The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is warning shoppers to be vigilant when purchasing toys, especially with recent recalls of several Chinese-made products.

Speaking with JIS News, communication specialist at the CAC, Dorothy Campbell, informed that more than 20 million toys have been recalled by Fisher-Price, Mattel, and Marvel, because of high lead content in paint used in the manufacturing process.

Toys included on the 20-million recall list are popular cartoon characters like Elmo, Ernie, Big Bird and all the other Sesame Street characters; Dora the Explorer; musical toys; keys boards and shakers.

In addition to the risk of lead poisoning, Miss Campbell informed that some toys have been recalled because they are unsafe, in that "they are too loud, have small parts or sharp edges or those that do not allow the child to manipulate at the appropriate age."

She advised parents to "purchase toys that are educational. Look for toys with less 'bling'.the more a toy is painted with multi-colours and has little magnet studs, the more danger."