http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Recalled-toys-often-resold-online/2007/08/21/1187462235987.html

Toys and other children's products recalled because of safety concerns are often resold through online auction sites, putting children at risk, according to a recent US study.

EBay Inc's website prohibits the sale of recalled products, but enforcement efforts do not seem to be succeeding, said Keri Brown Kirschman, the study's lead author and an assistant psychology professor at the University of Dayton.

Kirschman, who specialises in child psychology and pediatric injury prevention, said she searched for 141 recalled items on eBay for 30 consecutive days and found them offered in at least 144 online auctions. The products included play yards, baby walkers, bassinets and safety devices.

About 70 per cent of recalled items tracked were sold, she said.

Even sophisticated eBay users appear to be unaware or uncooperative of policies intended to keep recalled products from being exchanged, the study said.

Last week, Mattel Inc announced a worldwide recall of almost 19 million items, including dolls, cars and action figures. Some of the items were contaminated with lead paint. Others had small magnets that children might swallow.

The study recommends that parents check government recall sites before purchasing items on auction websites. It said sellers should be required to electronically sign a statement indicating the items they're selling have not been recalled.