Mattel recalls more China-made toys in safety fear

14 August 2007 16:04  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--US toy maker Mattel and US regulators said on Tuesday that they are recalling an additional millions of toys made in China, as concerns increase about the quality of the country's exports.

Some of the toys had unacceptable levels of lead paint in them, according to a statement by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Others had powerful magnets that could come loose and if children swallowed them, could attract each other and pierce through intestinal walls, it said.

The recalls are in addition to the ones Mattel announced on 1 August, concerning toys that used a non-approved paint pigment containing lead. A boss of a Chinese manufacturer that made some of the recalled toys for Mattel has since hung himself.

The Mattel recalls are among a growing list of questionable products exported from China. Others include toothpaste containing diethylene glycol (DEG), pet food contaminated by melamine and seafood infused with anti-microbial agents

The Chinese government is reportedly shutting down and revoking the business licenses of companies involved in the tainted exports.

Such concerns were featured in a recent issue of ICIS Chemical Business.

Meanwhile, Mattel on Tuesday ran a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal featuring a letter signed by Bob Eckert, company chief executive, regarding the recalls.

"As you may know, we've voluntarily recalled some toys for two different reasons: The impermissible use of lead paint and risks associated with small high-powered magnets," Eckert wrote.

Mattel had already taken steps that Eckert said would ensure the safety of its toys.

"You have my personal commitment that we are working extremely hard to address your concerns and continue creating safe, entertaining toys for you and your children," he wrote.

By: Al Greenwood
+1 713 525 2645

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