Robert A. Eckert, Mattel’s C.E.O., told Congress that the toy industry would work to prevent unsafe toys from entering the U.S.  A working group appointed by President Bush recommended a food inspection approach that focuses on points of vulnerability that arise before products like food and toys reach the United States.  Shuddering Acuras and grease oozing from the dashboards of Mazda CX-9s are among the latest technical service bulletins.  By ERIC LIPTON and LOUISE STORY  After a series of recalls that have undermined public confidence, the nation’s largest toy makers are asking the government to impose mandatory testing standards.  Under this White House’s tutelage, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has promoted voluntary compliance over safety mandates.  MORE ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND:  Even as it cracks down on product safety and substandard goods, China lashes out at critics of its exports.  MORE ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND:  The latest recall  the third in five weeks  covers 675,000 units of various Barbie accessory toys that were manufactured from Sept. 30, 2006, to Aug. 20.  MORE ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND:  The Weaver Popcorn Company has switched butter flavorings, replacing a chemical linked to a lung ailment in popcorn plant workers. Weaver, based in Indianapolis, began shipping microwave popcorn a few weeks ago that contain no diacetyl, a chemical under scrutiny because of cases of bronchiolitis obliterans, a life-threatening disease often called popcorn lung. Mike Weaver, the company president, said his workers had experienced no such cases. Mr. Weaver said his company sold about 600 million ba...  The recall, by a California produce company, comes nearly a year after an outbreak of another pathogen, E. coli, in fresh spinach killed 3 people and sickened 200.  Mattel appears to have become overconfident about its ability to operate in China without major problems.  Following the recall of several tainted Chinese products in recent weeks, China joined Southeast Asian countries in pledging to strengthen product standards and safety.  The Food and Drug Administration said it had not yet detected any chemical or biological contamination in the Chinese-made dog treats.  MORE ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND:  The suicide of a Chinese businessman may have resulted in part from the pressures and contradictions of China’s loosely regulated brand of capitalism.  MORE ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND:  No one who has sued Merck over heart attacks or strokes suffered after taking Vioxx has received payments.  MORE ON CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY AND:  The leaders of the Great Indiana State Fair have banned oils with trans fats from all its fryers.
News about Consumer Product Safety. Commentary and archival information about Consumer Product Safety from The New York Times.