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DEL.ICIO.US“Parents cautious about made-in China toys”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dorinda Legg wrapped up her Christmas shopping Wednesday at the Toys”R” Us in Duluth.
“My son wants Pokemon,” said Legg, who teaches dance at The Studio in Lilburn. “I think it’s made in Japan.”
We chatted in the store parking lot. I wasn’t allowed to talk to shoppers inside the big-box retailer. So I approached customers as they left the store to get some sense of the concern about toys made in China.
This Asian giant, which manufactures about 80 percent of the toys sold in the United States, has had a series of safety scares. In mid-August, Mattel recalled nearly 1 million Chinese-made toys that were coated with toxic paint.
Of course, not all toxic toys come from China. And there’s bilateral blame to share. China doesn’t design toys. U.S. toy makers do. Most recalls in the last 20 years were due to design problems, according to an article in USA Today.
No matter how hard you try to focus on the reason for the season, most kids equate Christmas to gifts. Toys. And when it comes to toys, buying American is tough. Only about 10 percent are actually made in America.
What’s a parent to do?
Well, Akila Nasarajan of Lawrenceville opted for educational presents. Board games, paint sets and such for Nina, 5, and Natasha, 12. Nothing with small parts.
“A lot of parents don’t know what’s going on because they don’t ever read the newspapers,” she told me. “Clark Howard has a section on his Web site devoted to [recalled toys]. They still sell them on eBay. People buy them because they are cheaper.”
Connie Garman of Alpharetta came to Duluth in search of a board game - “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”
“I got the last one!” beamed Garman, who bought it for Merisa, her 12-year-old daughter.
This Alpharetta mom thinks parents are especially concerned about Chinese-made toys if they have small kids.
“They put things in their mouths,” she said.
Wal-Mart wouldn’t let the Badie Tour set up in any of its local stores, but a company spokeswoman told me about the “Toy Safety Net Program.” It requires toy suppliers to provide testing documentation for toys on shelves and en route to stores. Wal-Mart also hires independent laboratories to conduct an additional 200 tests a day, focusing on toys for kids up to age 3. Results are shared with the industry.
“It’s just more help for China,” said Jami Lamontagne.
Legg, the dance instructor, said many of the parents of the 100 or so kids she teaches have talked about an “anti-China Christmas.”
“Especially those with little ones,” she said.
She bought the Pokemon toy for Andrew, her 9-year-old son.
Before I left Toys “R” Us, I went inside to check out the Pokemon selection. All the items I saw carried the same label:
“Made in China.”
Rick Badie’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at 770-263-3875 or e-mail: rbadie@ajc.com.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Rick Badie
Comments
By Mark
December 20, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Chirp, chirp, chirp….
Like we’re not aware of this? How about some quality journalism for a change??
By Bruce Wicox
December 20, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Troll, it is an important issue in more ways then one, as pointed out in Rick’s article the toys are designed here, they’re suppose to have American quality control inspectors on site, few bother.
They have little inspection by this government when they arrive on our shores.
Profit over childrens safety is important, it is a wake up call for all parents to double check where the toys are made, better yet, buy American, save a job.
Just think how many fly off the dollar store shelves, with such a small profit margin do you really think they can afford to have an employee checking all recalled products.
An all out boycott of all China goods would be a boost to our economy. Again Buy American and save a job.
By lucky
December 20, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
I only bought made in the USA toys for my grandchildren. My husband made a doll house and furniture and we painted it ourselves. All of our gifts were made here or left on the shelves. Research on the net - its possible. Mattel would and should be out of business in one holiday season if people would refuse this junk. Pike Nursery filed for bankruptcy after a short time of water bans - and they did not even poison anyone.
I lost 2 cats from those reckless companies who put profit over safety. My grandchildren are too important to give them anything but safe toys.
Parents buying that junk should be reported to DFACS.
By Katie
December 21, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
I’m just wondering how many people pay attention to the lead content in items made in the USA. Not everything gets checked here either. And the government isn’t always our best friends.
By Bruce Wicox
December 21, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Isn’t lead-based paint banned in the United States Katie?
By Katie
December 22, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
lead is not only used paint, its use can be found on construction sites, in certain types of batteries, bullets, solder and pewter. If you have old pipes in your house, they may contain lead as well. Although the US is attempting to ban lead all older homes, antiques, collectibles will contain lead. I’m simply saying that people should look around them and open their eyes to what dangers are still sitting right in front of us.
By Airborne
December 26, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Mark you must use,used baby pampers to wash your face because you never have anything positive to say.What exactly do you do from home,since you have your own business?Why not let the readers know your profession.You probably just sit there and think of negative things to say about people.I still think you were the child that was left in the closet and could only come out at night when everyone else was sleep.
By Mark
December 30, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
MYOB, Airborne
Just because you choose to ignore the downfall of this country because of an inept president doesn’t mean it isnt happening. This country is f***, and you whistle thru life like you don’t even care. It’s blind fools like you that is causing this country to fall on it’s face. Those boys over in Iraq didn’t sign up to fight a false war. They signed up for the perks being in the service provides. They are being murdered by Bush. He ought to be hung.
By Mark
December 30, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Airborne
BTW, my occupation is finding guys for your sister…..