At the time of writing this column, Mattel the worlds largest toy maker was recalling 12,000 toys in the UK and Ireland as part of a global recall of 55,000 products due once again to excessive levels of lead paint found in the products.

Mattel informed the EU Commission that it would be recalling the toys and it has also set up contact details for its customers on its website. This is along with a recorded video message from the CEO and Chairman explaining the company’s position on this most sensitive situation.

This recall is the fourth in the past six months, which has led the EU to undertake a two-month review of its toy safety rules.

Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva has welcomed Mattel's advance warning to them and other national authorities saying this is a step in the right direction.

The pressure from the EU and China along with Mattel to make significant safety changes in the manufacturing process is mounting. Expectations are high to illuminate any risks in toy manufacturing, and the USA is also involved, taking similar steps with safety measures in the manufacturing process.

Based on this situation it is easy to lambaste China and view the often seen message behind most products “made in China” in a negative light. But, perhaps there’s another way of looking at this situation. China is an economic powerhouse with manufacturing potential second to none.We want the best prices, they try to manufacture the highest numbers at the lowest cost, and this pressure cooker of supply and demand has potential for situations in the case of Mattel to occur.

When any product is being manufactured in China the onus should be on every company to put every check and balance into motion. There is no room for naivety.

We believe Mattel is doing all it can to rectify this problem. However a wider lesson needs to be learned. Even the biggest and best companies need to check and re-check their manufacturing processes. The fact that these products were recalled and further recalled, should be viewed in a more positive light. It shows responsibility, honestly and desire to make amends with consumers before a real problem can occur.

Let us continue to uphold standards to the best of our abilities and make every effort rectify where we have gone wrong.

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