Recalled Chinese toys potentially fatal: EU

The EU Commission on Thursday called for greater vigilance from producers and national authorities after US toy manufacturer Mattel recalled Chinese-made toys some of which, Brussels said, have a potentially fatal flaw.The call came after US toy giant Mattel recalled 18 million Chinese-made products worldwide, citing serious concerns for children's safety due to the presence of lead in paint on some toys and magnets in others that were too-easily dislodged.The European Commission confirmed that Mattel Inc. had voluntarily recalled the faulty products in Europe and elsewhere.It was the second large-scale recall within two weeks of toys of Chinese origin, "highlighting the risks of lead pigments and those of magnets in toys," the Commission said in a statement.The EU's Consumer Protection Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva, expressed her satisfaction that the danger posed by the toys was detected by the producer in its own audits and that the company acted responsibly.However she added that "cooperation among producers and authorities is key to product safety, and more vigilance is needed from both sides to live by the rule that no compromises are accepted in this area." One recall concerned the "Sarge" character from the "CARS" die-cast vehicle line, which contains illegal levels of lead. The other recall notification relates to magnetic toys including various Polly Pocket, Doggie Day Care and Batman toys."These toys may release small, powerful magnets that can then be swallowed or aspirated by young children or placed by a child in their nose or ears," the Commission said in a statement."When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.""Aspiration to the lungs requires immediate surgery. Magnets in nose or ears can cause swelling and be difficult to remove," the EU Commission said. "The majority of these toys have already been sold, hence the importance of consumer information".The Commission has the job of ensuring that the message reaches all EU member states "who have the responsibility of enforcing corrective measures if adequate voluntary steps are not taken," the statement said.China on Thursday hit out at the foreign press and "irresponsible people" for raising fears about Chinese-made toys and other exports that have been recalled due to safety concerns.The recall was the latest in a long line of Chinese export safety scares in recent months that have led to increasing anger and concern in the United States and elsewhere.