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Trouble in Toyland
Aired November 25, 2007 - 16:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN, ANCHOR: Hello, a CNN special, "Trouble in Toyland" is moments away. But first, a look at the headlines . The fires in the hills around Malibu have destroyed nearly 50 homes. Investigators are looking into reports that the fire began as a campfire and then got out of control. Ted Rowlands has the latest.
TED ROWLANDS, CNN, CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, the good news is that mother nature is helping out. The winds had died down. 40% containment at this hour. That number should escalate when we get a briefing later, in a few hours later this afternoon. Firefighters still on scene here. Unfortunately, this is the devastation a lot of people will come home to, completely lost their homes. 49 people and counting have lost their homes completely. You mentioned the cause of this. This is a big focus out here. They say this started, the arson investigators, in an area known for late-night partying. Young people apparently go up into the canyon in this area. They believe that's where this fire started. And that is where they're focusing their investigation. We talked to a couple of arson investigators a few hours ago and they say they believe a campfire is the culprit here. They do not know who was up there. They're hoping someone will come forward. At this point, they're still trying to piece it together. Meanwhile, people here are trying to piece together their lives as they're allowed back these last few hours into the devastation that is left here in Malibu. But the good news again, the fire is 40% contained and we expect that number to go up because the winds are pretty much done and firefighters have had an opportunity to really beat this down. Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Ted and a lot of folks are going to be understandingly outraged to hear of the direction of this investigation now. Thanks so much there in Malibu.
Well, back now to Pakistan. After seven years in exile, former prime minister now opposition leader Noah Sharif. He arrived today to a cheering crowd of supporters. This time, Pakistani forces allowed him to stay. That wasn't the case in September when Sharif was deported back to Saudi Arabia as soon as he arrived in Pakistan. Today, he wasted no time challenging the man who overthrew him in a 1999 coup, President Pervez Musharraf. Sharif called or Musharraf to end emergency rule before elections in January and to released detained opposition leaders.
Dutch citizen Joran Van Der Sloot will appear in an Aruban court tomorrow in connection with the Natalee Holloway case. Van Der Sloot and two other suspects were questioned and arrested shortly after Holloway went missing back in 2005, but a court released them citing a lack of evidence. Well, all three were re-arrested last week after investigators said they found new clues.
And new developments in another high profile missing person's case. The FBI says it will join in the search for Stacy Peterson. The 23- year-old has not been seen for almost a month now. And police have named her husband, a former cop, a suspect in her disappearance. He says she left him for another man.
And another beef recall to tell you about. American foods group in Wisconsin is recalling 96,000 pounds of bulk beef. Bulk beef is repackaged at grocery stores into those shrink wrap packs that you see in the meet department. Two people have gotten sick so far, possibly from E. coli bacteria. The bulk beef was sold to stores and distributors in seven states. Some of the meat may already be passed the sell by date.
More headlines in one hour. Right now "Trouble in Toyland" begins right now.
Dora the Explorer. Thomas the Tank engine and all those tiny Barbie accessories. Some of the hottest toys are recalled and the warnings flooding the airwaves.
Another toy recall, stores are pulling Aqua Dots from their shelves today.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN, ANCHOR: And the latest in a series of recalls of defective products that were made in China.
KIRAN CHETRY, CNN, ANCHOR: All right. An urgent kids' toys recall again. Maybe the most serious one yet.
LOU DOBBS, CNN, HOST: And of course, this latest recall comes less than two months after major toy brands promised that this would be our safest holiday shopping season ever.
WHITFIELD: The numbers are staggering. The implications potentially deadly, lead paint, choking hazards. Parents must be on top of their games this busy holiday shopping season.
TRACY HOLBROOK, PARENT: What I would like to see as a consumer is for people to force these toy companies to make this stop.
WHITFIELD: This year alone, more than 22 million toys are recalled. So, how do you know what to buy? And can you afford some of the alternatives? Just what you need, more holiday stress. It's "Trouble in Toyland."
Hello, everyone, I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Familiar faces like Curious George, Thomas the Tank engine and Winnie the Pooh suddenly not so friendly. Take a look at this list of recalled toys here in the U.S. since last January. There are at least 70 named toys right here. The reason, lead paint, choking hazards and a toy laced with a date rape toxin. And it's like nothing we've ever seen before. And right now, millions of people are asking - what toys are safe to buy this holiday season? Over the next hour, we're going to find out. You'll also learn how much lead your child can be exposed to before it becomes a health hazard. What's going on with federal regulators we pay to keep us safe. And how do stay on top of all these recalls and be a smart shopper. Confused? Well, you're not alone. We caught up with an Atlanta family tackling the same dilemma as you at home.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WHITIFIELD: It's a futile race in the Holbrook household. But the kids, 5-year-old Sam, and 7-year-old Bailey, still jump right in. Find a toy in the play room that is not made from china. Or recalled, like -
TRACY HOLBROOK: Dora stuff, Diego, Elmo. I mean, the list goes on and on.
WHITFIELD: Frustrating and expensive. Who do you blame? You know, where are the gaps? Who do you get angry at?
TRACY HOLBROOK: The toy - the big toy names who are trying to save a buck. They don't really care about the quality of things when it comes down to the dollar.
WHITFIELD: The Holbrooks in Atlanta, like millions of American parents, are fed up.
BRIAN HOLBROOK, PARENT: It seems like there's no checks and balances as far as all these toys that are getting manufactured in China. They come in over here but they're not having to go through the same scrutiny as like the financials of an organization.
TRACY HOLBROOK: It's impossible keeping up with the recalls and going through all the toys upstairs to find all the recalls, to take them back.
WHITFIELD: So Tracy and Brian made a pledge - no imports.
BRIAN HOLBROOK: There will be some toys that want to get that they're not able to get.
TRACY HOLBROOK: They'll have toys that are not advertised probably because everything that's advertised is made in China. That's how everything they want they see on TV.
WHITFIELD: Is it fair that there is this kind of anti-china?
TRACY HOLBROOK: Is it absolutely not fair. It should be on the big toy makers. It should be on the agencies who are supposed to protect the products. It shouldn't be on China. It just happens to be everything is made in China.
WHITFIELD: Are these companies putting profit before safety?
TRACY HOLBROOK: Yes, absolutely they are.
WHITFIELD: Makes you mad?
TRACY HOLBROOK: Yes. BRIAN HOLBROOK: So, it helps, you know, how inexpensive can they put something in front of a consumer and this is the price war and whoever is going to buy the cheapest versus we would rather have something that's maybe a few dollars more expensive but it comes in and say it's been safety tested for children.
TRACY HOLBROOK: I personally feel like I have power to stop it as a consumer.
WHITFIELD: That's why Tracy got busy online.
And so, this is how you'll be doing your holiday shopping?
TRACY HOLBROOK: Yes, all online. All American made.
WHITFIELD: And she passed the links on to 40 friends and family members. Stoking the ire of many families with small kids, the U.S. government's seemingly conflicting policies. On one hand, encouraging imports while on the other failing to inspect products from overseas. So that families like the Holbrooks can sleep at night, knowing their children and the toys they love are safe.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And the Holbrooks know that just because a toy is American made it doesn't necessarily mean it is 100% safe. But given the list of recalls they say they feel more comfortable with American made products for now. And we invited Mattell and several other U.S. toy companies to join us today. They declined. Still, the recalls keep coming. So do concerns about the very federal agency assigned to protect consumers and keep us safe. Earlier this week, the acting chairwoman of the Consumer Products Safety Commission spoke out about the recent toy recalls.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NANCY NORD, CHAIRWOMAN CPSC: There is absolutely no excuse for lead to be found in toys entering this country. It is totally unacceptable and it needs to stop. This agency is going to take whatever action it needs to take to address that problem aggressively.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: So the same day Nancy Nord made that comment, the CPSC issued a two-page release urging parents to be cautious and stay informed when shopping this holiday season. CNN's Allan Chernoff takes a look at how that went over.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN, CORRESPONDENT: On the day that the Consumer Products Safety Commission is warning shoppers about dangerous toys containing small pieces and sharp edges, consumer advocates are issuing a warning about the commission itself.
MICHAEL GREEN, CTR. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH: Leadership at the Consumer Product Safety Commission is not committed to protecting kids from lead. They appear to be more committed to protecting the convenience of the companies than protecting the kids.
CHERNOFF: The California-based Center for Environmental Health says it has been testing children's products and has found more items still on the shelf that contain lead, including baby bibs. Yet another reason for parents to be cautious if they shopped for their children.
UNIDENTIFIEF FEMALE: I think you need to be very careful on what you buy and looking at where it's made.
CHERNOFF: The Consumer Products Safety Commission says it's the victim of a cheap shot.
JULIE VALLESE, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMM.: We have a responsibility to enforce safety and that's what this agency does. Any time that you start playing politics with safety, that's just not a good thing for consumers.
CHERNOFF: It is a well-known fact in Washington that the Consumer Products Safety Commission operates with a very lean staff and low budget. It relies on toy makers to test their own products.
ED MIERZWINSKI, U.S. PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP: The Consumer Products Safety Commission or CPSC is a little agency with a big job that it simply cannot do with the resources that it has available.
CHERNOFF: The state of California is taking matters into its own hands, suing 20 toy makers and retailers, including Mattell and Toys "R" Us in an effort to get them to toughen inspections.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CHERNOFF: Toys "R" Us says it shares the attorney general's concern with product safety and Mattell says it is toughening its inspections and will cooperate fully with the attorney general. The company adds its products this year will be "the safest ever." Allan Chernoff, CNN, New York.
WHITFIELD: Well, the Consumer Products Safety Commission lists the recalls on its website. The address is right there on the screen. But the page can be really cumbersome and confusing. There are recalls dating back to 1979 listed. Even with all these warnings, many of the dangerous recalled toys are still on some of the store shelves. Why? When we come back, you'll find out why and why you might not like all the reasons.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm just so scared that the lead in the toys or anything like that. So I've been really cautious about buying anything at all.
WHITFIELD: Some of your concerns, which is exactly why we're sharing tips like this on the screen from the consumer reports on buying toys throughout the broadcast here. Here's one bit of advice, don't buy metal jewelry for young children. It might have a high level of lead beneath the surface coating.
So this is how frustrating it is for parents and consumers. You trust that all the toys on the store shelves are safe. Well, recently I was in a retailer and one that you'll see in most cities across the country and I was able to find this Red James Coal Tender train right alongside the other Thomas the Trains all on sale. Others that had not been recalled. I was also able to find this Aqua Dots, right on the store shelves which is part of the recall list.
So Julie Livingston with the toy industry association, how is it that these contaminated, some contaminated toys can be on the store shelves, who do we trust?
JULIE LIVINGSTON, TOY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION: I'm sorry that you had that experience and I think that consumers who are shopping in reputable retail stores must rely on the retailers to follow the items that have been recalled and to take them off the shelves. So the onus here is on this particular instance is on the retailer. Now, manufacturers are working very closely with retailers to help in that process. But, you know, if consumers are finding these products in stores, then the retailers must remove them immediately.
WHITFIELD: Right but meantime, you end up taking home a recalled object. I must say that this Aqua Dots is prop. The good thing that happened to me when I was in this store is once they ran the bar code through, there was an alarm that went off that said this is recalled item and I could not take the Aqua Dots it home. But I was able to take this James, Thomas the train set home which apparently, you know, is contaminated with the lead paint, according to the recall list. So I think a lot of consumers are frustrated, wanting to know how is it these products are even getting to U.S. shores. Why isn't there some better policing of these products before they even get into the stock rooms, period?
LIVINGSTON: Well, I think the Toy Industry Association has been working diligently with the federal government, with the Chinese government, and also with not for profit agencies like the American National Standards Institute, to re-examine and do a massive retesting effort on all toys that are sold in the U.S. before they hit the store shelves.
WHITFIELD: But how soon will that take place? Because those toys are flooding to the stores right now.
LIVINGSTON: Well, the massive retesting has already begun. And that is why some other additional recalls have surfaced in the past few months. But we are working diligently with the American National Standards Institute to set up a new protocol system for toy safety testing and frequency of testing. And also to set up a protocol for accreditation of safety testing labs to make sure they are also well versed to U.S. standards.
WHITFIELD: So, might this be months or years away and in the meantime the onus is on some of these manufacturers to do some independent testing of their own as soon as these imports come into this country, they independently test their products to see if indeed they're contaminated with lead, et cetera?
LIVINGSTON: Well, actually the Toy Industry Association has been working with the American National Standards Institute. We're expecting their new protocol recommendation on or about January 1.
WHITFIELD: All right. Julie Livingston of the Toy Industry Association, their spokesperson. Thank you so much for your time. And by the way, the Toy Industry Association has a hotline to answer any of your questions because we know you have a lot. It is 888- 884toys. You'll likely get quicker results however by checking their web site for guidance. It is toyinfo.org and you can also log on to our web site cnn.com and click on the toy recalls tab for the latest headlines and consumer advice.
So how would you know if your child had been ex-posed to too much lead, particularly lead paint? One mom had her kids tested.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN, CORRESPONDENT: Were you shocked when you found out that --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was upset. I left there very upset. I mean, these are, you know, my babies.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: So find out the results that left her so upset. And next, a pediatrician answers some of your questions. You're watching this special report, "Trouble in Toyland."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: This year's recalls reached a new peak when in June the hugely popular Thomas and friends made the list. Many more products followed, almost all due to lead paint. And soon to follow, free lead screenings in some cities. Not to check the toys but to check the kids. Imagine one family's surprise when they had their children checked on a whim and got a result they never expected. Near how is CNN's Rusty Dornin.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RUSTY DORNIN, CNN, CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Nine-month-old Jake Duquette loves to put just about everything in his house. 2 1/2- year-old Taylor is past that stage, but the lead toy scare has Joe Duquette worried. Lisa took them to a free lead testing event in Gainesville, Georgia, sponsored by Safe Kids. Parents brought bags of toys, toys that were not on any recall lists. That was a relief. But then Duquette decided to have her toddlers blood screened just in case.
LISA DUQUETTE, PARENT: We're about to do the blood test next. You know, that's the fun part.
DORNIN: Fun it was not especially when she found out both her children tested positive for lead. She took them immediately to her pediatrician for complete tests, and we visited them five days later.
Were you shocked when you found out that -
DUQUETTE: I was upset. I left very upset. I mean these are my babies and if anything can inhibit their intellectual level of any sort, it had me distraught.
DORNIN: The Duquettes live in a brand-new house, so they're not worried about lead paint, but wonder where is the exposure?
DUQUETTE: We tried to test some of these mugs that have been in the cabinet.
EMIL MANGALA, EPIDEMIOLOGIST: I think there's much more lead out there than we know.
DORNIN: Epidemiologist Emil Mangala gives seminars on what he calls the silent epidemic.
MANGALA: Guess how much lead content this has? 50 times more than the normal content it should have.
DORNIN: Mangala believes there are many toys containing lead that haven't been discovered yet. And not just toys, pottery, kids' jewelry and certain candy from Mexico. Some have lead in the wrapper and sometimes in the candy itself. Back at the Duquette house, Joe researches on the internet while Lisa works the phones.
LISA DUQUETTE: Hi there. I'm wondering if there is someone I can speak with for in reference for having our home tested for lead.
DORNIN: Mangala had advised the Duquettes to wait until the complete blood test are back. Naturally, the CDC sets the blood lead level at anything above is considered unsafe. The Duquette children screened at 7.
It's more of a concern for her because she had smaller children that put things in their mouth?
MANGALA: Absolutely, that is a major concern.
DORNIN: If parents expect their children may have been exposed to lead, Mangala suggests there is only way to be absolutely sure. Test the children - UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That didn't hurt at all, did it?
DORNIN: Not the toys. Rusty Dornin, CNN, Gainesville, Georgia.
WHITFIELD: So do we all need to do what they did, check your entire home for lead? We started this hour with a promise to find answers to your questions. To give us some of those answers, we turn to Dr. Michelle Day. She's a pediatrician who specializes in immunology, molecular biophysics and biochemistry. Good to see you, Dr. Day. Boy, you're smart, huh? All those titles. All right, I am a mother of a 3-year-old and I need to know, should we be concerned about lead and how concerned do we need to be about lead? DR. MICHELLE DAY, PEDIATRICIAN: Well, I think lead is definitely something we need to be concerned about. I have two little kids at home myself, so it's definitely something that I'm aware of.
WHITFIELD: So how much lead paint do we need to be alarmed about when it comes to our kids being exposed to it?
DAY: I think there's no real good level that we know. We know that it is an accumulative effect, so the less the better.
WHITFIELD: So what are the symptoms, what do we look for besides getting these home lead tests.
DAY: Well, unfortunately, a lot of symptoms don't present until lead levels are high. They're pretty non specific - abdominal pain, headaches, constipation. Most kids when they present with high lead levels, they are actually asymptomatic and that's why prevention and screening is so important.
WHITFIELD: It's potential brain damage that we're concerned about, right?
DAY: Absolutely. There's a lot of data out there that showed that there are long term cognitive effects. Their behavioral abnormalities, developmental delays and even decreases in IQ that can be seen with prolonged elevations of lead.
WHITFIELD: All right. It seems pretty basic that the younger kids are at higher risk because they're putting these toys in their mouths. But then what about their older siblings who are say 5, 6 or 7?
DAY: Well, the elevated levels are more dangerous for children that are younger because the barrier between the brain and the blood isn't as developed then. It's always of concern which is why a lot of pediatricians will routinely screen kids that are younger and up to ages 5 or 6.
WHITFIELD: And it's as simple as these kids, the younger ones are putting these toys in their mouths or is it some sort of residual paint that's on their finger tips and later they can be exposed just as if they are sucking the toy?
DAY: So all of the above. The primary way of getting elevated lead is through ingestion. So even if people have paint on their fingers, when they go to eat if they haven't washed their hands, that lead from their hands will obviously be then ingested.
WHITFIELD: So, Dr. Day, do you like the idea of the home test, the home lead tests?
DAY: I know a little bit about them. I think the problem with the home lead test is if you're testing toys is when the paint is fresh or if there's a layer of lacquer there, you often can't detect the lead that is there underneath the lacquer.
WHITFIELD: Are you worried about your little kids? DAY: Always.
WHITFIELD: W hat do you do?
DAY: So, I, this is a great time to push for American made products. Obviously not absolutely completely 100% safe, but they're a lot tighter regulations. I stay away from toys that have paint on them. Good toys are plastic, you know, wooden toys that aren't painted and good old-fashioned books work really well in my house.
WHITFIELD: Great advice, Dr. Michelle Day, that's why you're so smart. All that book reading. Your kids will be too. All right. Dr. Michelle Day, thanks so much from Boston.
DAY: Thank you.
WHITFIELD: Well, perhaps you still like the idea of a home lead test kit. Consumer reports has a recommendation, the Lead Check and the Lead Inspector are brands you need to look for, according to the consumer reports. Well, the U.S. is not the only country facing tough choices about toys. Germany has what many call the strictest regulations in the world. Does it work? Find out, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFED FEMALE: I'm very nervous about what they're selling for the kids, because everybody puts things in their mouth and I'm afraid. If they were young, I wouldn't buy anything for them that I saw on TV.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: We want you to be informed. That's why we have these tips here from the "Consumer Reports." They're advising to stay away from permanent paints, if you are looking for toys for your kids, and markers when buying arts and craft materials. Look for water-based paints as well as glues.
We've all watched the recalls play out in the U.S., but countries all around the world import the same sorts of toys that have so many parents worried here. So what are they doing? And what are they not doing? CNN's Diana Magnay (ph) looks at how toy stores are regulated in Germany.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DIANA MAGNAY (ph), CNN CORRESPONDENT): This is the sort of visit that many retailers dread. A routine but unannounced control inspection of their premises. Mattrias Bilz sits here to make sure toys in this shop meet European safety standards. And this one doesn't, the cord is too long. A real concern for authorities here after two babies strangled themselves with key chains in the Brandenburg area.
MATTRIAS BILZ, HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICIAL (via translator): Once we established the results of the test, we will inform the proper authorities and then they'll take the necessary steps against the producer.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): Looks very nice and sweet.
MAGNAY (ph): These toys, mostly from China, were all selling well in Germany before they were picked up in a control inspection and pulled from the market.
ROBERT RATH, HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICIAL: If it turns, it won't be able to come up again because all the weight of the baby or the child is under the water.
MAGNAY (ph): Most carry this CE sign, but authorities say it's easily faked and provides no guaranty for consumers.
RATH: C just means (INAUDIBLE) it is a sign of decoration, of confirmation of technical standards. The producer declares something; no one ever knows what party has checked it.
MAGNAY (ph): In Germany, toy makers can opt to have their products independently certified by one of just a handful of government approved authorities. The GS sign on a product means it's gone through these special tests, a much better guaranty for worried parents. But, again, it can be faked. Authorities across Europe are now looking to see if this is a model they'll apply elsewhere.
Its discount stores and street markets like this one where you'll find potentially dangerous goods imported from like China. The advice from consumer watch dogs is not to think with your wallet. Cheapness can come at a price.
Diana Magnay (ph), CNN, Berlin.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: So perhaps the U.S. can learn from Germany's example. So what is the answer on making and buying safe toys? For some, there is only one recourse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): We've got some of the best people right here in Hudson, Ohio that knows how to make the product and they're experts at doing it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: So his company is doing all it can to make America better. The story next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Welcome back to our special TROUBLE IN TOYLAND. More advice before you shop. Check for toy recalls at www.notinmycart.org. Or recalls.gov, you can sign up for automatic recall notifications at www.cpsc.gov. And of course always check CNN.com. We'll keep you abreast as well. Well, a lot of times during the holiday season, this means getting a lot of gifts for the needy. Well, the Salvation Army is one of the many organizations that distribute donated toys to needy children. But to make certain every toy on a child's holiday wish list isn't also on a recall list, the Salvation Army is asking you not to gift wrap toy donations this year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAJ. GEORGE HOOD, THE SALVATION ARMY: It's very special time for people to purchase gifts for children and to wrap them up in beautiful bows and paper. But this year, it's very important that they leave those toys unwrapped so that we can look at them and check them off the list and know that we're putting into circulation toys that meet the standards.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: They are hand screening two million toys that they've been receiving for distribution.
We've heard a lot about made in America so far this hour. But are those toys any safer? We checked with the Federal Trade Commission to find out and here's what we were told. In order to tag an item made in the USA, all or virtually all of that product must be made in the United States. Does that make a difference? CNN's Greg Hunter found one company that says absolutely.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GREG HUNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The assembly line is running 24-7 at this Little Tikes toy plant in Hudson, Ohio, churning out its most popular toy, the cozy coup, or what the Little Tikes executive vice president Tom Prichard calls --
TOM PRICHARD, V.P. LITTLE TIKES: One of the best-selling cars in America that is made in America.
HUNTER: Instead of in China, where 80 percent of toys sold in the U.S. are made.
PRICHARD: We have some of the best people right here in Hudson, Ohio, that knows how to make the product and they're experts at doing it.
HUNTER: Workers here earn between $15 and $25 an hour, far more than most of their Asian counterparts. Still, the company says those higher wages pay off by creating a product with unique appeal. With $600 million in sales expected this year, Little Tikes is trumpeting the made in USA pedigree.
PRICHARD: Made in America with Little Tikes means quality, safety and durability. And hopefully it means trust and mom understands that it's safe.
HUNTER: Marketing experts say the made in the USA cache goes far beyond Little Tikes. DENIS DUNLOP, CEO, AMERICAN MARKETING ASSN: Consumers right now, equate quality with made in America.
HUNTER: Other popular toys like Slinkies and Crayola crayons are still made in the U.S. Consumer advocates say while U.S. made products are more likely to comply with regulations than toys made abroad --
RACHEL WEINTRAUB, CONSUMER FED. OF AMERICA: A made in U.S. label does not equal a safety certification.
HUNTER: Weintraub wants the government to test all toys, no matter where they're made, instead of relying on the companies to do so. Little Tikes conducts its own safety tests, beginning with design. All products are created in wood or foam and then put to the test.
PRICHARD: It's more stable.
HUNTER: This slide step started out shaky, so they tacked on a foot. And on every item made here, Little Tikes is adding this label, made in the USA.
Are you proud of this?
PRICHARD: This is to help mom find the product that they're looking for easier.
HUNTER: Little Tikes does make some toys overseas but it says the majority, nearly 70 percent are made in Ohio. And they don't have any plans to change that any time soon.
Greg Hunter, CNN, Hudson, Ohio.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: And when we come back, meet a woman who took it one step further. Not only did she refuse to buy toys from another countries, but for a year, everything she bought was made in the USA. How did that work out for her?
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right. Did you know that tricycles, small balls and balloons are the leading cause of the toy-related deaths. So that should make you think twice about some of those gifts this holiday season.
What does it mean exactly made in China? Well, for one, the toys are usually cheaper. But a lot of American consumers don't think that they are worth the potential risk. But what if you can't afford the more expensive toys? Sara Bongiorni and her family went an entire year without buying anything from China. She wrote a book about her experience called "A Year Without Made In China" and she told me today that was difficult and expensive.
SARA BONGIORNI, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA: Well, it's hard to make a direct comparison, but there are a lot of things that cost a lot more and that includes toys. These German and American-made toys cost a lot more than the things that you would find at ordinary places like Toys "r" Us and Target. But there are a lot of things we could not buy because we could only find a made in China version of them. So in those cases, there are a lot of things we had to go without. So that sort of compensated for some of the more expensive items.
WHITFIELD: Now with the recalls that are taking place, a lot of these toys, a common denominator is made in China. Is it making you rethink that commitment to no longer buying made in China?
BONGIORNI: I never considered the safety aspects, but I've been watching the recalls closely like a lot of other people and you start to get uneasy. I try to keep in mind that Mattel and other companies are doing their testing of toys, so the toy supplies should be safer this holiday than it was a year ago when we oblivious, but it still makes me nervous. We have a 1-year-old, and 1-year-olds as you know put everything in their mouths. So I think I'm stuck when it comes to looking for toys from the baby. Because almost all those come from China.
WHITFIELD: How are you going to proceed, knowing you have your 1- year-old that puts everything in his mouth, are you willing to dig deeper to look for those alternatives, and if yes, where and what are those alternatives?
BONGIORNI: There are not a lot of alternatives. There are toys made in Germany but they do cost more. I said to my husband, she is 1, she doesn't even know what Christmas is, and couldn't we just let her play with the wrapping paper, so there's not a lot more babies besides what's from China. So I'm thinking about wooden blocks and you know, I am really striking out so far. I haven't bought anything for her. I think I'm going to have better luck with our 4-year-old and 7-year- old. There's always Legos, they come from Denmark, the Play Mobile from Germany. They're both interested in bikes for Christmas. I don't feel too worried about that.
WHITFIELD: Do you think a lot of families feel like you do, that maybe we'll forfeit Christmas to a degree this year because of the recalls, maybe we'll opt for alternatives like those stuffed toys, and things that you don't think will end up on the list?
BONGIORNI: Well, it's interesting, because if you look at the trade statistics, you have very few options when it comes to dolls, for instance. Something like 95 percent of imported dolls are made in China. So there is a tiny supply from other places. So essentially if you're determined to buy a doll and you don't want that doll to be made in China, I would expect to pay more for a doll made in Germany. So things like toys and games overall, it's something like 84 percent of the imported toys come from China. So I would expect to spend more money and more time doing it.
But you can find ordinary toys made even here in the USA if you are lucky or spend enough time. My mom just bought a Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice game and I guess old habits die hard, because I picked up the box and looked underneath and it said made in the USA.
WHITFIELD: I remember that game.
BONGIORNI: It's a classic. I always wanted it. So there's -- if you have some luck and spend enough time, I think there are a few options, but not many, that's for sure.
WHITFIELD: Even if it means digging a little deeper, even if it means kids will get less, trying to make up for spending more..
BONGIORNI: That's exactly right. You can be choosier and buy fewer things and spend the same amount of money. But I do think there are a few sources, so you have to prepare and try to find catalogs and toys that carry those things. Because if you're just going to walk into an ordinary store and hope you can walk out with a number of toys made in countries besides China, most of the time you'll strike out. But certain things like Lego's are very widely available and those are not made in China.
WHITFIELD: Sara Bongiorni, thanks so much. "A year Without Made in China." That's the book and we talked to you a couple of months ago about that very thing. And your book and so we thought you one a great resource to call back to find out how in the world are we going to make it through the toy buying season.
BONGIORNI: I'm still wondering myself.
WHITFIELD: Happy holidays. Thanks so much.
BONGIORNI: Thank you.
WHITFIELD: We're all in the same boat here. So buying just American toys is one option. But as we said, there are others. A look at a few of those next.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(UNIDENTIFED FEMALE): I think that they should have much stricter rules about what does come over here. Children's lives are at stake.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Frustrated parents sound off.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: All right, now some last-minute buying tips for you here this hour. Beware of toys that can be broken into smaller pieces, such as chalk, certain writing things like crayons or caps from markers. And do your own safety check, if toys can fit through a toilet paper tube, they are potentially a choking hazard. And finally be careful of toys with magnets. If swallowed, they can cause serious health problems as well.
So we've covered a lot of ground over the past hour. But I want to go back to where we started and that was with a promise to leave you with solutions here. Let's bring in our CNN's Josh Levs to help us navigate, you know, the past hour, a lot of information. It's overwhelming for a lot of parents, just consumers in general who want to buy toys.
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is and you know we're going to take a moment to remind everybody that toys are fun. But the fact that there's so much to be afraid of doesn't mean we should forget that this is the holidays and that we should be able to enjoy the process. We used to enjoy this. I guess one thing we want to say is basic tips. Let's talk quickly, if we can, about if you are concerned, two things, one, buy age-appropriate toys. This is a very important thing. A lot of people forget this. Think about age-appropriate. Look at the labels. If it says age 2, 4, 6, the kids that put the toys in their mouths, they're around 2 years old. That's how you get the lead poisoning, it is not from breathing.
And also I want to show you, Fred, these at-home lead tests. If we can a look at that real quickly, there's a couple of organizations that say two different things, this is from "Consumer Reports," they say they're not always accurate but sometimes it helps. On the flipside, the government says the CPSC says we do not recommend using these test kits. What it boils down to, the government and private groups say the same thing, works sometimes, sometimes it doesn't so don't count on it being your final answer.
WHITFIELD: You talked about age appropriate, which brings me to this example. This was on the recall list. When I went shopping, I found it on the shelves. So I called the company and asked why isn't this recalled item off the shelves? So the response was, if this type of item, which they're standing by their product, has this sticker, so you need to look for these stickers now on these recall items, it's a warning which says it's a potential choking hazard. So stick to the age-appropriate toys. You don't want to give your 3-year-old a toy like this because it's not made for them. That's one of the safety guards that is in place to help people.
LEVS: Critical point. It might have this sticker on it.
WHITFIELD: Josh Levs, thank you.
LEVS: Thank you. Great hour.
WHITFIELD: Well thank you. It's been a tricky dilemma for a lot of parents, so we thought it was important for everyone to learn how to handle this holiday season. So for anyone who thinks these toy recalls don't seem to hit home, listen to what these parents have to say as they start their holiday shopping.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JULIE CARR, MOTHER: When they came out, you know, it was like my friends and I were emailing back and forth the lists that were of the toys that were -- did have lead paint and what we had. And my friends would come over and see my stuff. We have nothing left in the play room. It's not good. It says Elmo's submarine bath, you don't know if that's the toy they're talking about.
JENNIFER PESANELLI, MOTHER: I think Americans are looking at the newer toys and I don't know about the things he's gotten as gifts. I'm concerned about all of them. We got rid of them because we thought it would be easier.
HEATHER LARIMORE: I try to get toys that are more like this for her, like this is a softer toy and I know that it doesn't have any paint or anything. But like the other night, she had a friend over who was older and he had one of the cars and she was playing with it. We thought we should get that from her because it could have been made in China with the lead paint.
I think they should have much stricter rules about what does come over here. Children's lives are at stake. That's a serious thing.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: It is a serious thing and that's why we devoted this past hour for this very topic. We hope the information that we've covered has helped you. We also know that the challenges that you're facing don't end with our special. And that's why we continue to update our Website and we've created a section on CNN.com to post the latest information coming in. Just click on the toy recalls tab at the top of our home page. You'll find news articles, video and an archive of stories on each recall going back to the summer.
Next hour of CNN NEWSROOM starts right now.
More than 24 hours later and it is still burning and now we are finding out more on how the Malibu fire started. Arson investigators hot on the trail, is the first spark come from this location right here? During a post Thanksgiving party.
And are you home yet? Millions of Americans fly or drive today, so they can get to work tomorrow.
Hi, everyone, I'm Fredricka Whitfield. You are in the CNN NEWSROOM. Things are looking up today in the fight against the Malibu wildfire. But that's little solace for dozens of families whose homes are now gone. There are reports that tragedy might have sprung from a careless outdoor party.
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