US toy giant Mattel, already hit by two high-profile recalls last month, is to announce the recall of a third batch of China-made toys because they may contain excessive amounts of lead paint.

The latest recall is expected on Wednesday and affects several hundred thousand units of a Fisher-Price toy and accessories to a Barbie doll play set.

Sources briefed by Mattel executives asked for anonymity because the company had not formally announced the recall.

Robert Eckert, Mattel's chairman and chief executive, had warned at a press conference last month that there may be more recalls of tainted toys as the company stepped-up its investigations into its Chinese factories and retested products.

In another blow to Mattel, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Tuesday it was considering a possible investigation of whether Mattel notified authorities as quickly as it should have in connection with the August 14 recall.

With more than 80 per cent of toys sold worldwide made in China, toy sellers are nervous that shoppers will shy away from their products in the forthcoming holiday season.