Whether the government acts or not, I think Chinese toy manufacturers and their U.S. enablers are fucked:

Smaller toymakers find stressing quality has rewards. The AP reports: With about 80 percent of all toys sold in the U.S. made in China, German toy maker Haba knows it supplies a tiny market from its base in Bavaria. But the recall of millions of Chinese-made toys tainted with lead-laced paint has brought more attention to smaller European toy makers that stress natural and safe materials — if parents are willing to pay the price.

Mattel Inc., the U.S.' largest toy maker, announced a worldwide recall Tuesday of 18 million items such as dolls and action figures because of lead paint and tiny magnets that children could swallow.

That followed the company's recall of 1.5 million Chinese-made Fisher-Price toys because of possible lead-paint hazards, and came after other issues with Chinese-made products.

"It's scary. First cat food and dog food, and now the kids' toys," said Whitney Settle, of Petroleum, W.Va. "I have a 2-year-old boy who chews on everything. I doubt I am going to buy (Mattel) anymore — or it's going to make me look twice."

I have a co-worker who doesn't strike me as particularly interested in political/economic issues, but she is really concerned about the tainted toy story. Why? Because she's pregnant with her first child. Suddenly she is pouring over the stories and wants to know where to turn. I'm going to send her a link to a toy store in the village that sells adorable toys that I would bet are all free from poison. Yes, the toys cost more, but what price for piece of mind? U.S. companies selling Chinese made toys are going to have a very blue Christmas. Oh well, reap what ye sow.

Thanks to Jim for the link.

Comments

[Distributorcap]

all the parents of America should be so "thankful" we have folks like Grover Norquist who say government should be flushed down the toilet.....

less regulation Grover --- dead pets and sick children.......

[gmb]

Distributorcap: The pet food scare was awful. I don't thinnk that most folks know that thousands of pets died. But the toy recall by Mattel is going to really leave a mark, because there has been press follow up and, well, parents and others don't want to save a few cents to buy a toxic toy for a kid. This holiday shopping season is going to be very interesting. I expect to see more "Made in the U.S." or declarations that toys and other items aren't made in China. We shall see. GMB
P.S. We will know that justice has prevailed when Grover Norquist is finally convicted. He has a real Abramoff problem over his head. Here's to wishing.