After Mattel, Walt Disney, others to test their toys for lead
With US major Mattel ordering three separate recall of millions of Chinese made toys found to contain unsafe levels of lead paint, Walt Disney would begin its own testing of toys featuring Disney characters, including random testing of products al...
By PTI |
NEW YORK: With US major Mattel ordering three separate recall of millions of Chinese made toys found to contain unsafe levels of lead paint, Walt Disney would begin its own testing of toys featuring Disney characters, including random testing of products already on store shelves.
Also, Toys R Us, the nation's largest toy retailer, has notified manufacturers that it, too, no longer feels that their tests are enough and will hold independent lab testing.
Executives at Disney made the decision to institute the testing last week and intend to inform Mattel and other toy manufacturers today.
"It sends the message that we are looking over their shoulders," said Andy Mooney, the chairman of Disney's consumer products division, was quoted as saying by the media on Monday.
Retailers and toymakers fear that the recalls could put a cloud of suspicion over the entire toy business just before the critical holiday shopping season.
Disney's plan, the paper said, represents a significant shift in the toy business. Traditionally, these companies have licensed their characters to toy companies, deposited their royalty checks and left quality control up to the manufacturers. The toymakers are usually held liable legally for harm caused by the toys they make.
Starting this week, engineers will regularly visit random stores, fill their carts with branded toys and take them to independent labs for testing, the media said.
Also, Toys R Us, the nation's largest toy retailer, has notified manufacturers that it, too, no longer feels that their tests are enough and will hold independent lab testing.
Executives at Disney made the decision to institute the testing last week and intend to inform Mattel and other toy manufacturers today.
"It sends the message that we are looking over their shoulders," said Andy Mooney, the chairman of Disney's consumer products division, was quoted as saying by the media on Monday.
Retailers and toymakers fear that the recalls could put a cloud of suspicion over the entire toy business just before the critical holiday shopping season.
Disney's plan, the paper said, represents a significant shift in the toy business. Traditionally, these companies have licensed their characters to toy companies, deposited their royalty checks and left quality control up to the manufacturers. The toymakers are usually held liable legally for harm caused by the toys they make.
ADVERTISEMENT
Starting this week, engineers will regularly visit random stores, fill their carts with branded toys and take them to independent labs for testing, the media said.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
