A recall of Fisher Price and Mattel Toys started in early August in efforts to remove products that contained high levels of lead paint.

Members of the Oneida County Health Department staff will, over the next several weeks, make unannounced visits to retailers throughout Oneida County to ensure compliance with the mandatory removal of toys being recalled due to unsafe lead content, Director of Health Nicholas A. DeRosa announced Monday.

Retailers have previously been notified of the mandatory recall. The affected toys should have already been removed and tagged so that it will not be placed back on the shelves at a later date. The stores have been instructed to return the toys to the manufacturers, at which time they will be destroyed.

“We’re confident that our area retailers will act responsibly and comply with this mandatory recall, but will leave nothing to chance when it comes to protecting our children from the dangers these products pose,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said. “I’ve directed the Health Department to devote whatever staff and resources are necessary to see that this threat is removed.”

Picente said he expects the recall in Oneida County last for several more weeks. Health Department officials caution parents to pay attention not only to toys they have but others children may use.

“They should be conscious of day care providers that have toys in their settings and grand parents that keep toys in their homes for kids to play with,” said Ken Fanelli of the Oneida County Health Department.

Lead poisoning can affect a child's growth, behavior and ability to learn, Fanelli said.

Health Department officials say that retailers who fail to comply with the recall could face consequences.

“If our inspectors find banned toys still on a retailer’s shelves, the items may be embargoed which will delay the store from returning the merchandise and receiving its refund,” DeRosa said.

More than 1.2 million toys have been recalled by Fisher Price and Mattel between August 2, 2007 and August 14, 2007 due to their lead content. The lead can be taken into the body by swallowing or breathing it in. Elevated levels of lead in the blood can affect a child’s growth, behavior and ability to learn.

If parents suspect that a toy is among those on the recall list, that toy should be taken from the child immediately. Parents should discuss with their health care provider the need for a blood lead test, particularly if the child is younger than 6 years of age and frequently chews on toys or puts them in his or her mouth.

“All children should receive blood lead tests at age one and again at age two as a matter of routine pediatric care,” DeRosa said.

For more information on the recall and a complete list of toys involved log onto our web site at www.ocgov.net or call the Oneida County Health Department at 798-5064.