MONTREAL (AP) -- Mega Brands Inc. has hired quality and safety control company Intertek to assist with the design and testing of new products following its third global recall of China-manufactured magnetic toys.
The Montreal-based toymaker, whose shares plunged for the second day as a result of the recall, said it was partnering with Intertek for the design, development and manufacturing control of all new products.
Mega Brands shares, which fell 14 per cent Monday, closed down 36 cents, or 10.45 per cent, at $3.94 on the Toronto Stock Exchange Tuesday.
''Mega Brands is committed to creating the highest safety standards in the toy industry and passionate about our ambitious goal of zero defects,'' stated Mega Brands CEO Marc Bertrand.
''Through our partnership with Intertek, one of the world's leading independent testing laboratories, this year we will launch a new magnetic system that not only meets, but also exceeds all current global safety standards.''
Intertek Risk Assessment and Management is currently working with Mega Brands and its suppliers to provide quality assurance services on new product development and factory auditing.
Intertek will also help MegaBrands and its suppliers deal with regulatory compliance requirements, product testing, process control measures and appropriate quality assurance procedures.
In announcing the ''voluntary'' recall of 2.4 million units produced since 2004, the company said magnets in small flexible parts can detach and, if swallowed, can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages.
The recall covers MagnaMan action figures and Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. pre-school toys.
Intertek has also helped MegaBrands redesign its Magnetix toys, with the new product Magnext slated to begin hitting store shelves this summer.
