Toxic Chinese Products

In March 2007 public and media concern resulted in widespread media coverage of toxic Chinese products. Reviewing the furor, Associated Press wrote that "dog and cat deaths in North America were linked to a Chinese-made pet food ingredient. Then came reports of potentially dangerous frozen fish, juice, tires and toothpaste. Millions of toys were recalled in several countries over lead paint and other fears. The crisis put China's position as the world's factory at risk, threatening the underpinning of its economic success and the jobs that are lifting millions of Chinese out of poverty."

U.S. Regulators Criticized
After "several highly publicized recalls of Chinese-made toys that contained hazardous levels of lead," the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) came under increased scrutiny. "Critics have long charged that the agency has become too close to regulated industries, opting for 'voluntary' standards and repeatedly choosing not to take legal action against businesses that refuse to recall dangerous products." Perhaps it's because CPSC officials were traveling on industry's dime. Records obtained by the Washington Post "document nearly 30 trips since 2002 by the agency's acting chairman, Nancy Nord, and the previous chairman, Hal Stratton, that were paid for in full or in part by trade associations or manufacturers. ... Some of the trips were sponsored by lobbying groups and lawyers representing the makers of products linked to consumer hazards." CPSC said their ethics officers had OK'd the trips, after conducting "a full conflict-of-interest analysis." But several other agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission and Food and Drug Administration, ban travel paid for by regulated companies.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

 * U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission list of media releases on Toy Recalls (These are organised by the most recent first. Many of those listed relate to products in violation of the standard for lead paint.)
 * U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fisher Price Recalls Go Diego Go Boat Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard", Press Release, October 25, 2007.

Mattel Statements, Testimony and Articles

 * Robert A. Eckert, "Message from Bob Eckert", 'Wall Street Journal'', September 11, 2007. (Eckert is the Chairman and CEO of Mattel).
 * Robert A. Eckert, Senate Hearing Testimony, September 12, 2007.
 * Robert A. Eckert, House Hearing Testimony, September 19, 2007.
 * Mattel, House Hearing Press Release, Media Release, September 19, 2007.
 * [http://www.shareholder.com/mattel/downloads/09-21-07%20China%20Meeting%20Media%20Statement.pdf "Response to Mattel China Meeting", Media Release, September 21, 2007. (Pdf)
 * Mattel, "[Mattel Announces Voluntary Recall of Single product Limited to Three Markets: Product in Canada, British Isles and U.S. Only"], Press Release, October 25, 2007.

Related SourceWatch Articles

 * U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission