Wal-Mart Recalls Additional Charm Key Chains Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Wal-Mart, announced a voluntary recall of “Hip Charm” Key Chains.

Units: About 39,000 (firm previously recalled 12,000 key chains in April 2008).

Distributor: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark.

Importer: FGX International Inc., of Smithfield, R.I.

Hazard: The charms on the key chain can contain high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been no injuries reported with the additional key chains included in this recall. The Illinois Attorney General informed Wal-Mart and CPSC in April that the previously recalled key chain was found in the home of a 9-month-old child who was discovered to have high blood levels of lead. The child was observed mouthing this key chain.

Description: The recalled key chains have several charms including a button, clover, leaf, and heart. The charms hang from a silver-colored chain. The words “Hip charm” and the following UPC numbers are printed on the products packaging: 03156811032, 03156811029, 03156811019, 03156811016, 03156811018, 03156811028, and 03156811030.

Sold at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from April 2005 through June 2008 for between $ .50 and $6.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should not allow children to handle the key chain and return it to any Wal-Mart store for a full refund.

Source: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.