Toys recalled; purses and pen cases violate lead paint and phthalate limits

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission along with Daiso California LLC, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

• Name of Product: Children’s Toys, Purses and Pen Cases

• Units: About 130

• Importer: Daiso California LLC, of Burlingame, Calif.

• The surface paint on the balancing toys and zippers of the purses and pen cases contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint ban. The inflatable baseball bat toys contain excessive levels of DEHP, violating the federal phthalate standard.

• Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

• Description: This recall involves balancing toys in the shape of dragonflies, children’s purses in the shape of the head of a lion, frog or bear, children’s purses with rainbow stripes, children’s pen cases shaped like a piece of candy with stitching “cool ice cream,” “sweet cake,” or “fad hamburger” on the front, and inflatable baseball bats with “Home Run” printed on the side. Daiso is printed on the product’s packaging.

• Sold at: Daiso stores in California from March 2008 through May 2009 for between $1 and $4.

• Manufactured in: China and Vietnam

• Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled products away from children and contact Daiso for a free replacement product or a full refund.

• Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Daiso toll-free at (888) 580-8841 between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms’ Web site.