Popular ‘Mini’ Toy Sets Pulled From Shelves For Burning Skin And Triggering Asthma
In a significant safety alert, 21 million Miniverse toy sets have been recalled due to serious health risks. The recall was announced after it was discovered that certain ingredients in these products could cause skin burns, eye and respiratory irritation, and in extreme cases, trigger asthma attacks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported the recall on Tuesday, June 25th, highlighting the dangers posed by liquid resin found in some of the toys.
The Details of the Miniverse Toy Set Recall
The recall affects the Make It Mini Appliances set, Make It Mini Food set, and Make It Mini Lifestyle set. Additionally, individual toys from these sets may also be part of bundles such as Kitchen, Multipack, All You Can Eat, Ice Cream Social, and Pizza Party. These products were sold nationwide at major retailers including Target, Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar General, ALDI, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, and others from October 2022 through June 2024.
The packaging of these recalled sets typically features “MGA’s Miniverse” in a yellow text bubble with the specific set name in a pink bubble below it. While Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA, stated that only 10% to 15% of the recalled products contain the hazardous liquid resin, the recall’s broad scope is a precaution to ensure consumer safety.
The Dangers of Liquid Resin and Acrylates
Liquid resin, used in some of the Miniverse toy sets, poses significant health risks when in its liquid form. When hardened, resin is generally safe, providing a glossy protective coating and can be molded into various shapes. However, in its liquid state, it can cause severe skin burns and eye and respiratory irritation if touched, inhaled, or ingested. This is particularly concerning for children who may be unaware of the dangers and mishandle the toys.
Moreover, resins contain acrylates, chemical compounds that are restricted in children’s products due to their potential health risks. The CPSC found that many recalled products contained acrylates in amounts exceeding the safe limits for children’s toys. MGA Entertainment has received 26 reports of incidents involving these toy sets, including one case where a child experienced an asthma attack triggered by the product.
What To Do If You’ve Purchased a Recalled Product
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled Miniverse toy sets should immediately stop using them and dispose of them safely to prevent any risk of injury. It is crucial to check for these toys, even if they were bought years ago, as the health risks remain. Although marketed primarily towards children, many teenagers and adults also collect these mini toys, so a thorough check of all collections is advised.
Affected consumers can contact MGA for a refund or replacement product. If you or someone in your household has experienced adverse effects that you believe are related to these toys, it is important to seek medical advice from your primary care provider. Additionally, reporting the incident to MGA or the CPSC can help ensure that the problem is documented and addressed promptly.
Legal Recourse for Injured Consumers
Victims who have suffered injuries or health issues due to the recalled Miniverse toy sets may have grounds to file a product liability lawsuit. This type of legal action aims to hold the manufacturer accountable for the unsafe product and to seek compensation for the harm caused. Damages in such lawsuits can cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Filing a lawsuit begins with consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in product liability cases. The attorney will evaluate the case, gather evidence such as medical records and proof of purchase, and file a complaint to initiate the legal process. The discovery phase follows, where both parties exchange information and gather further evidence. Settlement negotiations may occur at any point, but if a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Navigating the complexities of a product liability lawsuit requires the expertise of a skilled attorney. Legal representation ensures that victims’ rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation for their injuries. An attorney can handle all aspects of the case, from gathering evidence and filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers and representing the victim in court.
Damages recovered in a product liability lawsuit for injuries caused by the Miniverse toy sets can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. These compensations aim to alleviate the financial and emotional burden on the victims and hold the responsible parties accountable.
.svg){kind=small}
.avif)
.avif)
