I'm sure you heard about Mattel apologizing to the Chinese government

for suggesting that Chinese factories were at fault for Mattel's various toy recalls, no? My immediate question was what did the Chinese offer (or what threat did they make) to get the Mattel CEO to blow them on tv? Why so cynical, you ask? Here's why: China-made kid's jewelry, toys recalled .

Here's an easy guide for you to follow when shopping for children's gifts: if the item says made in China, throw it the hell back. Same rule applies for every other fucking thing you buy. Truth is, I'm going to try to stick to U.S., Canadian and EU made products. There are no guarantees that U.S., Canadian and EU made products are going to be completely free of crap, but the EU is anal about regulating food products, for example, and at least we have some regulation in the US. As for the Canadians? They are very polite, and there is nothing mannerly at all about selling us poison coated toys.

Comments

[Sorghum Crow]

Mattel took a page from Cheney's hunting partner.

[phil_in_ny]

I read somewhere that the reason for the led paint, courtesy of Matel, was part of Bush administration coporate corruption policy, allowing companies like Matel to save money by doing so.

[gmb]

Sorghum & Phil: I understand that along with cheap labor and lax (i.e., no) regulation, China is willing to negotiate tax rates with foreign corporations. I was wondering if Mattel got a fat tax benefit from the Chinese or a promise of even cheaper labor, etc. They got something, because the blowback from parents and others who want to buy toys for kids has to hurt. As for me, no Chinese anything. GMB

[distributorcap]

today there was announcement that MORE cribs made in --- shall i say --- the land of the great wall and the next olympics --- were being recalled.

that is just after last week's crib recall

i dont even know where to begin on this --- and just know that some many products made not be "made" in China, but could have parts that were made in China. (like the Pet Food problem of earlier this year).

complete corporate greed -- and consumer greed too...

we wont do anything until some congressasswipe has a problem...

but like the Ford Pinto -- when it was actuarially (is that a word) cheaper to pay off the few problems that might occur than recall all the Pintos, most people would rather save 10% on a crib or a toy and take a chance rather than buy a product that is not suspect

just my 2 cents

[gmb]

distributorcap: Thing is, Ford got nailed when that information came out and the jury made sure they knew that it was never cheaper to pay off the families of the dead rather than fix a problem with their cars. With Mattel the effect may be less overt, but they will feel it. My nieces like Barbies, but no Mattel crap now. And while many people look at the bottom line, the bottom line looks different when you are talking about their kids. Everyone knows kids and lead paint shouldn't mix. I think Mattel and any company selling toys made in china will not have a happy christmas. But you are right about Chinese made components. I recently read that china makes something like 90% of the world's vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. Nice. Smart vendors are announcing that they don't use imported food products, I think others may run with this fast growing niche. GMB

[DA]

Here ya go, you'll enjoy this site: http://www.chinacrapwatch.com/

[gmb]

DA: Great site. Thanks! GMB