Soldier Bear brand toys were recalled in mid-December. The toys are made oversesas and sold by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). While being inspected for earlier reports of lead paint, several toys from the brand name were found to have high levels of lead dangerous to their owners. The lead is found in the paint on the outside of the toys. It is especially dangerous when consumed by small children. An AAFES news release said that close to 11,400 toys were included in the recall, making it a large scale event for the brand.

AAFES took responsibility for two different toy incidents by reporting them to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The toys were available from August 2006 to October 2007. They were removed from the shelves when dangers were discovered. Instead of reporting each toy when the problems were originally found, the Consumer Product Safety Commission waited until all AAFES toys made by the same companies were tested. The recall was then announced in a large grouping. Safe toys are being sold again.

This recall is the third of this year for AAFES. Earlier in the year, two other recalls included close to 16,000 toys. All toys under the different recalls were made by companies in Hong Kong. AAFES has reported the recalls as they were found and made them known to consumers as soon as possible.

Look through toys that you have previously purchased from AAFES for the following recalled toys in your home.

The Wooden Pull-Along Learning Blocks Wagon (set of alphabet blocks in a wooden wagon)
Time Teacher (magnetic pieces on a clock)
Wooden Riding Horse
Vechicle Playset (set of small cars and trucks)
Invincibles Transport Converters Toy Sets (Involved in earlier recall)

Picturs of the toys can be viewed under the Related Links at the bottom of this article. Make sure these toys are out of reach from children. The issued recalls are voluntary. If you own a recalled toy and wish to return it, take it to an AAFES store for a full refund.