Lead Poisoning Hazard Prompts Recall of Toys Given Away at Library Reading Program

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces a recall of more than 340,000 Bendable Dog and Cat Toys from Oriental Trading company that were used for prizes at library summer reading programs nationwide from January 2006 to August 2006. THIS INCLUDES THE DELTA COMMUNITY LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM. The paint on the bendable toys contains excessive levels of lead, which is banned under federal law. Lead is toxic and if ingested by young children can cause adverse health effects.

Parents and children should stop using the toys immediately and return them to the Delta Library for disposable. A replacement will be offered for each toy returned.

The recalled toy is made of bendable plastic and is in the shape of a brown dog with black ears, paws and feet, a Dalmatian dog with pink paws, a white dog with orange spots, a brown dog with pink paws, a white cat with orange stripes, a brown cat with pink paws, a black cat with pink ears and a white cat with brown spots. The toys are about 3.75 inches tall. Consumers may have also purchased these toys outside of summer reading programs during the same time period.

The library is in the process of contacting each child registered for the summer reading program and would appreciate the community's help in getting the word out. The Delta Library is open Monday through Friday 10 - 6, Saturday 10 - 5 and Sunday Noon - 5. Please call me @ 895-4102 with any questions or concerns. Thank you, and our apologies for the inconvenience, Joyce McCombs, Library Director