In 2006, the agency and Mattel announced a voluntary recall of more than 4 million sets of Polly Pockets, plastic dolls whose clothes and accessories contained magnets.

CNN: Powerful magnets in toys raise risks from swallowing

According to former Mattel designer Carter Bryant, messing with Barbie had become so taboo at the company that he took his idea for dolls with big heads and dressed in hip-hop clothes to competitor MGA in 2000--where they became Barbie's first true rival, Bratz.

FORBES: The Barbie Bust