‘We were last updated on the discontinuation of some goods by Mattel Inc., the American toy maker, about a couple of weeks ago. We removed the indicated products from our shelves immediately. I believe we’ll send these toys back to the producer at the end of September,’ Wonderland’s Volume Sales Manager Irina Tumanova said.

‘These negative reports have already led to Rostechnadzor (the state environmental, technological, and nuclear safety watchdog) inspecting all of our retail outlets. However, despite the recent events, our chain intends to keep doing business with Mattel Inc.,’ she added.

The scandal broke out when Matell Inc.’s press officer announced 675,000 various items classed as Barbie doll accessories produced between September 30, 2006 and August 20, 2007 had to be taken back to the producer. This was the third time the toys made in China had to be discontinued because of excessive lead content within the last six months. Mattel has already had to remove millions of toys produced in China from the EU-based stores because of the same reason. What is more, some of the magnets that come with sets like Polly Pocket, Doggie Day Care, Tanner, Batman Magna, and Shonen Jump’s and Pixar Sarge toy cars turned out to be hazardous for children’s health as well.