The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·08257·Announced 2008-04-29

Nintendo Recalls Character-Themed Lapel Pins Due to Lead Exposure Risk

Nintendo is recalling about 71,000 character-themed lapel pins because they contain high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (lead exposure) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Nintendo of America Inc. is recalling approximately 71,000 character-themed lapel pins due to the risk of lead exposure. The pins, which depict 12 video game characters including Mario, Pikachu, and Princess Peach, contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The recalled pins were sold at Nintendo stores in Redmond, Washington, and New York, New York, between April 2004 and November 2007 for between $1.50 and $4. They were also distributed to employees at electronics and game stores nationwide during the same period. The pins vary in size, ranging from 1 to 2 inches in height, and were manufactured in China by Pro Source Inc.

No injuries have been reported. Consumers should immediately stop wearing the lapel pins and contact Nintendo to receive a free replacement lapel pin. For more information, consumers can contact Nintendo at (800) 431-0971 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit www.nintendo.com.

The recalled product

Product
Character-themed lapel pins
Manufacturer
Pro Source Inc., of Troutdale, Ore.
Category
Consumer Product — Jewelry
Hazard
Affected units
71,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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