According to CNN today, Mattel is recalling several toys manufactured in China including the “Sarge” die cast toys from the Pixar “Cars” movie assortment because of hazardous lead paint.

The recalled Sarge Cars were sold individually and in assortment packs in retail stores nationwide from May 2007 to August 2007 with the markings “7EA” and “China” on the bottom. The Sarge toy car was sold alone or in a package of two. Packaging materials may contain the product numbers M1253 for single Sarge cars, and K5925 for Sarge cars sold as part of a two car sets.  The cars marked “Thailand” are not included in this recall.

The Sarge toy was produced by Early Light Industrial Co., one of Mattel’s contract manufacturing facilities in China, which subcontracted the painting of parts of the toy to another vendor, Hong Li Da, also in China.

The car is an Army green color and features a white star on the hood. Surface paint on affected products contains lead in excess of permissible levels.

Watch the CEO of Mattel go into damage control here.

You need to return the product to obtain a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattel at (800) 916-4997 anytime or visit the Sarge specific recall page.

Of course, if you’re just joining the Mattel Pixar CARS collection frenzy, don’t forget to read our posts & checklists of what’s out and what’s coming out.

EMAIL FROM MATTEL ….

“Thank you for contacting Mattel regarding your Sarge Die Cast Toy. We apologize for any disappointment or concern this may have caused and thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

The subject of children’s safety is extremely important to us, and we have built our reputation on providing high quality, safe products. Please be assured that we have forwarded your comments to the appropriate individuals. To complete an evaluation, it is important that we have the opportunity to examine your Sarge Vehicle.

We have included a traceable, pre-paid United States Postal Service mailing label for the return of your item. The maximum size of the package must be less than 108 inches total. The total is calculated by doubling the package height, plus double the package width plus the length. The length is the longest side of the package. To ensure your package is received by us quickly, please take your package to your local post office to receive a round date stamp on your merchandise return mailing acknowledgement or online e-label record (included on bottom half of mailing label).

This confirmation stamp is provided by the postal service at no cost to you. Packages dropped at a mail box or collection box are not scanned prior to delivery and may delay the return of your package.

Please return the Sarge Vehicle to us within 14 days. Upon receipt of your returned package, a voucher in the amount of $7.00 will be sent within 3 to 4 weeks. If your product is still within the service policy and if the purchase price is more than this amount, it is necessary to include your original sales receipt showing the retail store name, the product name, the purchase price and date.

We appreciate this opportunity to assist you.

Sincerely,

Mattel, Inc.
Consumer Relations”