In response to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission concerns about a potential quality issue with black and white Fisher Price Link-a-Doos Mattel Pty Ltd today has issued a product alert.
"The ACCC raised the issue with Mattel following a consumer complaint," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. "It was possible that excess white plastic moulding along the edges and seams of some black and white Link-a-Doos could be dislodged, posing an inhalation risk when being mouthed by infants.
"Mattel provided test results that indicated the product passed the relevant mandatory standards and did not indicate a need for public action. After additional ACCC testing and discussion Mattel agreed to a product alert via newspapers in all States and Territories.
"The product is sold in packets of 20 assorted colour links and is promoted as for ages Birth Plus. With the exception of the black and white Link-a-Doo, the other package items are solid single colours. The black and white Link-a-Doo is comprised of a black body with a white sleeve. The concern is only in respect of the black and white Link-a-Doo.
"Mattel has agreed that a product alert would be issued to advise parents and carers of the hazard. It appears to be limited to only some packets of some batches of production and while the potential for inhalation (and other injury) has low probability there are possible serious health consequences should it occur.
"A product alert has been accepted because of:
the very small number of consumer complaints world-wide (five in total) relative to the number of products supplied (500,000 packets)
the absence of any reported injuries
conflicting test results obtained by Mattel and the ACCC
the uneven edges (flashing) on some of the white plastic sleeves of the Link-a-Doos appears to be confined to a very small number of packets in limited batches
thousands of remaining stock samples held in stock have been inspected by Mattel with no indications of any uneven edges identified
the company ceased wholesale distribution to retailers in March 2008 after ACCC contact,
before ACCC contact the product line had ceased production in January 2008, and
striking a balance between the limited probability of injury but the possibility of serious injury and infant use.
"The ACCC advises all parents and carers to inspect any black and white Link-a-Doos and to contact Mattel if they have any concerns.
"Responsible corporate governance places a demand on suppliers to promptly alert consumers if they have supplied goods which have potential safety concerns," Mr Samuel said.
The ACCC had the product tested by reference to the “tension test” from the applicable mandatory Australian standard (AS/NZS ISO 8124 – Safety of toys).
Should consumers have further concerns, they can contact Mattel on 1800 674 753 between Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST).
