Rep. King Urges Action Against Tainted Toys
Seeks to raise awareness to protect children this holiday season

December 5, 2007

For Immediate Release
Contact Carol Danko
202-225-7896

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford), sponsor of the Family Product Safety Protection Act (H.R. 3588) urges awareness and action over the holidays in response to the escalation in reports of tainted toys. In a recent study of 1,200 children’s products, 35% were found to contain lead. While many products, mostly from China, have been recalled, others remain on store shelves with lead levels high above the acceptable limit.

“It is important that parents are aware of any and all potential dangers associated with the gifts they plan to give their children over the holidays,” said King. “I encourage them to consult the lists available on tainted toys, and urge retailers and manufacturers to work promptly to notify the public and immediately pull all recalled items from store shelves. The safety of our children should always come first.”

King has been fighting in Congress to combat the recent surge in dangerous products. In September 2007, he introduced the Family Product Safety Protection Act (H.R. 3588) to enhance consumer product safety. This bill gives more resources and authority to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), raising its budget to $85 million. It also mandates routine product testing by the manufacturer and fines retailers who knowingly sell recalled products up to $10,000 for each recall violation.

“My legislation holds manufacturers accountable and brings the CPSC back up to speed, so that it has the manpower and authority to better protect families from dangerous imports,” said King. “This season, everyone from the federal government to the consumer must work together on this issue. With added awareness we can ensure that the holidays remain about family and friends, and not about fear.”

Information about recalled products can be found at:

•    The Consumer Action Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys: http://www.healthytoys.org
•    Toy Industry Association: http://www.toyassociation.org
•    U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov

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