Toy Toxicity...Mattel's "Checkered Record"

Today's Notable Quote: "Our systems were circumvented...our standards were violated..." - Mattel CEO Robert Eckert.

As a father and grandfather--I take toy safety seriously. I can remember the first time I noticed the warnings on toys with small parts which posed a potential threat to children under the age of three. To think that a company--really, an institution--like Mattel would allow--wittingly or not, our children to be exposed to toxic levels of lead is difficult to fathom.

The Mattel brand has grown not by being the "low-cost provider of mediocre products" - but by building a brand that has stood for quality workmanship, featuring a line of well-known (and loved) names--including Fischer-Price, Hot Wheels, Barbie, and American Girl--to name a few.

Take a few minutes to look at Bob Eckert's response--and promise to Mattel's valued customers. In it, he mentions the points listed below--as well as explaining steps that his company is taking to avoid a similar situation occurring in the future. Is it enough? Stay tuned, and we'll see...MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN & CEO

1. All paint must be tested before it is used on our toys. No exceptions.

2. We have significantly increased testing and unannounced inspections at every stage of production.

3. We are testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach you.

Jackie Huba has an interesting post on this topic on the  Church of the Customer Blogsite.