Millions Of Stuffed Toy Mounties Recalled
Posted November 19, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Now even law-abiding citizens have reason to fear the Mounties.
Ottawa has recalled about 2.5 million RCMP-themed stuffed animals because their toy belts contain dangerous levels of lead and the buttons on their jackets pose a choking hazard to children.
Health Canada began their investigation last month after a Toronto newspaper released tests on a stuffed RCMP husky and other toys that showed high levels of lead.
So far no reports of illness or injury have been made to Health Canada, but officals warned, “Consumers should immediately remove the red jacket and brown plastic belt from the plush toy and safely dispose of the jacket and belt.”
The toys have been sold since 1996 for about $20, at souvenir and airport gift shops – including the one at Pearson.
The plush bears, moose, huskies, beavers and raccoons – all dressed in the iconic Mountie uniform – were made in China and imported by Northern Gifts Ltd. of Burnaby, B.C.
Although the company did not market the toys to children, Health Canada now insists they must be safe for toddlers under three years of age.
For information on the recall, click here.
For more on the effects of lead on your health, click here.
