In a move that is sure to intensify the cold chill already running up and down the spine of the toy industry, Mattel has widened its November 2006 magnetic-toy recall covering eight toys to encompass a total of 63; they account for approximately 18.2 million toys sold worldwide (9.5 million in the US). Additionally, the toyco has found that a Disney Cars diecast vehicle, modelled on the film’s Sarge character and manufactured in China by Early Light Industrial Co. between May 2007 and July 2007, contains ‘impermissible levels of lead’ and has recalled the SKU. The move affects a total of 436,000 units, including 253,000 sold in the US.

The magnetic-toy recall affects goods manufactured in China between January 2002 and January 31, 2007, because these products’ small, powerful magnets may become dislodged. The toys in question include 44 Polly Pockets toys, 11 Doggie Day Care toys, four Batman toys, and the accessory portion of two Barbie toys.

The move follows on the heels of the voluntary recall issued earlier this month of approximately 1.5 million Fisher-Price toys found to contain unacceptable levels of lead paint. Since then, it’s been widely reported that the owner of the Chinese manufacturing facility responsible, Zhang Shuhong, was found dead in his company’s warehouse two days ago, after apparently having hanged himself.