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Mattel shares blame in recalls, CEO admits

He tells Congress oversight of toy subcontractors could have been better.

WASHINGTON - Acknowledging that "we are by no means perfect," Mattel Inc. CEO Robert Eckert said Wednesday the company could have done a better job overseeing subcontractors in China that produced more than 21-million recalled toys.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission embraced Democrats' calls for more money after years of cutbacks to the beleaguered agency. "This situation cannot continue," said Nancy Nord, the agency's acting chief.

Testimony to Congress on Wednesday by both federal regulators and toy manufacturers detailed loose Chinese standards and spotty U.S. enforcement that have contributed to a spate of recalls of Chinese-made toys, food and other products.

Seeking to ease public outrage, Eckert told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee that the company would now test the safety of Chinese-made products with its own laboratories or with laboratories certified by the company.

He disputed reports that public warnings about the dangerous products were delayed because of disagreements with federal regulators or that Mattel might be motivated by saving money at the expense of safety.

"I, like you, am deeply disturbed and disappointed by recent events. We were let down, and so we let you down," Eckert said. "But we have tackled difficult issues before and demonstrated an ability to make change for the better."

In recent weeks, Mattel has recalled millions of Chinese-made toys, including popular Barbie, Polly Pocket and Cars movie items, because of concerns about lead paint and tiny magnets that could be swallowed.

Under federal rules, manufacturers with a few exceptions must report all claims of potentially hazardous product defects within 24 hours. Mattel reportedly took months to gather information and privately investigate problems.

China has become a center for the world's toy-making industry, exporting $7.5-billion worth of toys last year and accounting for nearly 87 percent of the toys imported by the United States, China's Commerce Ministry said.

China agreed Tuesday to prohibit the use of lead paint on toys exported to the United States.

FAST FACTS

Toy talks

In testimony: Mattel Inc. CEO Robert Eckert said Wednesday that Mattel could have done a better job overseeing subcontractors in China that produced recalled toys.

Agreement: The Consumer Product Safety Commission embraced Democrats' calls for more money after years of agency cutbacks.

New standards: Eckert said Mattel would now test the safety of Chinese-made products with its own laboratories or with laboratories certified by Mattel.

[Last modified September 13, 2007, 01:06:01]