1.5 million Thomas the Tank Engine toys recalled; 90,000 sold in Canada

CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, June 14, 2007

WASHINGTON  - A recall has been issued for 90,000 Thomas the Tank Engine toys sold in Canada between January 2000 and June 2007.

Lead paint on the wooden vehicles, buildings and other train set parts prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to announce the recall on Wednesday.

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children.

Consumers who bought the toys are being advised to contact the distributor, RC2 Corp. of Oak Brook, Ill.

"We're telling customers to call a 1-800 number or to go online," said Karen Gatenby, a saleswoman at Playvalue Toys in Ottawa.

"They're very, very popular with boys and girls," she added.

Toys marked with codes containing 'WJ' or 'AZ' are not included in the recall.

A total of 1.5 million toys are being recalled. The 22 models retailed for between $10 and $70.

RC2 says it's heard no reports of illness or injury because of the toys.

"Consumers should take the recalled toys away from young children immediately and return the affected products to RC2 Corporation for a replacement product," the company says on its website.

© CanWest News Service 2007