RECALL FAQs

Are toys safe for the holidays?
We are confident that Mattel toys on store shelves for the holiday season are the safest ever. Mattel has now tested samples of the vast majority of products expected to ship for the holiday season, including those produced before the implementation of the company’s three-point check testing system. All toys manufactured since the adoption of the new system have been, and continue to be, sampled and tested prior to shipment.
Why are these recalls happening?
While we have some of the most rigorous quality and safety testing procedures in the toy industry, no system can be perfect. If mistakes are made, we fix them. If new standards are set, we apply them. It’s because of our vigilance and integrity that we are finding issues, reporting them and addressing them quickly.
How have you addressed the lead paint issue?
Mattel acted quickly and aggressively to launch an improved three-point check system to ensure all paint complies with our standards.
  • First, all paint must be tested before it is used on our toys. No exceptions.
  • We have significantly increased testing and unannounced inspections at every stage of production.
  • We are testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach consumers.
What is Mattel doing to address this situation?
Regarding our manufacturing processes, we immediately strengthened them with a three-point check system. First, we're requiring that only paint from certified suppliers be used, and we're requiring that every single batch of paint at every single vendor be tested. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't get used. Second, we have tightened controls throughout the production process at vendor facilities and increased unannounced random inspections. Third, we're testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach our customer. We've met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them.
What can I do, as a parent, to ensure my child's safety?
We want to ensure that every parent hears about these issues quickly and returns recalled toys to us as soon as possible. As with all toys, always read the packaging for age grading and always monitor your child's play. If you have any doubts at all about your child's health, experts advise that you check with a pediatrician or other qualified medical professional.
How can I trust that Mattel toys are safe?
Our priority is the safety of the children who play with our toys. Every Mattel employee is responsible for the quality and safety of our products. Mattel also has an organization of more than 1,500 people worldwide solely dedicated to the safety, quality and overall integrity of our toys, including more than 400 highly-trained engineers, technicians, auditors and managers who strive to meet the company's safety vision of providing "Quality and Value the World Can Trust." We have worked hard to improve our system and we will always look for ways to be better. The fact that other toy companies are adopting systems similar to those that we have designed is indicative of the trust placed in the safety of our toys.