Consider this the first recall of the season with a personal touch. In a seemingly sincerely open letter to their customers, Hobby Lobby, Inc. apologizes for their error. They apologized. Interesting. In an effort to retain their customers, they are offering a three dollar gift card to those who return the recalled items - The Easter Spinning Egg Tops or The Camouflage Easter Egg Treat Containers.

This is a admirable offer since the products in question retail between $1.99-$2.49. Thanks for the pocket change Mr. Hobby Lobby Man, that totally makes up for the fact that my kid has been playing with lead-laced toys. Yes, these plastic eggs were manufactured in China (surprise-surprise) and they have exceedingly high levels of lead in their brightly colored shells. As a parent, I concur with recent polls that measures and safety standards need to be revamped considering the current trends with manufacturing, and the sooner the better.

It’s seems fair to say that when you are buying products for the little ones, you need to look for explicit labeling with language like “non-toxic” or “lead-free” on it. There is plenty of paperwork being pushed around in Congress regarding this kind of issue so I expect, at the very least, some step toward madatory labeling on toys and baby products but still question whether the CPSC and the likes of will be able to keep up with all the foul play on the part of the manufacturers and the commissioning companies. In the meantime, read the labels and if they don’t say “non-toxic” you can assume they just may be toxic.

Sited Links:
CPSC | Hobby Lobby Stores Recalls Easter Egg Containers…
Hobby Lobby | Recall Statement and Information
Science Daily | Consumer Alerts Aren’t Enough to Protect Kids, Survey Says

Related Links:
National Paint & Coatings Association | Lead-Hazards Legislation Introduced in Both Houses of Congress
Associated Press | Plastic Easter Eggs Linked to Lead Paint