Supermarkets and major retailers in Singapore are scrambling to recall more toys after a national survey revealed that half of 50 toys available on shelves contained chemicals which can be harmful to children.
The survey done by the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) revealed on Monday that 23 out of the 50 toys tested were found to contain excessive amounts of lead and phthalates, a chemical commonly added to plastics to increase durability and flexibility.
All of the toxic toys were made in China, and some even had the “CE” mark, a label signifying it conformed to European Union safe product requirements.
Excessive lead levels in children can potentially harm the nervous system and kidneys and affect speech, hearing and language learning, while phthalates may disrupt natural hormone levels and affect development.
The Straits Times reports that the findings have sparked off a chain reaction from Singapore retailers who are pulling off toys from their shelves in question. It has also prompted retailers to do more checks on imported toys in their stores.
Supermarket and department store chains, FairPrice and Giant, said that they will now work with respective suppliers on ways to improve checks on the toys sold in their outlets. Giant, in addition, plans to conduct a review of its products.
Giant toy store Toys ‘R’ Us has recalled two items being sold — a 20cm Toys ‘R’ Us-branded doll dress in sportswear, and a girls’ accessories set by Boley.
Local retail chain Minitoons, has withdrawn two toys identified as toxic and three others from the same product ranges which are also currently being tested.
The toxic toys are either soft, flexible toys shaped like egg tarts or soft toy keychains that look like tofu. A total of 1,000 toys have been recalled from 16 Minitoons outlets.
Minitoons assistant general manager, Mr Andrew Ang , told The Straits Times that about 500 of those toys have been sold. He said his company, which orders its stocks from China, rarely tests its products as it believes that the suppliers would comply with China’s safety standards.
Other toy retailers are adopting a “wait and see” game.
Tai Sing and Megcorp, which imports some of the toxic toys, say that they do not intend to conduct checks while Megcorp will continue to rely on reputable factories instead.
Tai Sing’s director A.K. Wong, said, “It’s not within our jurisdiction. I don’t agree (with Case that) it’s our responsibility. We are not a manufacturer; we are just an importer.”
Still, the company will look to the Government and Case for advice on the next necessary steps.
This is not the first time made-in-China toys have been found to contain toxic materials.
Two years ago, toy maker Mattel had to recall 9 million Chinese-made toys, including popular Barbie, Polly Pocket and “Cars” movie items due to the presence of lead paint and tiny magnets that could be swallowed.
http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/18/toxic-toy-story-sparks-major-scare/
The survey done by the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) revealed on Monday that 23 out of the 50 toys tested were found to contain excessive amounts of lead and phthalates, a chemical commonly added to plastics to increase durability and flexibility.
All of the toxic toys were made in China, and some even had the “CE” mark, a label signifying it conformed to European Union safe product requirements.
Excessive lead levels in children can potentially harm the nervous system and kidneys and affect speech, hearing and language learning, while phthalates may disrupt natural hormone levels and affect development.
The Straits Times reports that the findings have sparked off a chain reaction from Singapore retailers who are pulling off toys from their shelves in question. It has also prompted retailers to do more checks on imported toys in their stores.
Supermarket and department store chains, FairPrice and Giant, said that they will now work with respective suppliers on ways to improve checks on the toys sold in their outlets. Giant, in addition, plans to conduct a review of its products.
Giant toy store Toys ‘R’ Us has recalled two items being sold — a 20cm Toys ‘R’ Us-branded doll dress in sportswear, and a girls’ accessories set by Boley.
Local retail chain Minitoons, has withdrawn two toys identified as toxic and three others from the same product ranges which are also currently being tested.
The toxic toys are either soft, flexible toys shaped like egg tarts or soft toy keychains that look like tofu. A total of 1,000 toys have been recalled from 16 Minitoons outlets.
Minitoons assistant general manager, Mr Andrew Ang , told The Straits Times that about 500 of those toys have been sold. He said his company, which orders its stocks from China, rarely tests its products as it believes that the suppliers would comply with China’s safety standards.
Other toy retailers are adopting a “wait and see” game.
Tai Sing and Megcorp, which imports some of the toxic toys, say that they do not intend to conduct checks while Megcorp will continue to rely on reputable factories instead.
Tai Sing’s director A.K. Wong, said, “It’s not within our jurisdiction. I don’t agree (with Case that) it’s our responsibility. We are not a manufacturer; we are just an importer.”
Still, the company will look to the Government and Case for advice on the next necessary steps.
This is not the first time made-in-China toys have been found to contain toxic materials.
Two years ago, toy maker Mattel had to recall 9 million Chinese-made toys, including popular Barbie, Polly Pocket and “Cars” movie items due to the presence of lead paint and tiny magnets that could be swallowed.
http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/18/toxic-toy-story-sparks-major-scare/
