Nintendo recalls character pins over lead

By Staff -- Playthings, 4/29/2008 8:17:00 AM

WASHINGTON—Nintendo of America, Redmond, Wash., is recalling 71,000 metal character pins because they contain high levels of lead.

The recalled lapel pins have images depicting 12 Nintendo video game characters. The lapel pins vary in size, ranging from 1- to 2- inches in height. The characters Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Mario, Mario Kart, Pikachu, Princess Peach, Samus, Starfox, Waluigi and Wario were sold individually. Mario, Princess Peach and Samus were also sold as a set.

They were sold at Nintendo’s branded stores in Redmond, Wash., and New York between April 2004 and November 2007 for between $1.50 and $4. The recalled lapel pins were also distributed to employees at electronics and game stores nationwide from April 2004 through November 2007.

The pins were manufactured in China and imported by Pro Source Inc., of Troutdale, Ore.

Consumers should immediately stop wearing the lapel pins and contact Nintendo to receive a free replacement lapel pin. The company can be reached at (800) 431-0971 or online at www.nintendo.com.