8/15/06 Highsmith Recalls Summer Reading Program Toys
Highsmith has issued a recall of the Bendable Cat and Dog toys sold to public libraries through the Collaborative Summer Library Program. Additional testing by Analytical Process Laboratories (at the request of Highsmith) found that the lead content in the toys exceeds the maximum allowable limit under current federal regulations.
At this time the manufacturer of these toys, Oriental Trading Company, has not issued a statement. However, Karen Drevo, Vendor Committee Chair of the Collaborative Summer Reading Program, said, " Any library who purchased bendables from Highsmith, KIPP, or directly from Oriental Trading Company (OTC) should be made aware that all of the bendables come from the same manufacturer/supplier and were distributed to Highsmith and KIPP and probably all other novelty companies in the U.S. by OTC. OTC will be under federal scrutiny whether they admit lead content or not."
The OLC recommends that libraries send a letter to the parents of all children who participated in the summer reading program and/or issue a news release to local media informing them to return the toys to the library. A sample letter has been posted on the OLC Web site.
Highsmith has provided a toll-free telephone number, (800) 448-4887, that libraries can call to receive disposal and refund information. Libraries that purchased the toys from other distributors should contact the distributor for refund and disposal information.
The State Library of Ohio is contacting the Ohio Department of Health for any additional information that libraries should provide to parents regarding these toys.
