Mattel agrees to multi-million dollar settlement

On October 13th, a preliminary settlement of as much as $50 million was announced in a class action suit against Mattel and its subsidiary, Fisher Price.

The class action suit was filed on behalf of millions of American families who purchased dangerous toys recalled in 2006 and 2007. These 14 million toys were recalled for excessive levels of lead paint or for small loose magnets that cause extreme internal damage or death if swallowed. Some of Mattel's most popular toys, like Polly Pocket, Barbie and Dora the Explorer, were included in the recalls.

Terms of the settlement, if accepted by the court, will include refunds for those who bought the products as well as reimbursement for medical expenses for lead testing and donations to the national network of children's hospitals.

Mattel, Fisher-Price finally to pay fine for violating lead paint ban

CPSC announced today that Mattel and its subsidiary Fisher Price will pay $2.3 million in fines for violating the federal lead paint ban. Almost 30 years after the ban was put in place, these two companies had to recall at least 95 different toys that were tainted with lead and imported into the United States. Many of these millions of toys are still in homes and child care facilities today. You can search recalls for company, product type or hazard here.

The $2.3 million civil penalty is the largest ever for regulated product violations. The limit on these penalties was raised last year.

Mattel settles case with 39 state AG's on lead in toys

A settlement was announced today between Mattel and its subsidiary Fisher Price and 39 state attorneys general on toys tainted with lead. Mattel will pay the states $12 million, reduce the lead paint in their products immediately to the federal level of 90 ppm that will be effective next August and spend additional funds on lead testing and notification of consumers. California had reached an agreement with Mattel and other manufacturers earlier this month.