Nixon, other Attorneys General look to improve product safety; more recalls announced

September 27, 2007 One of twelve Kolcraft play yards, or portable play pens, that have been recalled due to strangulation hazard. Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon is working with his counterparts from across the nation to address the recent problem of massive recalls of toys due to lead content. Nixon and other Attorneys General are looking into the safety practices, regulations and other factors that may have allowed unsafe levels of lead to be undetected and sold in millions of children's toys. Many of those products were sold by American companies but manufactured in China. "Many American parents are now thinking twice about the toys they buy for their children, and casting a worried eye at toys they already own," Nixon said. "Lead and other safety hazards are issues we thought were long behind us, but all these recent recalls show there is much more work to be done." The formation of the national partnership comes during a week when nine new recalls of children's product have been announced: Twelve different Kolcraft play yards, or portable play pens, due to strangulation hazard. TOBY & ME jewelry sets, due to high levels of lead in the jewelry. This is an expansion of a recall announced in late August. Children's Spinning-Wheel Metal Necklaces, made by Rhode Island Novelties, due to high levels of lead in the clasp. Floor Puppet Theaters, made by Guidecraft Inc., due to high levels of lead paint. Children's Toy Rakes, sold exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores, due to high levels of lead paint. Britain's "Knights of the Sword" Series Toys, due to high levels of lead paint. Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and Children's Sunny Patch Chairs, sold at Target stores, due to high levels of lead paint. Various Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway Toys, due to high levels of lead paint. This is an expansion of a recall announced in mid-June. Single Post Swing Sets, made by BCI Burke Company LLC, due to construction hazard involve a top beam that could fall. For more information on these and other recent recalls, visit Nixon's Web site, ago.mo.gov. The online recall clearinghouse covers items recalled by several different federal agencies, including toys, medicine, cars, food and other categories. The site has received nearly 15,000 visitors since its launch in mid-August. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com