Wal-Mart safety inspections

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world’s largest retailer, has taken the lead on the toy safety issue.   It said that it will review safety specifications from designers and manufacturers of the toys. It’s also going to increase the independent testing it conducts on the toys.

Kudos to Wal-Mart who does big business with toy making giants Mattell and Fisher Price, both of whom have issued toy recalls.  They are putting safety first and if other retailers don’t take their example, consumers can show their displeasure by not getting your business.  While it is true that toy makers should have dealt with unsafe substances before now, the problem is that there are so many intermediaries from manufacturing to the retail stores that consumers are most often the last to find out about potential problems.  By that time little Johnny is already gnawing on his favorite red painted truck.  So it’s up to retailers to make sure they have a review process for toy items it stocks on its shelves.

According to Wal-Mart, its requirements will include having toy manufacturers re-submit testing and safety documentation for toys already on store shelves to help eliminate the need for more recalls.  So right now on toy shelves there could be toys in need of a recall. Laura Philips, Wal-Mart's toy merchandise manager, says Wal-Mart will be reviewing the data in existing safety documentation and will add additional testing at independent labs.  Ms. Philips stated  "Reassurance is really our key point."  This is good news for consumers of toys.