RCMP-themed toys recalled

Stuffed doll, baby pacifier among items

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David Bruser

Prompted by a Toronto Star investigation, the federal government is recalling millions of RCMP-themed toys because they contain dangerously high levels of lead and pose a choking hazard to children.

The stuffed animal Mounties join a growing and shocking list of toxic toys and jewellery Health Canada failed to keep away from children until the Star did its own testing.

Analysis found high levels of lead in a baby pacifier, a jewellery-making kit advertised as being "lead free," and a scrapbook charm sold at Dollarama stores that was so full of lead that Health Canada determined a child could die from swallowing the penny-sized bauble.

Testing also found high levels of lead in the belt of the RCMP uniform on a stuffed husky. The toy was sold at a Pearson International Airport souvenir shop.

After these and other findings, Health Canada in October ordered thousands of toys off store shelves nationwide. The RCMP toys were not recalled then as the agency said it was still conducting tests.

More than six weeks ago, Health Minister Tony Clement pledged to the Star that he would introduce a new law to better protect children, to stiffen enforcement and make it easier for his agency to fine offending companies. He pledged to consider banning lead in pacifiers.

No law has been introduced.

The made-in-China Mounties were imported by Northern Gifts of Burnaby, B.C., and are dressed in a red jacket with gold-coloured buttons and a brown plastic belt with gold buckle.

Health Canada confirmed the Star’s testing and found illegal levels of lead in the plastic belt. Health Canada also found that the gold buttons can detach from the red jacket and pose a choking hazard to children.