SpongeBob Squarepants journals and address books are recalled

WASHINGTON (AP) - An Ohio importer recalled nearly 250,000 SpongeBob SquarePants address books and journals manufactured in China because the bindings might contain hazardous levels of lead paint, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.

Martin Designs Inc. notified the agency that tests of the metal spiral bindings turned up lead content above the level considered safe for children, the CPSC said. Under regulations, children's products found to have more than .06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall.

Children who ingest lead-laced paint can suffer brain damage. The company said it has received no reports of injury.

The recall involves address books and journals sold in retail stores nationwide from June 2006 through July 2007. They have a black metal spiral binding and depict the SpongeBob SquarePants character in various outfits on the front cover.

The recalled address books' UPC code, printed on the back cover, is 80773007505; the recalled journals have the UPC codes 80773002260, 80773075501 and 80773007551.

Consumers should dispose of the product and return the UPC code for a full refund to Martin Designs, Attention: Product Recall, 605 Westlake Dr., Ashland OH 44805.

For more information, consumers can call the company at 1-866-898-0261 or visit its Web site http://www.martindesigns-ltd.com or the CPSC's Web site http://www.cpsc.gov.

The following recalls have been announced:

- About 250,000 SpongeBob SquarePants address books and journals, manufactured in China and imported by Martin Designs Inc., because paint on the metal spiral bindings can contain high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children. No injuries have been reported. Details: by phone at 866-898-0261; by Web at http://www.martindesigns-ltd.com or http://www.cpsc.gov.

- About 66,000 spinning tops and about 4,700 pails painted with Thomas & Friends, Curious George, circus scenes or solid colors. The tops and pails were manufactured in China, imported by Schylling Associates Inc. and are being recalled because paint on the wooden handles contains high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children. No injuries have been reported. Details: by phone at 800-767-8697; by Web at http://www.schylling.com or http://www.cpsc.gov.

-About 14,000 TOBY & ME jewelry sets, imported by TOBY N.Y.C. and made in China, because the jewelry contains high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled sets are sold in a pink gift box with “TOBY & ME” printed on the front. T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and A.J.Wright stores sold the products. Consumers should contact TOBY N.Y.C. for information on receiving a refund or replacement item. Details: by phone at 866-235-0588; by Web at http://www.cpsc.gov.

-About 7,900 Children's Divine Inspiration Charm Bracelets, imported by Buy-Rite Designs Inc. and made in China, because the jewelry contains high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled bracelets have silver-colored charms and clear and pink beads that hang from a silver-colored chain. Dollar stores and other small retail stores nationwide sold the product. Consumers should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or contact Buy-Rite for information on how to receive a refund. Details: by phone at 888-777-7952, ext. 175; by Web at http://www.buyriteinc.com or http://www.cpsc.gov.

-Carrots that may be contaminated with bacteria that could cause diarrhea, nausea, fever and vomiting have been recalled, a California company announced. The product labeled “genuine sweet baby carrots” was recalled because the carrots might be contaminated with the bacteria called shigella, the Los Angeles Salad Company announced.

The product was sold under two labels, one labeled “Los Angeles Salad Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots” with a “sell-by-date” up to and including Aug. 16, 2007 and the other labeled “Trader Joe's Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots” with a “sell-by-date” up to and including Aug. 8, 2007. Details: Call the company at 1-626-322-9017 with questions.

-An undisclosed number of 5-pound bags of Krasdale Gravy dry dog food, from Mars Petcare US Inc., because of potential Salmonella contamination that could infect pets and people who come into contact with the product. The dog food with UPC Code 7513062596 and best by dates of July 16 and 17, 2008, was sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Details: Contact Mars Petcare at 1-866-298-8332 or www.marspetcare.com.