Advisory

2005-23
April 13, 2005
For immediate release

Health Canada advises Canadians to remove "Charming Thoughts" metal charms from children's reach

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians to remove metal charms sold under the name "Charming Thoughts", from children's reach. The charms, obtained only from Michael's stores in Canada, contain high levels of lead and pose a risk of lead poisoning to children if mouthed or swallowed.

About 2.8 million of these charms were voluntarily recalled in the United States and Canada on February 10, 2005, by the distributor. The Canadian portion comprised of 88,000 charms that were only sold or available for sale at Michael's stores. In the United States the charms were sold in Recollections stores, Hancock Fabric stores, and Michael's stores. There has been one report of elevated blood lead levels in a 6-year-old American child, which may have occurred when the child mouthed some of the charms, worn on a homemade necklace. Health Canada is not aware of any lead poisoning cases associated with these products in Canada.

The charms come in various shapes, such as hearts, stars, birds, small picture frames, perfume bottles and crosses. Most were silver-coloured with small silver loops, and some have small blue, yellow, or pink stones. Words such as "Love", "Princess", or "City Girl" are printed on some of the charms. The words "Insert photo here", "Cherish", "Love" or "Honour" are printed on the picture frames. The charms are approximately 1.25 centimetres (½ inch) in diameter and were sold in packages of two to 12. The packages were marked "The Card Connection", "Charming Thoughts", and "Hirschberg Schutz & Co. Inc."

The charms were also sold for use as decorations on greeting cards, place cards, invitations, collages, gift boxes, scrapbooks, and gifts. They can also be attached to necklaces or bracelets.

The charms were made in China and were sold across Canada between July 2002 and February 2005 for between $4.99 and $11.99.

There is no lead exposure risk associated with wearing this jewellery, however, young children sometimes mouth or swallow items of this type and the lead can leach from the jewellery into a child's body. Children may also be exposed to lead if they handle the jewellery and then put their hands into their mouths.

Consumers should immediately take these metal charms away from children and contact the nearest Michael's store for a refund, or may also contact the distributor, Hirschberg Schutz, by calling toll-free, 1 800-873-5506, or by email, charmsrecall@horizongroupusa.com. Consumers who prefer to discard these charms can do so through normal household waste.

For further information, consumers can contact the Health Canada Product Safety Office nearest them:

Health Canada Product Safety Offices

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Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991