Mattel advertises on front page of Yahoo

Here's the link. I have one of the toys recalled - in fact it was a freebie at Ding Ding for several months and I even gave one to Ivo. Note that according to Mattel, it wouldn't be affected by the recall since I received them months before May 2007. I 'll probably still junk it.

Here's what they are doing to fix their testing regime:

Regarding our manufacturing processes, we immediately strengthened them with a three-point check system. First, we're requiring that only paint from certified suppliers be used, and we're requiring that every single batch of paint at every single vendor be tested. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't get used.

Second, we are tightening controls throughout the production process at vendor facilities and increasing unannounced random inspections.

Third, we're testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach our customer. We've met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them.

That's probably overkill, but it's what I would do in the same situation. It's going to be hard to make shipments on time while testing is being done, so I wonder if there will be delays for Christmas shipments, though I'd guess a lot of those have already been shipped.

It's interesting that they say they are increasing unannounced random inspections - I wonder how many of those they were doing before. The third point is the most crucial, though.