Toy Recalls and China: One Year Later

Abstract:

The large number of toy recalls in 2007 heightened concerns about the safety of products imported from China. This paper analyzes the data on toy recalls and notes that the number of recalls continued to increase in 2008. However, the total number of toy units recalled appears to be decreasing. This decrease in units, relative to recalls, is particularly salient for toys recalled for excessive levels of lead. Further, a marginal increase in the recalls of toys made in countries other than China is noted.