200,000 toy dolls from China seized at U.S. ports

"There you see them, creepy little things, aren't they? Authorities say the dolls were made in China and worth about half a million dollars." (Via HLN)

Why are they dangerous? Officials say they contained high levels of chemical compounds banned from children's toys. Called phlates, they're used to make materials softer. (Via WLS)

It's believed the toys were shipped for holiday sales, but the toys' manufacturers haven't been publicly named. (Via KMGH)

The shipments were seized at ports including Chicago, Dallas, LA, Memphis and Portland.

The U.S. Commercial Targeting and Analysis Center says there were a total of 10 shipments. (Via KOMO)

And all the government agencies involved in stopping the shipments took the opportunity to tout the operation as a success, releasing this highly-produced video:

"By working together we keep kids safe."

For years now, China has come under fire for toys manufactured there that have been recalled for safety reasons, including toys coated in lead paint. (Via The New York Times)

In fact, in 2006, 467 products made in China were recalled. That was a record — and meant China at the time was responsible for 60 percent of the world's product recalls.

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