Keep Dora, Barbie off shopping lists

These include children’s favourites, Dora the Explorer and Goe Trax Engine toys.

The Consumer Affairs Division of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) issued this advisory, joining consumer groups in the US and other countries which have warned parents about toxic lead in toys. Most of the toys were made in China and over the past few months, several popular brands have been recalled.

The THA division said the risky toys also include those with small pieces that can be detached and potentially choke children. It said toys with lead can cause adverse health effects.

The list includes: Barbie Accessory Sets; Goe Trax Engine; Go Diego Go! Animal Rescue Boat; It’s a Big Big World 6 in 1 Bongo Band Toy; Pixar Cars Sarge and Fisher Price Toys, for example. Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and Dora the Explorer products which all contain levels of lead.

Some of the listed toys as having hazardous pieces include the Laugh and Learn 2 in 1 Learning Kitchen; Mattel Play Set and Barbie Doll and Tanner.