Escalating Recalls for High Lead in Consumer Products
September 2007 (07B-151)
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The dramatic increase in recalls for hazardous substances such as lead in consumer products has made product safety the key issue in today’s marketplace. To date, excessive levels of lead have been identified in a variety of products including toys, bibs, jewelry, and stationery accessories.
With continued recalls in the marketplace, it is important for manufacturers and retailers to re-evaluate their quality assurance programs and consider the need for a comprehensive approach that includes product testing, raw material certification and factory audits.
A summary of recent recalls follows along with links to government websites for additional information. |
U.S.: September 4 - Children’s toys recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the voluntary recall of about 675,000 accessory toys for a popular doll, due to excessive levels of lead on surface coatings.
U.S.: August 22 - Children’s metal jewelry recalled for lead exposure
The CPSC announced two voluntary recalls of children’s metal jewelry for high levels of lead. The jewelry included silver-colored bracelets with silver-colored charms and jewelry sets with a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and ring set.
US: August 22 - Spinning tops and tin pails recalled due to violation of lead paint standard
The CPSC announced a voluntary recall of spinning tops and tin pails. The surface paints on the wooden handles of the tops and pails contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
U.S.: August 22 - Address books and journals recalled due to violation of lead paint standard
The CPSC announced a voluntary recall of address books and journals. The paint on the metal spiral bindings of the books contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban.
U.K.: August 20 - High lead levels found in jewelry
A well-known toy store in the UK, pulled two products, imported from China, from its shelves after it was revealed that they contained excessive levels of lead. One of the products, a £4.99 bracelet with heart shapes contained more than 93% lead, which is enough to cause brain damage and in rare cases death should a child chew the bracelet.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=476335&in_page_id=1770
U.S.: August 15 - More lead-tainted baby bibs found
The Center for Environmental Health (CEH) in California announced that independent testing has found more baby bibs with high levels of lead. Vinyl bibs tested for lead levels were found to be between three and four times the legal limit for lead in paint. CEH took legal action, notifying the retailers that their bibs violate California law.
U.S. and Europe: August 2 and August 6 - Toys recalled for lead
Eighty-three types of toys, including popular character figures were recalled, because their paint contained excessive amounts of lead. The CPSC announced the recall on August 2. It involved 967,000 plastic preschool toys made by a Chinese vendor and sold in the U.S. between May and August 2007. An additional notification was made on August 6 by British authorities for the same batch of toys which also was recalled in Europe. Based on the notification, these toys made by a contract manufacturer in China, were sold in 11 EU countries.
Bureau Veritas an Industry Leader in Product Testing
With experienced technical professionals in the area of consumer product testing, we are committed to assisting retailers and manufacturers in meeting critical safety and compliance standards for their products.
Our testing services are just one method in which we can help you deliver compliant and reliable products to market. By examining the various points in your supply chain, we can further help you assess and maintain product quality throughout the lifecycle of your product.
Taking Proactive and Preventive Steps
Implementing the right services at the right point along the supply
chain can dramatically increase the effectiveness of a quality assurance program. As the marketplace continues to evolve and shift, it is important to re-evaluate your current program against the regulatory and industry changes taking place today.
With years of experience, a strong reputation and a full understanding of the retail marketplace, we are ready to help you get through existing and future challenges to protect your company’s most important asset – your brand. We offer a variety of solutions and services throughout the supply chain. Please call your program manager or contact our nearest location to discuss how we can help you.
Contact Information
Please contact your local customer service representative or the Bureau Veritas office in:
 Americas: info@us.bureauveritas.com
Europe: info@us.bureauveritas.com
Asia: marketingmail@hk.bureauveritas.com
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Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. (“BVCPS”) provides the information in this client bulletin as a resource of general information. It does not replace any applicable legal or regulatory requirements and is provided “as is.” BVCPS will not be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, consequential or other damages (including without limitation lost profits) of any kind in connection with this client bulletin. BVCPS DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CLIENT BULLETIN.
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