18 million Toys recalled!
Just before the magic hour at Christmas for the past two years - as the kiddies were about to tear open their gift packages with delight - a scare ran throughout a host of communities around the country.
Investigators undercovered the awful truth about a handful of toy manufacturers in the U.S.
Tots were unwittingly exposed to high does of lead poisoning because careless (neglectful) manufacturers (such as name-brand Mattel) chose to take ghastly short-cuts in the toy-making process by farming out the job lots to penny-wise countries with less-strict guidelines about the use of deadly toxins.
But, there were also revelations (nasty ones) about plastics, too.
In a bold-faced effort to raise the consciousness about the toying issues - and with the aim of stemming the tide - I penned posts on the investigations and the subsequent outcomes.
Post: 12/10/2007
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/12/toysx-mas-advocates-warn-about-hazards.html
Post: 12/18/2007
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/12/toysx-mas-advocates-warn-about-hazards.html
Post: 12/18/08
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/12/mattelsettles-toy-lead-poisoning.html
Now, just before a new holiday season upon us, there is good reason to celebrate!
Mattel has announced to the press that the toy maker has reached an agreement to settle "virtually all" the money-damage suits arising from the product recalls.
The class-action settlement is subject to the Court's approval.
Excessive levels of lead poisoning and other hazardous materials were detected in Mattel's toys, in spite of the fact they vowed publicly in the past, that safety was always a top priority.
The million-dollar settlement will be divied up according to the nature of the claims submitted.
For example, consumers who acted on the recall action will receive fifty-percent of the total vouchers sent in - or ten dollars - whichever is greater.
Anyone who "missed out" on filing the paperwork, or failed to actively participate for whatever reason, will receive a reimbursement in the amount originally plunked down for the Mattel toy.
The individual settlements may not amount to much, but in total, represent a staggering figure sure to "sting" the negligent Corporate giant - and ultimately - teach the big brass upstairs a valuable lesson about ethics and morality in the marketplace.
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