Consumer welcomes ban on excessive lead levels

MEDIA RELEASE 19 September 2007

Consumer welcomes ban on excessive lead levels in toys

Consumer today welcomed both the move to ban children’s toys with excessive lead levels and the news that the government is planning to develop a mandatory standard for lead content in toys.

Consumer CEO Sue Chetwin said the organisation had been calling for tighter toy-safety standards following the recent spate of recalls of Chinese-made toys. Several global recalls of Mattel toys had focused attention on the safety of imported goods, particularly those made in China.

“The move by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to ban toys with excessive lead levels and to develop a standard should restore consumer confidence in toy safety,” Chetwin said.

“However, if anyone has any doubts when buying toys, they should not hesitate to ask retailers whether what they are selling meets international standards. Customers are protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act which says goods must be of acceptable quality and be safe,” she said.

Parents concerned about lead in children’s toys can visit Consumer’s website www.consumer.org.nz for free advice.

ENDS

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