Discuss this articleShare your views with other visitors, and read what they have to say
A batch of toys made in China has recently been recalled in the US due to lead-related concerns.
Approximately 20 million Chinese-manufactured toys have been recalled in the US over the past four months. Concerns have surfaced in other markets as well, and over products such as dog food and toothpaste.
These issues have gotten considerable media attention and triggered consumer weariness in many countries. A US Consumer Report poll showed that 89 percent of consumers are aware of the recalls, with 30 percent saying they would buy few toys for the holidays and 30 percent saying they would not buy toys made in China.
US Congress has started discussing new legislation to decrease the levels of lead permitted in toys, and some congressmen have even suggested a ban on lead-containing products altogether. It is also looking to increase the mandate, workforce, and budget of its Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in order to better regulate possibly harmful products. Currently the CPSC has one staffer in charge of product inspection.
The EU is also looking to tighten legislation.
China has raised concerns that new product regulations in the EU and the US are branding a “new form of protectionism” at a time when China’s exports have been growing at unprecedented levels.
“US Recalls More China-Made Products for Lead in Paint,” PLANET ARK, 26 October 2007; “Kuneva welcomes Mattel recall on lead paint toys,” NEW EUROPE: THE EUROPEAN WEEKLY, 27 October 2007; “New Safeguards Against Lead in Thomas and Friends Toys, but Parents Wary,” ABC NEWS, 29 October 2007; “Union: Trade deals partly to blame for lead problems,” PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 30 October 2007.
Add a comment
Enter your details and a comment below, then click Submit Comment. We’ll review and publish the best comments.