Not Recalled - Melissa & Doug
Thank you to urbanMamas reader, Melissa, for this post:
As many of you know there was a recent major recall of Fisher Price toys made in China due to the discovery of potentially harmful doses of lead paint. As a family not fond of plastics in general, we felt pretty safe with our wide selection of wooden and cloth toys for our one year old daughter. Then, I read somewhere that the popular wooden toy manufacturer, Melissa & Doug also produced their toys in China and that the issue of lead paint might still be a concern.
Today, I wrote to the company (both their service department and the owners, who list their email address on their website) to express my concern. Within about an hour I received this reply from Doug himself and I thought I would pass it along.
"Thanks Melissa:
Yes, we definitely appreciate and understand your concern. Please be assured, we test for lead VERY frequently.
It's quite possible to make great quality children's items in China, which meet all safety regulations, but the key point is that you have to test and inspect very frequently to be sure that your factories are always following your instructions explicitly. I assure you that's exactly what we do.
From our experience, the key to doing this correctly is not simply to insist that your factories follow your instructions, but then to go one step further and to AUDIT, INSPECT, AND TEST very frequently. That is the most important part of the process, and it's something our company has always taken VERY seriously.
Thanks again for asking. And thanks for your support also.
Doug"
So if you have any Melissa & Doug toys rest assured that they are safe in the hands of your teething baby or toddler. If you don't have any of these toys then perhaps they can go on your wish list or suggestion list for your child's next birthday or gift receiving event.
Wow, that makes me love Melissa and Doug even more!!
I wanted to pipe in about manufacturing in China also. As a former apparel merchandiser and production manager for Gap Inc and then Levi's, we manufactured lots of products there and all over the far east. I agree with Doug that it is absolutely possible to manufacture high quality and ethically made items there. The catch is that any company wanting to work with the far east has to be vigilant in making sure that standards are maintained. That can get expensive and it tests any companies commitment to quality and safety.
Posted by: Monica in Cali | August 03, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Thanks for the info. I do have to say that as much as I love Melissa and Doug items in general, I've had several problems with some of their things, particularly battery operated puzzles. But, I've also had fantastic customer service from them when I've needed it.
Posted by: Tracy | August 03, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Thank you for taking the time to contact Melissa & Doug and for posting the information. Something worth noting is that although companies are periodically testing items for standards, in this case lead, there is the potential for items to slip through the cracks. Therefore, I would encourage all parents to visit the Multnomah County site where "Portland residents receive free kits of lead poisoning prevention materials, including cleaning supplies and Lead Check(tm) test swabs. ..."
www.co.multnomah.or.us/health/lead/leadline.html
Regardless of brand of toys, I just them period and encourage everyone to do the same.
Posted by: Lucrecia | August 03, 2007 at 02:43 PM
Thank you for taking the time to contact Melissa & Doug and for posting the information. Something worth noting is that although companies are periodically testing items for standards, in this case lead, there is the potential for items to slip through the cracks. Therefore, I would encourage all parents to visit the Multnomah County site where "Portland residents receive free kits of lead poisoning prevention materials, including cleaning supplies and Lead Check(tm) test swabs. ..."
http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/health/lead/leadline.html
Regardless of brand of toys, I just test all painted toys period and encourage everyone to do the same.
Posted by: Lucrecia | August 03, 2007 at 02:45 PM
the comments from melissa and doug are nice - but consider that a big company like Mattel would say that they check and audit their products as well, etc. etc. Not bashing on melissa and doug - just that you still have to be vigilant and trust in the company holding to the highest standards. And of course, there are other reasons for not wanting to support made in china items.
Posted by: kate | August 03, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Thanks for the link, Lucrecia--no matter how much we all appreciate Melissa & Doug for what they do, it really is up to us as parents to make sure that what we let our kids put in their mouth is not going to harm them.
Posted by: SuzanneLynn | August 04, 2007 at 12:30 PM
I have always loved the Melissa and Doug toys and I love them as a company also. I own the Melissa & Doug standing easel and I am very pleased with it.
http://melissaanddougeasel.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Mike | November 19, 2008 at 05:29 AM