Toys R Us recalls sidewalk chalk

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ Toys ``R'' Us is recalling 50,000 packages of sidewalk chalk because the chalk contains lead at levels high enough to poison young children. <br><br>No accidents or illnesses

Tuesday, November 25th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Toys ``R'' Us is recalling 50,000 packages of sidewalk chalk because the chalk contains lead at levels high enough to poison young children.

No accidents or illnesses related to the chalk have been reported, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

The chalk comes in a clear plastic backpack-style carrying case and is labeled ``Chalk to Go... Totally Me! ... 24 pieces, sidewalk chalk in different colors, fun chalk shapes.'' The package also says ``Conforms to ASTM-D4236.''

Each package contains solid or multicolored chalk in red, blue, green, yellow and purple. The chalk comes in several shapes: butterfly, spider, ice cream cone, bottle, cylinder and triangular stick.

The chalk was manufactured in Hong Kong by the Agglo Corp. and sold at Toys ``R'' Us stores nationwide from March 2003 to November 2003 for about $4.99 per package. Toys ``R'' Us is based in Paramus, N.J.

Consumers are advised to stop using the chalk immediately and to return it to Toys ``R'' Us for a refund. For more information, consumers can reach Toys ``R'' Us toll-free at 1-866-274-6340, 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. More information is posted on the company's Web site, www.toysrus.com.