On August 22, 2007, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for Chinese-made toys thought to contain dangerous levels of lead. The recall follows an August 1st recall of over 10 million Mattel products made in China.
Items Recalled
- SpongeBob SquarePants spiral address books and diaries:
- Thomas and Friends, Curious George and other spinning tops and tin pails
- Divine Inspiration charm bracelets sold between August 2006 and May 2007
- Toby & Me Jewelry sets sold at T.J. Maxx, Marshall's chains and A.J. Wright.
- Other Firms Involved: Buy-Right Designs Inc., TOBY N.Y.C.
Chinese Defense
While China did not comment directly on the recalls, it has maintained that the vast majority of Chinese made products meet established safety and quality standards. In the case of the August 1st recall, Mattel admitted that some of the issues were a result of design flaws unrelated to the manufacturing process.BBC: Mattel sorry for 'design flaws' (September 21, 2007)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
More than 300,00 toys recalled
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Fact:
Recalled requested by Martin Designs and Schyllings Associates of Massachusetts
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Fact:
Lead is toxic if injested
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Fact:
250,000 SpongeBob SquarePants books recalled
