A scant two weeks after the recall of some of its Chinese-made "Fisher Price" plastic toys – see Plasteurope.com of 10.08.07 – US manufacturer Mattel (Europe: Amstelveen / The Netherlands; www.mattel.com) has recalled 436,000 "Sarge" models in the die-cast "Cars" series, based on the recent animated film. The car (article number H6414 or L6294) was manufactured between May 2007 and August 2007 by Early Light one of Mattel's Chinese contractors. The toy's coating was sub-contracted to another Chinese firm, Hong Li Da, which allegedly used an unauthorised paint containing excessive lead.

Mattel said it is also "voluntarily recalling" magnetic toys produced between 2002 and January 2007 that may release "small, powerful magnets." This expands the company's recall of eight toys in November 2006. Products affected include "Polly Pocket", "Doggie Care", "Batman" and accessories for the popular "Barbie" dolls. Altogether, more than 18m of these toys have now been recalled globally, about half in the US. Mattel said the majority are now longer on retail shelves.

The early August Fisher-Price recall involved nearly 1m toys worldwide due to excessive lead in the coatings. About half the company’s worldwide production comes from independent Chinese contractors; however, Mattel also operates its own factories in China. CEO Robert Eckel told US media that the "every batch of paint" used in its toys is now being tested. He hinted also that the amount of toys produced through contractors, currently accounting for about half its revenue, could be reduced. Products made in China have been the subject of numerous recalls in recent months, mostly in the US.