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Inspector arrives to search for recalled toys

The hunt for 10 potentially dangerous recalled toys focuses on four stores in Clearwater on Tuesday.

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 5, 2007

Don Minter, consumer protection specialist with the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, scans the many toys on the shelves at a Clearwater Wal-Mart in search of toys that have been recalled.
	[JOSEPH GARNETT JR. | Times]

CLEARWATER - As part of a statewide sweep, an inspector with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services visited four local stores Tuesday in search of potentially dangerous toys.

He didn't find any.

Armed with a list of 10 recalled toys, state consumer protection specialist Don Minter checked the shelves at the Toys "R" Us in Countryside, a Dollar General store on N Highland Avenue, a Wal-Mart on U.S. 19 and KB toys at Countryside Mall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recall alerts on more than 70 toys this year because they have lead paint, sharp edges, pose a choking hazard or could be harmful in other ways.

This week, the state sent Minter and other inspectors across Florida to spot-check at least 10 stores each.

State inspectors do not have the authority to order the stores to remove any recalled merchandise. If they find a recalled toy, officials say, they will complete a report that lists the type of toy and the number in stock. They'll also recommend that the toys be removed and give store managers recall information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Minter said he plans to be back out checking more stores today.

Fast Facts

On the Web

For a list of recalled toys, visit www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html.

[Last modified December 5, 2007, 07:22:53]