The
unfortunate news that another 9 million toys tainted with lead paint or
dangerous small magnets were recalled today underscores many problems.
First, parents should understand that
the government itself does not test products to ensure that they comply
with mandatory standards - that's left up to manufacturers.
Second,
those manufacturers cannot merely rely on relationships with and
promises from foreign suppliers - they must trust, but verify that
tough American standards are met.
Third, the CPSC lacks the leadership,
the money, the staff and the legal authority it needs to protect us
from dangerous imported or domestically produced products. This recall
should be a lesson to all manufacturers that it can happen to anybody.
It should also serve as a wakeup call to Congress that the headless
CPSC needs a safety-oriented chairperson, more money, more authority
and more staff.
