paint on the toy contains barium in excess of the allowable limit. Children's toys coated with paint containing barium in excess of the allowable limit are strictly prohibited in Canada.

Some forms of barium are safely used in medical and commercial applications, while other forms of barium can be toxic, causing adverse health effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps as well as more severe symptoms.

Health Canada has not received reports of illness or injury to Canadians related to the use of these toys.

Consumers should take the toys away from children. They may return them to any Toys "R" Us store for a full refund.

Recall notice

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