The unfortunate news that another 9 million toys tainted with lead
paint or dangerous small magnets were recalled today underscores many
problems.
First, parents should understand that the government itself does not
test products to ensure that they comply with mandatory standards -
that's left up to manufacturers.
Second, those manufacturers cannot merely rely on relationships with
and promises from foreign suppliers - they must trust, but verify that
tough American standards are met.
Third, the CPSC lacks the leadership, the money, the staff and the
legal authority it needs to protect us from dangerous imported or
domestically produced products. This recall should be a lesson to all
manufacturers that it can happen to anybody. It should also serve as a
wakeup call to Congress that the headless CPSC needs a safety-oriented
chairperson, more money, more authority and more staff.
***
- Letter
from U.S. PIRG, Consumers Union and Consumer Federation of America to
Congress and the administration proposing tougher import safety
standards
- PIRG's downloadable toy safety brochure and website toysafety.net
- Recent blog detailing CPSC's lack of authority, leadership and money.
For breaking news on China, toy recalls and the CPSC, see the U.S. PIRG Consumer Blog and type “China” in the search engine.
