WalMart Disney Necklaces Recalled Due to Toxic Concerns

Children’s metal necklaces bearing images of Disney’s “Princess and the Frog” and sold only at WalMart stores nationwide are being recalled because they contain potentially dangerous high levels of the toxic metal cadmium.

About 55,000 necklaces made by FAF Inc. of Greenville, R.I. are included in the recall just announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The products contain high levels of cadmium, which is toxic if ingested by children and can cause a variety of serious health problems. Children who put the necklaces in their mouths, swallow the small pieces of metal, or otherwise ingest the cadmium are at increased risk of neurological damage and other complications.

Cadmium: An Emerging Risk to Children

While much has been said about the harmful effects of lead in children’s toys and products, less is said about cadmium, which can be just as dangerous as lead — and perhaps more so, since many people do not understand its risks. Some foreign manufacturers have been using cadmium in their products in order to avoid penalties and restrictions associated with using lead.

No injuries have been reported associated with the recalled products, officials said.

Two Items Included in Recall

The recalled jewelry is shaped as a metal crown or frog pendant on a metal link chain necklace in a plastic crown hinged box, the CPSC said. The packaging has the words “Disney” and “The Princess and the Frog” on it and contains the following model numbers and UPC codes:

• Crown: Model # 4616-4187, UPC # 72783367144

• Frog: Model # 4616-4190, UPC # 72783367147

The products were sold only at Walmart retail stores nationwide from November 2009 through January 2010 for $5. They were manufactured in China.

Consumers are advised to immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and return it to any Walmart store for a full refund or a free replacement product, the CPSC said.

No related posts.