Because They’re Looking

Yesterday Mattel announced another recall of toys made in China. In this case the recall was due to lead paint having been used in the subject toys:

The reputation of China’s manufacturing industry has suffered a new blow after Mattel announced a third recall of toys in just over a month because they contain lead paint.

The world’s largest toymaker said it was recalling 800,000 toys, most of them accessories for Barbie dolls, which it said contained “impermissible” levels of lead paint and had been produced by seven different companies in China.

The announcement follows a month-long investigation by Mattel of its toys and suppliers, especially in China, after evidence emerged that lead paint was being used in the company’s supply chain. In two separate announcements in August, the group said it was recalling nearly 3m toys worldwide because of the presence of lead, which can be damaging to children’s health.

That’s the third recall announced by Mattel of toys manufactured in China in less than a month. Why is Mattel suddenly finding all these problematic toys?

Because they’re looking.

Just to be very clear about my position: I think it’s both unfair and ineffective to single China out. It’s unfair because, since China manufactures so much, many problems will be found with products produced in China. It’s ineffective because China isn’t the only country whose products have problems.

Knowing the vendors with whom you’re dealing, establishing standards, and monitoring compliance continually are the only solutions to the problems with shoddy imports. It’s not just one country or one kind of product that needs scrutiny. There’s no substitute for due diligence.

By the way, Mattel is known as one of the more stringent companies in its industry. Does that make you feel better?

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