Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 5 February 1997

Tonka toys in safety recall

Hasbro Australia Pty Ltd has announced a recall of Tonka and Playskool Soft Walkin' Wheels toys nationwide, following inquiries by the WA Ministry of Fair Trading.

A batch of Soft Walkin' Wheels toy trucks, buses, trains, planes and fire trucks can lose their small plastic wheel hubs, posing a choking hazard to small children.

Soft Walkin' Wheels are fabric-covered, battery-powered toys designed to "roll" across floors.

The potentially-dangerous soft toys are only those labelled model number 90165, with serial numbers below 9528 or with no serial number, and manufactured prior to July, 1995. Other toys in the same range, or of a different style, are safe.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Mark Bodycoat, said the immediate decision by distributor Hasbro Australia to recall the toys in Australia was commendable.

Mr Bodycoat said people who bought the affected Soft Walkin' Wheels for their children should take the toys away from them immediately.

The serial numbers are printed in blue and can be found on a sewn-in label attached to the toy vehicles.

Hasbro Australia Pty Ltd will place recall notices in the national press, giving details of how to obtain a free replacement toy.

Media contacts:

Neil Stanbury
Tel: (08) 9282 0613

Howard Isaacs
(08) 9244 1299