Toymaker Mattel fined for lead poisoning of kids

WASHINGTON: US toymaker Mattel Inc has been fined $2.3 million by the United States' Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for importing lead-tainted toys from China.

Mattel and its subsidiary Fisher-Price were fined on Friday for violating a ban on bringing dangerous products into the US, the commission said.

The violation dates back to 2007, which the company had to recall about two million toys of 95 different types made in China, including plastic toy cars and accessories for the popular Barbie dolls, for violating a ban on lead paint.

"These highly publicised toy recalls helped spur Congressional action last year to strengthen CPSC and make even stricter the ban on lead paint on toys," said acting commission chairman Thomas Moore.

"This penalty should serve notice to toymakers that CPSC is committed to the safety of children, to reducing their exposure to lead, and to the implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act."