Don't have an account yet? You can create one. As a registered user you have some advantages like theme manager, comments configuration and post comments with your name.
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:22 am Post subject: Toy recall on top of toy recall
Toy recall on top of toy recall
October 2, 2007
By JUSTIN PRITCHARD
Associated Press Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The first recall was bad enough: A million-plus "Thomas & Friends" toys pulled because of lead paint. The second was surreal: The maker of the smiley-faced trains sent customers "bonus gifts" so they'd stay loyal - and now some of those toys have been recalled, too.
Even if you're not 3-year-old Zoe McGaha-Schletter, it's yet another mind-bending episode in a cascade of recalls that already had parents fretting what toys were safe for their kids.
"This is so exactly what the villain in a children's movie would do," said Zoe's father, Eban Schletter. "It's just ridiculous."
The year of the recall rolled on last week when the maker of popular Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway toys issued its second lead paint warning since June. Among the 200,000 or so items on the new list were about 2,000 tainted train cars that RC2 Corp. sent to customers who turned in recalled items over the summer.
The double recall dredges up issues of global supply chain management and China's role as factory to the world. It also shows how a company that says it's doing everything it can to ensure quality cannot guarantee that its products are lead free.
For Zoe, the consequences are simple: no more Thomas toys.
Her dad is tossing about $500 worth of trains, tracks and trestles, mostly from a spread he erected on a table at his Hollywood recording studio, where backup singers doing gigs for TV shows including "SpongeBob SquarePants" have plopped their kids as they worked.
While just 5 percent of Thomas toys have tested as exceeding the federal limit for lead paint (0.06 percent lead content in a product's paint), Schletter is severing all ties. He wants RC2 Corp. to do the same with China.
"It just blows my mind that no one even seems to consider the possibility of not doing business the way they do it," he said.
In June, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Illinois-based RC2 was voluntarily recalling about 1.5 million items in what would become the first of several major roundups involving lead paint on toys made in China. Children who ingest even small amounts of lead can suffer brain damage; large doses can kill.
By mid-September, the company had recovered about 1 million items, sending bonus gifts to customers who returned a product.
The goodwill gesture flopped when further testing showed that lead in the paint covering about 2,000 "Toad" train cars in the bonus shipment was up to four times higher than acceptable levels. The company had sent the stick-of-butter-sized items as part of 146,000 gifts it distributed to customers such as Schletter. Last week, RC2 recalled the affected Toads, along with about 200,000 other Thomas items.
The company - which ranks in the top 10 of U.S. toy makers with 2006 sales volume of about $500 million - has dropped its supplier, Hansheng Wood Products, which made the Toad pieces as well as the items in the first recall.
In a letter addressed to "Dear Valued Thomas and Friends Customer," company executives recognized the anguish the second recall would cause.
"We are deeply apologetic for and embarrassed by this turn of events, and remain determined to make it up to you and restore your confidence," wrote RC2 CEO Curt Stoelting and President Pete Henseler.
It won't be easy - already parents are venting on blogs.
Finding another manufacturer to keep the trains running to market on time also will be hard.
It takes time for a new factory to secure materials, set up its shop floor and then refine its process to meet quality expectations that RC2 says it will ratchet up even more.
"In the short term, they would be having a huge difficulty," said Hari Bapuji, a professor of international business at Canada's University of Manitoba who has studied recalls in the U.S. dating back 20 years. He found that unlike the Thomas recalls, the majority can be blamed on poor design, rather than shoddy manufacturing.
Schletter said he felt for RC2's predicament, but not enough to stay loyal. "You're talking about kids' lives," he said.
The company is offering a replacement Toad and another gift to anyone responding to the latest recall. Schletter said he'll take a pass.
Target Recalls Plush Boys Rattles Due to Choking Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Plush Boys Rattles
Units: About 82,000
Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Hazard: The recalled rattles can break open releasing the small beads inside, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled rattles were sold in three styles: a white baseball with red stitching, a brown football with white stitching, and an orange basketball with black stitching. The tag sewn into the rattle contains: "Reg. No. PA5706(CN), Distributed by Double Nice Co Ltd. 3f-2 No. 325, Wu Chuan Road, Taichung, Taiwan, Made in China."
Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from March 2007 through May 2007 for about $1.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled rattles away from young children immediately and return them to any Target store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com
There have been 12 more recalls this month alone. I cannot post them all here. They are on BuyDirectUSA.com under News. _________________ Buy American
www.buydirectusa.com/shop/ http://tinyurl.com/bpdo5
Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:45 am Post subject: Boy Scouts badge voluntarily recalled for lead
Boy Scouts badge voluntarily recalled for lead
Up to 1.6 million affected; plastic totem badges usually given to Cub Scouts
Updated: 7:45 p.m. ET Oct 4, 2007
DALLAS - The Boy Scouts of America said Thursday that a painted, plastic badge commonly worn by some of its youngest scouts is being voluntary recalled after a test revealed high levels of lead in the paint.
As many as 1.6 million of the badges, which are made in China, may be affected by the recall.
"We're doing everything we can," Boy Scouts spokesman Gregg Shields said.
The plastic totem badge is given to Cub Scouts, who are usually between the ages of 7 and 8. The badge has a yellow and blue border, includes a picture of a bear and wolf and reads "Progress Toward Ranks."
No illnesses have been reported, Shields said.
The unacceptable amounts of lead were discovered during a testing of Boy Scouts products, Shields said. He did not know the level of lead the test revealed.
The badges are supplied by Kahoot Products Inc., based in Roswell, Ga. The company is calling for a voluntary recall of the badge and asking parents to take them away from their children.
Lead levels trigger another massive toy recall
A phone message left with the company Thursday was not immediately returned.
Kahoot has supplied the badge to the Boy Scouts, based in Irving, Texas, for about eight years, Shields said. About 20,000 kits containing the badges have been sold each year since, he said.
bullet Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixtures Sold Exclusively at Home Depot Recalled by Lithonia Lighting Due to Shock Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lithonia Lighting, a division of Acuity Brands Lighting Inc., of Conyers, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 Lithonia Lighting Nickel End Wrap Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixtures. A wire inside the light fixture could be loose, posing an electrical shock hazard to consumers.
bullet Toshiba Recalls AC Adapters sold with Portable DVD Players Due to Burn Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Toshiba America Consumer Products LLC, of Wayne, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 142,000 Toshiba AC Adapters Sold with Portable DVD Players. The AC adapters can fail, causing the portable DVD player to overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
bullet Christmas Tree Shops Recalls Glitter Candles Due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Christmas Tree Shops Inc., of South Yarmouth, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 9,600 Sequin Glitter Candles. The candle’s exterior glitter coating can ignite, posing a fire hazard.
bullet Razor USA Recalls E300 Electric Scooters; Handlebars Can Detach Causing Loss of Control
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Razor USA LLC, of Cerritos, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 Razor® E300 Electric Scooters. A weld can break causing the handlebar to detach. This can cause the rider to lose control and fall from the scooter.
bullet P3 International Recalls IonizAir™ Air Purifiers Due to Risk of Fire
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Razor USA LLC, of Cerritos, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 IonizAir⁜ Table Top Air Purifiers. The air purifier’s cartridge can overheat, posing a risk of fire.
bullet Sports Authority Recalls Aluminum Water Bottles Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sports Authority, of Englewood, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 11,200 Alpine Design Aluminum Water Bottles. The surface paint on the water bottle contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
bullet Antioch Publishing Recalls Bookmarks and Journals Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Antioch Publishing, of Yellow Springs, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 150,000 Bookmarks and Journals. Paint on the spiral metal bindings of the journals, clip of the bookmarks and the clear coating on the marquis bookmarks and bracelets contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban.
bullet Key Chains Recalled by Dollar General Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dollar General Merchandising Inc., of Goodlettsville, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 192,000 Key Chains. The key chains contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
bullet CKI Recalls Children’s Decorating Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold Exclusively at Toys “R” Us
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), CKI Toys, of Hong Kong, is voluntarily recalling about 15,000 Children’s Toy Decorating Sets. Surface paint on the back of the recalled mirror contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
bullet Dollar General Recalls Tumblers Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dollar General Merchandising Inc., of Goodlettsville, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 63,000 Frankenstein Tumblers. Surface paint on the center of the eyes of some of the cups can contain high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
bullet Eveready Battery Co. Recalls Toy Flashlights Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Eveready Battery Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is voluntarily recalling about 79,000 “Pirates of the Caribbean” Medallion Squeeze Lights. Surface paints on the leather strap attached to the medallion squeeze light contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
bullet Kids II Recalls Baby Einstein Color Blocks Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kids II Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 35,000 Baby Einstein Discover & Play Color Blocks. Surface paint on the blue block contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
bullet KB Toys Recalls Wooden Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), KB Toys, Inc., of Pittsfield, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 10,000 Wooden Pull-Along Alphabet & Math Blocks Wagons, Wooden Pull-Along Learning Blocks Wagons, 10-in-1 Activity Learning Carts, and Flip-Flop Alphabet Blocks. Surface paints on the toys can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
bullet Honeywell Recalls Gas Valves Used in Decorative Fireplaces and Stoves Due To Burn Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Honeywell International Inc., of Morristown, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 4,000 Gas Valves Used in Decorative Fireplaces and Stoves. The activation knob on the valve can be left in a position between OFF and PILOT, which can cause the pilot gas to leak and accumulate prior to burner ignition. This can pose the risk of thermal burns to consumers when they light the pilot of the fireplace or stove.
bullet Target Recalls Plush Boys Rattles Due to Choking Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Target, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 82,000 Plush Boys Rattles. The recalled rattles can break open releasing the small beads inside, posing a choking hazard to young children.
bullet Salton Inc. and QVC Recall Electric Toasters Due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Ill. and QVC Inc., of West Chester, Pa., are voluntarily recalling about 5,200 Cook’s Essential Electric Toasters. The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard.
bullet Timberland Recalls Steel Toe Boots Due to Foot Injury Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Timberland Company, of Stratham, N.H., is voluntarily recalling about 193,000 pairs of Timberland PRO Direct Attach Steel Toe Boots. The boots could fail to provide the intended protection against compression and impact, posing the risk of a foot injury to consumers.
Joined: Apr 29, 2006 Posts: 171 Location: Huntington Beach, CA.
Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 4:09 am Post subject:
I have been saying for years of how are market is being flooded by made in China junk! I was mainly talking about tools. I can't think of much I hate more than a China made tool. Everybody laughed at me when I immediatley looked at the manufactor info on a product. If it said made in China, that was all I need to know. Some things I can't find a simular product not made in China. But when it comes to tools you can always find several quality made in USA ones. Another problem is that we buy this chineese junk, they use the money we give them to buy military surplus to someday use on us. What a deal. I partialy blame Americans for being the consumers that just want it cheap. Well you got it! Cheap and appartently deadly.By the way these recalls are just the ones that are known so far. Mark my words this is just the beginning. I won't even bring up the fact that all building material metals have risen about 300% in cost since Jan. 2006. Thanks to China's dam project, It going to collapse anyways because it's made in China.
Joined: May 22, 2006 Posts: 28628 Location: Mexifornia
Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 5:28 pm Post subject:
Who can keep up on all of these recalls?
~~~
J.C. Penney and others recall more than 90,000 toys
By Natasha T. Metzler
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
More than 90,000 children’s products, most imported by J.C. Penney Co. Inc., were recalled Thursday for containing dangerous levels of lead, a government safety group announced.
J.C. Penney recalled Chinese-made Winnie the Pooh play sets and decorative ornaments with a horse-theme, as well as art kits made in Taiwan and Vietnam. Totaling 70,400, the toys imported and sold by J.C. Penney all had excessive levels of lead in their surface paint.
Lead is toxic if ingested by young children. Under current regulations, children’s products found to have more than 0.06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall.
Consumer Product Safety Commission spokeswoman Julie Vallese said this round of toy recalls are “the direct result of the commitment that was made earlier this summer of cleaning the proverbial house.”
“We anticipate that we will continue to find products that are in violation, but we also anticipate that the number of products that are in violation will go down,” she said.
Due to the recent increase in recalls of lead-contaminated toys, J.C. Penney asked an independent laboratory to perform additional tests on its painted toys, according to spokeswoman Darcie Brossart. This process started sometime in August, she said, and the company alerted the CPSC to a potential recall just under two weeks ago.
An additional 20,300 Chinese-made toys were recalled by three other companies, according to CPSC. Miniature Jeff Gordon NASCAR helmets by Riddell Inc., bendable dinosaur toys by Kipp Brothers, and magnetic art kits by Cracker Barrel Old County Stores were also recalled for lead-contamination.
“What we don’t want parents to do is say ‘oh not another one’ and do nothing about it,” Vallese said. She encouraged parents not only to remove the recalled toys from children, but to follow the instructions to obtain refund or replacement products.
“Consumers do deserve to get something back for their recalled product,” Vallese said.
Joined: May 22, 2006 Posts: 28628 Location: Mexifornia
Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:46 pm Post subject:
Charity gives up on toys: Recalls limit toy acceptance at thrift stores
By MARCUS RAUHUT Staff writer
Oct 15, 2007
Local thrift stores are beginning to feel the fallout of the growing number of toy recalls.
"We have stopped taking toys -- period," said Maj. John Brooks of the Salvation Army, which operates a thrift store in Chambersburg. "If you've seen the recall list, you know it is an extensive list. There is no possible way our volunteers can check all of those."
Beginning in late August, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission began issuing a series of recalls after the discovery that some toys made in China contained lead paint.
The recalls played a part in the decision to close the Chambersburg Toy Mission. Now Brooks said accepting toys at the Salvation Army's Chambersburg thrift store is just not worth the risk.
"We cannot take a chance. We've had to stop taking them because we're concerned that once we resell them, then we could become responsible," Brooks said.
The Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, which operates thrift stores in Chambersburg and Shippensburg, will still sell toys, but the employees are keeping a close eye on which ones are placed on the shelves.
"We're still accepting toys, but we are cautious about what we put out because of the recalls. We get a lot of older toys and we're cautious with newer toys," said Jennifer Vanderau, communications director for Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.
Vanderau said the store is asking those who make donations to carefully check the government recall lists before making a donation.
Goodwill, which operates 36 thrift stores in south central Pennsylvania, has adopted a similar policy.
"We are still accepting toys but we are complying with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety guidelines and encouraging donors to throw away (recalled) items instead of giving to Goodwill," said Jennifer Ross, senior director of marketing and public relations. "We are looking at toys as they come in and disposing of recalled products. In talking to store managers, we have not received very many."
For the Salvation Army, the impact of the toy recall and the closing of the Chambersburg Toy Mission will really be felt later this winter, Brooks said.
Each year, local families in need could sign up through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program to receive assistance through donations -- including toys -- at Christmas time. Those who missed the sign-up were referred to the Toy Mission.
"Once we get to the point where we can't take any more families, we would send them to the Toy Mission. We can't do that anymore," Brooks said.
In the mean time, Brooks is trying to get the word out to families to make sure they sign up for the Angel Tree program in time this year. The sign-up times will be from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Nov. 1 through Nov. 7 from 2 to 6 p.m.
"We need to get people to come in to our sign-up times. Once we reach that certain point, it's impossible to reach that need," Brooks said. "We will always take care of emergencies. We will find a way to meet those needs if we have to work until midnight Christmas Eve."
Joined: May 22, 2006 Posts: 28628 Location: Mexifornia
Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:43 am Post subject:
Fisher-Price recalls more toys with lead
Mattel Recalls Additional 38,000 Fisher-Price Toys for Lead Contamination
NATASHA T. METZLER
AP News
Oct 25, 2007 17:06 EDT
Mattel Inc. recalled an additional 38,000 "Go Diego Go!" toys Thursday as part of a larger recall of 665,000 lead-contaminated children's products, the government said.
The nation's largest toy maker issued two major recalls in August for lead-tainted toys and toys with small, powerful magnets that can cause intestinal perforations if swallowed. At the time of the worldwide recall of 18.6 million toys, Mattel chief executive Bob Eckert predicted more recalls as a result of stepped-up oversight and testing.
Thursday's recall involved orange and yellow Go Diego Go! Animal Rescue Boats, manufactured in China and imported by Fisher-Price. According to Mattel there were 38,000 affected toys in the U.S., 12,000 in Great Britain and 5,500 in Canada, for a worldwide total of 55,500.
Surface paint on the boats contain excessive levels of lead. Several Diego toys were included in the August recall of 1.5 million Mattel toys.
Lead is toxic if ingested by young children. Under current regulations, children's products found to have more than 0.06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall.
Consumer Product Safety Commission spokeswoman Julie Vallese said the recalls are due to the increased scrutiny promised earlier this summer.
"The CPSC, as well as manufacturers, continue to look for products that may violate the lead paint standard," she said.
Mattel spokeswoman Lisa Marie Bongiovanni said the Diego boats were discovered as part of retroactive testing on products shipping out of Asia that were put on hold after the August recalls.
The CPSC also announced recalls of 627,000 other Chinese-made toys from various manufacturers that are contaminated with lead. The other toys include football bobble head cake decorations, Halloween pails, "Shrek the Third" and "Spider-Man 3" flashing rings, children's jewelry and toy gardening tools.
Vallese reminded parents that the effects of lead are cumulative and that the biggest risk to children remains lead paint in homes.
Representatives from Fisher-Price were not immediately available for comment.
Joined: May 22, 2006 Posts: 28628 Location: Mexifornia
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:57 pm Post subject:
UPDATE 1-Toys 'R' Us recalls Elite Operations toys for lead
Wed Oct 31, 2007 12:59pm EDT
(Adds fake teeth, Ribbit board game recalls)
WASHINGTON, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Toys "R" Us Inc is recalling about 16,000 Elite Operations toys because the surface coatings of the military-style toys contain excessive levels of lead, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Wednesday.
The Chinese-made toys were sold from July 2007 through October 2007, and include Super Rigs (#1004), Command Patrol Center (#1020), Barracuda Helicopter (#1023), and 3 Pack 8-inch Figures (#1024).
No other Elite Operations brand military play sets are included in this recall, the agency said.
The toys were sold in stores nationwide and online at toysrus.com for between $10 and $30. The agency said no incidents or injuries have been reported from the Elite Operations toys.
The CPSC also on Wednesday announced the recall of about 43,000 Chinese-made fake teeth sold as Halloween party favors and about 1,500 Chinese-made SimplyFun Ribbit board games because they contain unsafe levels of lead paint.
The "Ugly Teeth" party favors were imported by Amscan Inc and sold at various retailers throughout the United States in 2006 and this year for about $2, the agency said.
The CPSC said the Ribbit board games were sold by SimplyFun independent consultants nationwide from March 2007 through October 2007 for about $18.
The games each contain five frog-shaped wooden pieces that act as pawns for movement. The CPSC said the surface paint on the frogs contains excess levels of lead.
Consumers should immediately remove the frogs from the game and discontinue using them, the agency said. They can contact SimplyFun at (877) 557-7767 for a refund or a set of replacement frogs.
For the Elite Operations toys, consumers should immediately take the toy away from children and return it to any Toys 'R' Us for a full refund or store credit, the CPSC said.
Consumers who bought the fake teeth should return them to the store where they bought them for a refund, the agency said. (Reporting by Karey Wutkowski)
There are dozens of stories like this on BuyDirectUSA.com Under the In the News Section. I think you will like the subtitles. _________________ Buy American
www.buydirectusa.com/shop/ http://tinyurl.com/bpdo5
Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:42 pm Post subject: Danger drug found in Christmas toy
Danger drug found in Christmas toy
By Harry Wallop, Consumer Affairs Correspondent, and Nick Squires in Sydney
Last Updated: 1:39pm GMT 07/11/2007
A popular toy has been withdrawn from shops because of fears it may contain a potentially lethal hallucinogenic drug.
Bindeez: Danger drug found in Christmas toy
Bindeez had been tipped as one of the must-have toys this Christmas
Bindeez, which allows young children to make animals and other shapes from beads, were predicted to be a popular present this Christmas.
Retailers, including Woolworths and Argos, withdrew the sets after Moose Entertainment, an Australian company that designed the product, admitted that a "small number" of children in Australia needed treatment after swallowing the beads.
The beads, which are made in China, are supposed to be coated with a harmless glue to allow them to stick together.
Health authorities in New South Wales found they were covered in a chemical which, if swallowed, changes into a compound similar to GHB, a "date rape" drug. The reaction can cause seizures and unconsciousness.
A boy aged two and a 10-year-old girl were admitted to a hospital in Sydney last week after swallowing the beads.
A boy aged 19 months was treated in hospital in Queensland yesterday after eating some of the beads.
Richard King, the chairman of Character, which distributes Bindeez in Britain, said: "We've asked all our customers to take them off the shelf while we retest everything to make sure the toys comply with all regulations."
Moose said it had discovered that some Bindeez in Australia contained ingredients "that did not match laboratory-approved" products.
The Toy Retailers Association named Bindeez as one of their top toys for Christmas. Gary Grant, its chairman, said: "They have been selling very well in recent weeks."
It is understood that about £10 million worth of sets were due to be sold this year.
Character said it would take about four days to retest the products and no retailer could sell them until it received the results from the laboratory.
The retailers said it was "far too early" to talk about a product recall, which could see hundreds of thousands of the toys being returned.
Joined: Apr 24, 2006 Posts: 1868 Location: Stronghold of Suffolk County N.Y.
Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject:
There should be an US embargo on Red Chinese consumables including chemicals used in food, anything that comes in contact with children, Toys, Clothes, Furniture, etc. Until we can get to the bottom of whats going on. _________________
Joined: Sep 10, 2007 Posts: 230 Location: Ventura County
Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:54 pm Post subject:
Where do you shop to find merchandise MADE in America! The idea that trade with China would encourage democracy had its day. Without strict moderation of imports ( quantity and quality ) we are doomed as a nation of American's who produce anything! It's not just China we are importing to our disadvantage. What made America strong what won the wars in Europe was our ability to sustain oursleves!!! We gave Japan the technology to build the weapons used against us! Our junk autos used to build their planes. When will America learn from the lessons of the past! _________________ " An appeaser is someone who feds a crocidile hoping to be eaten last " Winston Churchill
There was song written in the late 60s or early 70s , " WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS " . It was about the people of Bangledesh if memory serves me right .
I always thought it was one of the most beautiful songs ever writen .
It now reminds me of my country and the complacent fools who have been ,converted, perverted ,all while being alerted !
Can anyone here paste the lyrics ? I think it fits us now .
Lyrics: While My Guitar Weeps
I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping
While my guitar gently weeps
I look at the floor and I see it need sweeping
Still my guitar gently weeps
I don't know why nobody told you
how to unfold you love
I don't know how someone controlled you
they bought and sold you
I look at the world and I notice it's turning
While my guitar gently weeps
With every mistake we must surely be learning
Still my guitar gently weeps
I don't know how you were diverted
you were perverted too
I don't know how you were inverted
no one alerted you
I look at you all see the love there that's sleeping
While my guitar gently weeps
I look at you all
Still my guitar gently weeps
Oh, oh, oh
oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
oh oh, oh oh, oh oh
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
yeah yeah yeah yeah Availability:
Anthology 3 (CD)
1967-1970 (Blue Album) (CD)
The Beatles (The White Album) (CD)
The Beatles (UK)
The Beatles (The White Album) (US)
Lead Singer: George
Recording: 7/25/68, 8/16/68, 9/3/68, 9/5/68, 9/6/68
Mixing: 10/7/68, 10/14/68
Length: 4:50
Take: 25 _________________ The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men. Plato
Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:45 pm Post subject: Move over lead, now we have asbestos in toys
Move over lead, now we have asbestos in toys
by Patricia Mayville-Cox
Dec 1st 2007 @ 2:00PM
Filed under: Kids and Parenting, News
Asbestos has been found in a variety of products including the CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit and two brands of play clay, in addition to home products such as cleanser, roof sealers and duct tape. The products were tested by labs hired by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Foundation.
The CSI Fingerprinting Kit has a collection of plastic tools and three types of powders, two of which had high levels of asbestos, especially concerning since kids will be touching the powder directly as they search for fingerprints. According to the manufacturer, Planet Toys, "The kit has been tested and has met all safety standards requirements as set by toy safety agencies and legislation, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agencies don't require asbestos testing and therefore we have never been apprised of any unacceptable levels of asbestos."
The clay that contained asbestos was Art Skills' Clay Bucket.
Good work Asbestos Disease Foundation. I'm glad we have private, non-profit groups working to keep us safe, because it sure doesn't feel like the government is on some days.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:36 pm Post subject: valentine lollipops from China contain pieces of razor blade
02/14/08
Blade Found In Pokemon Lollipop Leads To Recall
Razor Found In Valentine's Day Lollipop In Florida
A nationwide recall is in effect for a Valentine's Day candy that could be dangerous. Dollar General Stores is removing all Pokemon Ten Valentine Cards and pops from its shelves after a woman said her son found a blade in a sucker in Lakeland, Florida.
The national chain has also issued an immediate stop sale of the product.
The woman's son discovered the blade as he was preparing Valentine's greetings. Only one lollipop had the blade in it.
The product is made in china and imported by Sherwood Brands. The bar code is 073964209109.
For additional information regarding pokemon ten valentine cards and pops, you can call sherwood brands customer service at 4014347773 extention 271.
WASHINGTON – Toy distributor Mega Brands Inc. recalled about 2.4 million Chinese-made toys Monday, because small magnets could fall out and cause internal damage.
These tiny magnets could fall out of the toys and be swallowed or inhaled by children. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal.
Mega Brands is recalling 1.1 million Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. preschool toys. The company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have received 19 reports of magnets falling out of these toys. In one incident an 18-month-old boy put a magnet in his mouth, but it was not swallowed. In another, a 3-year-old boy needed medical treatment to remove a magnet from his nasal cavity.
The recall also includes about 1.3 million MagnaMan magnetic action figures. The company and commission have received 25 reports of magnets falling out of the figures. No incidents involving magnets from the action figures have been reported.
In March 2006, Mega Brands recalled 3.8 million Magnetix magnetic building sets because one child died and four others were seriously injured after swallowing tiny magnets in the toys.
Monday's recalled products were sold at toy stores around the country, including Wal-Mart, Target, Toys "R" Us and Kmart between January 2005 and December 2007.
This story above is just one of the recalls done so far this year. On Non food products, there have been 76 recalls by the CPC 8 of those recalls were for American Made Products. The rest (6 well all imported.
http://www.buydirectusa.com/links/articles.php?n=332
I dont think alot of people realize where the majority of toys are made.
This story above is just one of the recalls done so far this year. On Non food products, there have been 76 recalls by the CPC 8 of those recalls were for American Made Products. The rest (6 well all imported.
http://www.buydirectusa.com/links/articles.php?n=332
I dont think alot of people realize where the majority of toys are made.
I understand that, but there is an easy solution, look at the label.
Reebok paying record $1 million fine for recalled bracelets that contained toxic lead levels
Updated: 11:19 a.m. 3/18/08
WASHINGTON - Athletic shoe and apparel maker Reebok has agreed to pay a $1 million fine for importing and distributing charm bracelets that contained toxic levels of lead and resulted in the death of a 4-year-old boy.
The civil penalty is the largest ever for a violation of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and follows a 2006 recall of 300,000 of the Chinese made bracelets, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.
The previous record fine of $600,000 was paid by Winco Fireworks in 2005 for importing dangerous fireworks from China, according to an agency spokeswoman.
Related links
Toy recalls: Search our database of toys recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The bracelets were provided as free gifts by Reebok International Ltd. with the purchase of various styles of children's footwear. In March 2006, the company learned that a 4-year-old boy from Minneapolis died after swallowing the bracelet's heart-shaped pendant. There were no other deaths or injuries reported, a CPSC spokeswoman said.
``This civil penalty sends a clear message that the CPSC will not allow companies to put children's safety at risk,'' Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord said in a release.
Reebok denied violating federal law in the settlement agreement signed last week.
Reebok CEO Paul Harrington said in a statement that, since the recall, the company has put in place procedures ``which ensure all gift-with-purchase and promotional items and premium products associated with our brand meet or exceed the highest quality and safety standards.''
The Canton, Mass.-based company issued a notice in April 2006 that said it was recalling about 510,000 pendants that were distributed worldwide beginning in May 2004.
While the Reebok recall was announced two years ago, problems with Chinese exports continued in 2007. There were a number of high-profile recalls of potentially deadly products made in China last year including toothpaste, other toys tainted with lead, and pet food that contained a toxic chemical.
Adidas AG acquired Reebok in 2006 in a $3.8 billion deal that helped the German company expand in the U.S. to better compete with Nike Inc. and Puma AG.
All times are GMT - 4 Hours Goto page Previous1, 2, 3Next
Page 2 of 3
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Contribute/Join
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
well all imported.
I dont think alot of people realize where the majority of toys are made.