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New Jersey Finds Recalled Toys In Nine Stores

State subpoenas retailers' records to check compliance

November 27, 2007

• Safety Agency Waits 16 Months to Recall Lead-Laden Key Chains • Lawmakers Propose Bill To Prevent 'Stove Tipping' • Senate Passes Tough New Consumer Safety Bill • Infant Deaths in the Nursery Increasing • Sears Stove Tip-Over Case Illustrates Safety Agency's Shortcomings • Next Season's Toys: Technology Meets Hannah Montana • Toys Safer than Ever, Toy Makers Claim • Toy Industry Needs Import Safety Checklist • Toys Getting Safer, Safety Chief Claims • Plastic War Hits The Toy Industry • Feds Propose New Furniture Fire Rule • Safety Recalls a Sign of Success? • Congressional Leaders Send Message to Mattel • Another Industry Lobbyist To Head Safety Agency? • $30 Million Settlement in Thomas & Friends Suit • Consumer Protection Bills Spark Bitter Lobbying Battle • Time Running out for Consumer Safety Agency --- • More Consumer Safety News • Recall Notices

Investigators from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs say they have found toys that were recalled for potential lead contamination on sale in nine stores in New Jersey. The toys were uncovered in statewide inspections of 160 stores, conducted by the state officials last week.

“The fact that our investigators found recalled items available for purchase underscores the need for shoppers to be vigilant about toy safety this holiday season,” Attorney General Anne Milgram said. “Black Friday marked the traditional start of holiday shopping and consumers should check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s toy recall list before making their own shopping lists.”

In cooperation with the state Department of Education, the Division of Consumer Affairs has written a letter about toy safety and recent toy recalls that is being provided to school districts throughout the state. Schools are being asked to provide copies of the letter to grade school children to take home to their parents.

The Division of Consumer Affairs also has issued subpoenas to New Jersey-based toy manufacturers and distributors, including Toys R Us, Inc., Buy-Rite Designs, Inc., GuideCraft, Inc., and Henry Gordy International, Inc., seeking information about their lead testing and product safety protocols and for identification of any toys that they imported from China.

Consumer Affairs’ investigators went to stores in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties to check for recalled toys. The following stores had recalled toys on shelves and also failed to have recall notices posted, according to the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs:

• Cost Cutters, 521 Livingston Avenue, Norwood
• Cost Cutters, 175 Locust Avenue, West Long Branch
• Cost Cutters, Rt. 202 at Comly Road, Lincoln Park
• Cost Cutters, 190 Elmora Avenue, Elizabeth
• Cost Cutters, 390 Route 206, Hillsborough
• Cost Cutters, Route 9 at First Avenue, Lacey Township
• Dollar Zone Plus, 421 Broadway, Gloucester City
• Lot-Less Closeout Inc., 683 Broad Street, Newark
• Family Dollar Store, 134 Smith Street, Perth Amboy

Store personnel removed the recalled items from shelves after being informed about the items by investigators.

“Recent recalls have included toys containing lead-based paint, as well as toys with small pieces and parts that may result in a child choking if these are swallowed,” Acting Director Larry DeMarzo said. “We want consumers to be aware of these potential hazards and we expect stores to pull recalled items from their shelves.”

DeMarzo noted that investigators will continue to check stores for recalled toys throughout the holiday shopping season. Having recalled toys available for purchase and failing to post notice about recalled toys violates the state’s Consumer Fraud Act.

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