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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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New Chinese Toy Recall Sparks Fury in Congress

Consumer agency 'overwhelmed'

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(Newser) – The embattled Consumer Product Safety Commission announced yet another recall of dangerous toys from China yesterday as it came under withering fire in Congress over a recent wave of product safety problems.  Another half million toys made in China are being recalled because of lead paint contamination. The announcement was made just minutes before the acting chairwoman of the federal agency  testified before a Senate subcommittee.

"Let's face it—our consumer product safety system is busted," said Illinois Senator Dick Durbin.  Another senator said he was "shocked" that the underfunded agency has been allowed "to wither on the vine," and is now overwhelmed by a flood of foreign goods. The latest recall involves keychains, bookmarks and Baby Einstein color blocks.

Workers assemble toy cars at the production line of Dongguan Da Lang Wealthwise Plastic Factory in Dongguan, China in this Sept. 4, 2007 file photo. Soon, American consumers are going to have to bear the cost of safer toys. While shoppers won't see big price hikes on toys this holiday...
Workers assemble toy cars at the production line of Dongguan Da Lang Wealthwise Plastic Factory in Dongguan, China in this Sept. 4, 2007 file photo. Soon, American consumers are going to have to bear...   (Associated Press)
Nancy Nord, acting Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on toy safety standards. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Nancy Nord, acting Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on toy...   (Associated Press)
Workers assemble toys at the production line of Dongguan Da Lang Wealthwise Plastic Factory in Dongguan, China in this Sept. 4, 2007 file photo. Soon, American consumers are going to have to bear the cost of safer toys. While shoppers won't see big price hikes on toys this holiday season...
Workers assemble toys at the production line of Dongguan Da Lang Wealthwise Plastic Factory in Dongguan, China in this Sept. 4, 2007 file photo. Soon, American consumers are going to have to bear the...   (Associated Press)
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