Mattel and China - Touch and Go

Thomas A. Debrowski, Mattel’s executive vice president for worldwide operations,  aplogized to Chinese Quality officials yesterday.  His remarks are now under scrutiny to determine whether or not the intent was to address harm that has come to the reputation of Chinese-made products as Mattel and other companies recalled millions of toys.  Mattel said in a statement: “Since Mattel toys are sold the world over, Mattel apologized to the Chinese today just as it has wherever its toys are sold.”

Despite a longstanding history of high-quality manufacturing, Mattel is having a difficult time keeping even the most forgiving customers at bay now.  Retailers, media companies and government officials in the United States, Europe and China have expressed concern over the recalls. Clearly the recalls have forced an awareness by consumers about where toys are made, which includes millions of them made in China.

Mr. Debrowski met with Li Changjiang, the head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. “Our cooperation is in the interests of Mattel, and both parties should value our cooperation,” Mr. Li said, according to an account of the meeting by The Associated Press. “I really hope that Mattel can learn lessons and gain experience from these incidents.”

Sounds like Mattel is trying to patch relations with vendors and that China is trying to avoid any responsibility to me. 
 
Mattel Lead Paint : GeoTrax recall
GeoTrax Mattel
GeoTrax Recall
Mattel's woes continue with yet another recall. This time on the GeoTrax engine. Mattel has a good link to verify whether your GeoTrax Automotive Engine is impacted: LINK
 
Mattel Said to Plan 2nd Toy Recall
According to the Associated Press, Mattel is said to be planning a second toy recall. Mattel is typically known as one of the most conscientious toy makers and is known for having sophisticated inspection and testing systems. This looming announcement could erode the longstanding confidence that consumers have had in Mattel. The fact that this can happen to Mattel really hilights the many challenges of managing Chinese facilities to guard against flawed, defective or tainted products.
 
Head of Chinese Beijing toy company commits suicide
Guangdong - Zhang Shuhong was a co-owner of the Chinese company recently implicated in the U.S. toy recall. He has committed suicide according to a state media report. The plot of China's food and product safety issues continue to thicken. Lee Der Industrial Co. in southern China is the company noted by several sources, and Shuhong reportedly hung himself in the company's warehouse this past weekend. Mattel had initiated a large scale toy recall of roughly 1 million items this month after paint in plastic preschool toys made by Shuhong's company was found to contain excessive levels of lead. According to the Southern Metropolis Daily newspaper, Shuhong was sold the defective paint by his best friend. The Lee Der toys were manufactured between April 19 and July 6 and sold in the U.S. under the Fisher-Price brand. They included popular toys including Big Bird, Elmo and the Dora and Diego characters.
 

Description

The recall includes various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names, pictures and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with “Fisher-Price,” are listed in the product list page. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging.

Consumer Action

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Fisher-Price. Consumers will need to return the product and will receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the consumer’s choice (up to the value of the returned product).

Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Fisher-Price at (800) 916-4498 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

CPSC Tips for choosing Toys for Children

  • Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
  • For infants, toddlers and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
  • Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
  • For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
  • Avoid electric toys with heating elements for a child under 8.
  • Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
  • Check toy instructions for clarity – for both you and, when appropriate, the child.
  • Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys, which can cause suffocation, before they become deadly playthings.

Choking Hazards

  • Keep small objects like small toys and parts of toys, marbles, balloons, small balls and coins off the floor and out of reach of children.

  • Toys designed for older children should be kept out of the hands of little ones.

  • Follow labels that give age recommendations; these age recommendations are based on safety concerns.

  • Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger siblings.

  • Check the eyes and noses of stuffed animals to ensure they are properly secured.