US sets hearing on lead-tainted toys
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Washington
US lawmakers are looking for answers from more than a dozen companies that this year recalled lead-tainted toys and children's jewellery imported fromChina.
The committee said it was trying to understand how "dangerous products" continued to cross US borders and flood stores and vending machines.
"These massive recalls of lead-contaminated products raise serious concerns," said John Dingell, Commerce Committee chairman.
His remarks, and his vow to hold a hearing on September 19, underscore how the health and safety scares are gaining momentum as a political issue. They also show companies may face tougher regulations on imported goods.
In the letter to Mattel, lawmakers sought more information about lead levels, details of the company and facility in China that made the toys, what provisions Mattel had with manufacturers banning the use of lead and what steps the company took to inspect imported toys.
"China's trade policies have long undermined America's economic interests," said Cliff Stearns, a Republican congressman who sent the letters. "Now we are seeing Chinese imports posing a serious health threat throughout the nation."
Wal-Mart the largest retailer, separately told the Associated Press on Thursday that it was increasing its testing and safety of toys ahead of the holiday season following the spate of toy recalls.
A Wal-Mart executive said the company would ask manufacturers to resubmit testing documentation for toys that had been shipped and those already on the shelves.
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential hopeful, recently called for Washington to be "tougher" on China from now on.
"I do not want to eat bad food from China or have my children having toys that are going to get them sick," she said in a debate.
US lawmakers are looking for answers from more than a dozen companies that this year recalled lead-tainted toys and children's jewellery imported fromChina.
The committee said it was trying to understand how "dangerous products" continued to cross US borders and flood stores and vending machines.
"These massive recalls of lead-contaminated products raise serious concerns," said John Dingell, Commerce Committee chairman.
His remarks, and his vow to hold a hearing on September 19, underscore how the health and safety scares are gaining momentum as a political issue. They also show companies may face tougher regulations on imported goods.
In the letter to Mattel, lawmakers sought more information about lead levels, details of the company and facility in China that made the toys, what provisions Mattel had with manufacturers banning the use of lead and what steps the company took to inspect imported toys.
"China's trade policies have long undermined America's economic interests," said Cliff Stearns, a Republican congressman who sent the letters. "Now we are seeing Chinese imports posing a serious health threat throughout the nation."
Wal-Mart the largest retailer, separately told the Associated Press on Thursday that it was increasing its testing and safety of toys ahead of the holiday season following the spate of toy recalls.
A Wal-Mart executive said the company would ask manufacturers to resubmit testing documentation for toys that had been shipped and those already on the shelves.
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential hopeful, recently called for Washington to be "tougher" on China from now on.
"I do not want to eat bad food from China or have my children having toys that are going to get them sick," she said in a debate.