Recall: Wooden Beads & Tops Recalled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
December 17, 1996	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-042

Wooden Toys Recalled Because of Lead Paint

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Oriental Trading Company of Omaha, Neb., is voluntarily recalling approximately 44,400 wooden toys because some of the paint on the toys contains high levels of lead. CPSC standards ban toys containing high levels of lead. Young children might swallow lead if they chewed on these toys. Although no reports of illness or injury have been received, this recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of lead poisoning.

Two types of wooden toys are involved in this recall. One toy is a set of 32 wooden beads with a cord for stringing the beads, packaged in a clear plastic bag labeled (in part): "OTC Item No. M-027/653 QTY: 1PC MADE IN CHINA." The other toy is a set of six spinning tops, packaged in a clear plastic bag labeled (in part): "OTC ITEM NO: M-027/294 QTY: 1 SET MADE IN CHINA."

These two toys were sold from September 1994 to November 1996 through the firm's catalogs for under $4 and through retail stores.

Consumers who purchased these wooden toys from toy stores should return them for a full refund or full credit. Consumers who purchased the toys through Oriental Trading's catalog should call the company at (800) 228-0045 to obtain refund instructions.