September 7, 2008
Sunday
     

Lawmakers Say Mattel Broke Word on Lead

Date: 01-30-2008
Type: public policy
Categories: Business Ethics / Corporate Governance
Source: New York Times

Dozens of members of Congress have sent a letter to the chief executive of Mattel, accusing the company of not living up to its promise to keep lead-tainted toys out of children’s hands.

According to the New York Times, the letter was prompted by Mattel’s decision not to issue a nationwide recall of a blood-pressure cuff in a toy medical kit sold under the Fisher-Price brand. The legislators said they were disturbed by the company’s “lack of action.” Lead was found in a plastic part of the toy, and current federal laws ban lead only in paint on toys. Lawmakers are considering a law to limit lead in all material in toys.

The letter, signed by 56 members of Congress, quoted Mattel’s chief executive, Robert A. Eckert, as saying in September that the company “will do the right thing.”

“We challenge you to live up to your words,” it said, “and set a standard for the entire industry by completely eliminating the use of lead in all the children’s products manufactured by Mattel.”

Organization:
New York Times
More Video, Commentary & Research from New York Times.
More Video, Commentary & Research about Business Ethics or Corporate Governance