Recall: Voltron Lion Toys Recalled by Matchbox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 12, 1986  
Release # 86-070
Certain Voltron Lion Toys To Be Recalled And Exchanged Because Of A Potential Lead Paint Hazard

WASHINGTON, DC --The Consumer Product Safety Commission today issued a warning about a potential lead paint hazard to consumers who purchased certain Deluxe Voltron Lion robot toys and Miniature Voltron Lion robot toys distributed by Matchbox Toys (USA), Ltd. of Moonachie, Jersey and manufactured in Taiwan for Bandai Co., Ltd. Certain paints on the metal parts on both sizes of Voltron Lions contain levels of lead which are higher than that which is allowed by law. These toys are, therefore, banned. Approximately 203,000 complete sets and 424,000 pieces of Deluxe Voltron Lions and 866,000 Miniature Voltron Lions made in Taiwan were sold to consumers nationwide since July, 1985. Those manufactured in Japan do not contain excessive levels of lead. The Deluxe Voltron Lions set sold for approximately $60.00 to $90.00. The Miniature Voltron Lion sold for approximately $12.00 to $15.00.

A Deluxe Voltron Lion set consists of five separate lions in five different colors which can be connected to one another to form the complete robot figure which is about 11 inches tall. A black lion forms the head and torso. Green and red lions form the arms. Yellow and blue lions form the legs. A consumer can purchase a complete set of all five lions or the separate pieces. All five pieces of the Deluxe version bear Paint on the metal parts which contain excess levels of lead.

The Miniature Voltron Lions which are about 6 inches tall resemble the Deluxe version, but the body parts are not designed to separate.

Miniature Lions
Deluxe Lion
Silver stick-on labels say:
 Silver stick-on labels asy:


C    BANDAI 1981
SD or CJ
MADE IN TAIWAM

or

BANDAI
MADE IN TAIWAN

and

Embossed on yellow piece
on back of torso:

MADE IN TAIWAN
 GOLION    D
C    Y&K, TOEI
MADE IN TAIWAN

and

Emossed on underside of jaw
of lions forming arms and
legs and under tail of lion
forming torso:

C   BANDAI
1981 TAIWAN

Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not received any reports of lead poisoning associated with these toys, consumers are advised to remove the toys from use immediately and to call a toll free number to obtain a new replacement Voltron. A risk of lead poisoning occurs when lead enters the blood stream. These toys present no health risk to children unless the paint is swallowed.

Some Voltron Lions are NOT being recalled and exchanged.

These include:

  • Miniature and Deluxe Valtron Lions "MADE IN JAPAN"
  • Voltron Lions made entirely of plastic
  • All other Voltron products, including Voltron Warriors, Voltron Gladiators and Voltron Vehicles.
Under laws administered by CPSC, an estimated 325 million potentially hazardous products have been called back from the makeplace and consumer since 1973 (when CPSC was created). Most if these were voluntarily recalled by manufacturers who established programs to repair or replace the products, or to refund the purchase price.

Voltron Lion Toys Recalled by Matchbox

Certain Voltron Lion Toys to be Recalled and Exchanged Because of Potential Lead Poisoning Dangers

Voltron Lion Toys Recalled by Matchbox

To identify the Voltron Lions being recalled and to obtain a free replacement, telephone Matchbox toll-free: 1-800-445-8697. New Jersey call 1-800-445-0012. Consumers may also obtain information about the recalled toys by calling the CPSC toll-free hotline: 300-633-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Justia Consumer Recalls Infants & Children Toys Toy Animals Stuffed/Not Stuffed