Parents and preschool principals in Singapore are concerned about the recent spate of Mattel toy recalls but are not overly alarmed.

Few said they would shun the world's biggest toy-maker, but most added that they would be more careful with products made in China.

A total of 31 toys have been recalled by Mattel Singapore.

The first recall earlier in the month affected only four products: Sesame Street Shape Sorter, Barney Best Manners Phone, Dora's House Figure and Dora's Talking House.

The latest recall was for 27 products: 23 from the Polly Pocket range, one from the Batman collection, the stick accessory in the Barbie and Tanner Doll set, and two in the 'Sarge' line of cars.

Mattel Singapore said it was unable to provide the total number of affected toys in circulation here and added that most of the recalled toys are no longer on sale as they are several years old.

The spate of recalls is due to the use of toxic lead paint or tiny magnets in the toys which could be swallowed.

Freelance writer Billy Teo, 36, who bought a Sesame Street Shape Sorter for his eight-year-old son in 2002, said: "I have bagged up the toy to throw away, just to play safe.

"The thing is, no one knows how long they have been using the lead paint. Maybe the authorities should do sample checks," added Mr Teo, who also has a two-year-old daughter.

Singapore has a set of standards on toy safety that is based on European guidelines, including a limit on the use of lead to 90 parts per million. However, compliance with these standards is voluntary.

Although Spring Singapore conducts random checks on the accuracy of weights and measures as well as safety of electrical appliances, it does not do so for toys.

The Consumers Association of Singapore's executive director Seah Seng Choon said: "We don't seem to have had problems with toy safety so there has never been a need for the authorities to look into it."

However, he also said that Case is monitoring the situation closely and will work with the authorities to regulate if
necessary.

Anyone with a recalled toy can contact Mattel on 6235-0667 for a refund or replacement.

The list of recalled toys can be found at http://www.infoasia-mattel.com/