Angry in the Great White North

The sheer size of the recall boggles the mind. Almost 20 million items sold by Mattel are deemed dangers to children:

Mattel Inc. is recalling 18.6 million Chinese-made products around the world, its second recall in two weeks, mostly because they contain magnets that may fall out and be swallowed by children.

The recall includes 18.2 million Barbie, Polly Pocket and Batman toys with magnets, the world's biggest toymaker said today in a statement. El Segundo, California-based Mattel also removed 436,000 die-cast vehicles that contain lead.

In the case of the lead paint, clearly someone in China needs to be held to account, as Mattel is alleging that someone swapped paint suppliers without permission.

The magnet problem, though, might be different. It would seem to me that that there might be a design flaw in these Mattel products:

Additionally, Mattel announced the voluntary recall of magnetic toys manufactured between January 2002 and January 31, 2007, including certain dolls, figures, play sets and accessories that may release small, powerful magnets. The recall expands upon Mattel's voluntary recall of eight toys in November 2006 and is based on a thorough internal review of all Mattel's brands. Mattel is recalling 18.2 million magnetic toys globally (9.5 million in the U.S.); however, the majority of the toys are no longer at retail. Beginning in January 2007, Mattel implemented enhanced magnet retention systems in its toys across all brands.

"Since our November 2006 magnet-related recall, we have implemented more robust magnet retention systems and more rigorous testing. We are exercising caution and have expanded the list of recalled magnetic toys due to potential safety risks associated with toys that might have loose magnets," said Walter.

No one is alleging that the toys were made incorrectly. They may have been made in China, but if the magnet housing was inadequately designed to stand up to the rigours of child's play, then Mattel needs to step up to the plate and take responsibility.

I'm no fan of shoddy Chinese products and workmanship, and we've seen plenty of examples of behaviour in the Chinese manufacturing and agricultural sector that cross the line into criminal acts, but as consumers we have to be careful that Western companies don't evade their responsibility. It would be easy to lump the magnet problem with melamine in pet food and antifreeze in toothpaste and lead paint on toys.

It might also be wrong.