Melissa and Doug toy recall

Health Canada has issued a recall notice for three children's toys from American company Melissa & Doug: the Slice and Bake Cookie Set, the Shape Sorting Cube and the Pound-a-Peg.

These three recalled products are wooden toys made in China. The paint on their surfaces contains more barium than the allowable limit. Health Canada encourages consumers owning these toys to immediately take them away from children.

Barium, though sometimes safely used in medical and commercial applications, can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps.

The recall notice was issued on November 20, 2009 for these toys sold between November 2008 and November 2009.

As the Christmas holidy season approaches, consumers are advised to be diligent when purchasing items for children. Health Canada provides some toy safety tips, such as reminders to check for choking hazards and to adhere to product safety messages.

There are resources available to help parents choose the best toys for their kids. For example, the Canadian Toy Testing Council, an Ottawa-based non-profit organization, tests children's toys for such things as safety, durability and play value and issues Best Bet Toy Awards and Toy Reports.