Bendable cat and dog toys distributed to children as reading incentives has been recalled in libraries nationwide because they contain elevated levels of lead.
Bendable cat and dog toys distributed to children as reading incentives for the Collaborative Summer Library Program “Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales,” has been recalled in libraries nationwide because they contain elevated levels of lead.
A recent test on the sample toy registered a lead paint content of 0.277 percent against the allowed limit of 0.06 percent leading to the recall of the toys.Highsmith Inc., from which Wisconsin public libraries purchased more than 7,000 bendable cat and dog toys, has discontinued sale of this item and recommended all libraries cease distribution of any remaining bendable cats and dogs in their possession and issue a recall to all patrons who may have received this toy.
Following this, Neenah Public Library and the Appleton Public Library have recalled the toys and have offered replacements for the toys as an incentive for parents to return the toys to the library.
Reghan Walsh, a health education specialist with the Wisconsin Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has said, “the presence of lead in any product intended for children is unacceptable.” He said “lead hurts kids,” and no level of lead should be considered safe.
