Tainted Toys Remain on Some Store Shelves

If you think the whole unsafe-toys-on-the-loose issue is over, think again.

The Consumerist links to the Chicago Tribune, which, after testing a mixed batch of toys citywide and finding 21 with unacceptable levels of lead, reports that some of the tainted toys remain on stores shelves.

Ty, maker of Beanie Babies, for example, told the Illinois attorney general's office it does not plan to remove its Jammin' Jenna doll from store shelves, despite findings that her red vinyl shoes have lead levels above state's limits. The state is considering suing.

Other companies, including Kids II Inc., responded by pulling tainted toys from their shelves and changing internal procedures for testing for lead. ALEX Toys stopped shipping a Desk To Go writing mat and case to Illinois, but not to stores nationwide because federal law doesn't require it. Party City, meanwhile, continued to sell some pirate jewelry that contains lead.

The lesson: The worst may be over in the 2007 toy scare, but  buyer beware. Not every single toy can be tested, and clearly, there remain some toys tainted with lead on store shelves.

LINKS: Toymaker fights state recall [Chicago Tribune] 

Toy Makers Refuse to Recall Leaded Toys [Consumerist]