By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com
January 16, 2008
A new law takes effect next month outlawing the sale of toys with high levels of lead paint, but some stores are taking advantage of the delay to try and move some merchandise while they still can.
In Maryland, an investigation by Attorney General Douglas Gansler's office found that some Big Lots Stores, and Dollar General stores were still selling toys with excessive levels of the dangerous paint. Gansler said both companies have agreed to stop.
The investigation found that Elmo's Take-Along Card Games bag, sold by both chains, contained excessive levels of lead paint. The retailers have also agreed to accept returns of the product.
After testing on the bags by the Maryland Department of the Environment, Gansler sent a letter to Big Lots and Dollar General requesting that the stores stop selling the game bags. Both companies immediately agreed to end the sale of the products in their Maryland stores.
"I am pleased that Big Lots and Dollar General have agreed to remove these potentially dangerous products from their store shelves," said Gansler. "I encourage any consumers who purchased these game bags to stop using them and to return them to the store where they were purchased."
Big Lots and Dollar General have agreed to accept returns and provide refunds to consumers who purchased the game bags at their Maryland stores. The retailers have also agreed to place posters in their local stores informing consumers that the products were found to contain lead and they can be returned at Big Lots and Dollar General stores in Maryland.
