Suppliers, Recalls, and Accountability - Lead painted toys

CO: Mattel recalls toys made with lead paint in Chinese factories

Tip of the hat for recalling at least a million toys that could harm children
Wag of the finger for Mattel not monitoring suppliers sufficiently.

What is the standard of care that toy companies are expected to practice? Should the standard be higher, because Mattel and Fisher price are selling to children?

The challenge of monitoring suppliers for labour and sweatshop conditions is not a new one for Mattel 

Mattel has a code of conduct that spells out "responsibilities"

Our Responsibility to Consumers 

• Product Quality and Safety
  
  Mattel's reputation for product quality and safety is among its most valuable assets,
  and our commitment to product quality and safety is essential. Children's health,
  safety and well-being are our primary concern. We could damage our consumers'
  trust if we sell products that do not meet our standards.
  
  Our commitment to product quality and safety is an integral part of the design,
  manufacturing, testing and distribution processes. We will meet or exceed legal
  requirements and industry standards for product quality and safety. We strive to
  meet or exceed the expectations of our customers and consumers.
  
  Any compromise to product safety or quality must be immediately reported to
  Worldwide Quality Assurance.

 [Emphasis added]

This reporting requirement of is stated in the imperative "must" form, which suggests that there is no option to not report. The question is whether a report to an internal body ( Worldwide Quality Assurance) meets Mattel's corporate obligations to consumers?

  Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)

For public safety information: Up-to-date

List of products - current August 2, 2007

It is very important to emphasize that because Mattel is conducting a thorough review of all products manufactured by vendors in China, there may be additions made to this list.

---