Mattel Recalls Toys Due to Child Safety Concerns

The U.S.-based toy giant, Mattel, has recalled about 155,000 of its toys in the United States because they contain small parts that pose a risk of choking for children.

A statement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday the recall involves a play kitchen learning toy made in Mexico and imported by Fisher-Price, a division of Mattel. The commission said there have been 48 reports of small parts separating from the toy, including two reports of children gagging on pieces and one of a child who choked on a piece.

The European Commission has confirmed that Mattel also is recalling about 17,000 toys in Europe because of the same child safety concerns.

Mattel has recalled tens of millions of Chinese-made toys in recent months because of what are described as design flaws and toxic levels of lead.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.