Statement From Toy Industry Association

Nov. 25, 2009— -- The toy industry welcomes the added attention toy safety gets from the news media and consumers at this time of year.

Reports from the federal government's U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and consumer groups such as the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and Consumers Union agree that toys on the shelf this holiday season are safer than they have ever been.

Toys must conform to tough federal safety standards such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and rigorous testing and inspection procedures. We are continuously reviewing and updating toy safety standards ranging from small parts, acoustics, chemicals used in the manufacture of toys and other issues that will further enhance the safety of toys.

"The PIRG report serves as an opportunity to remind parents of the first rule of toy safety – check the age level on a toy and match it to the age of the child," said Joan Lawrence, Vice President of Safety Standards, Toy Industry Association. "Selecting age appropriate toys avoids potential issues such as choking hazards."

Lawrence continued, "Protecting children will always be the toy industry's highest priority. Consumers have every reason to trust the safety of the three billion toys sold in America each year."

Additional information and guidance – from shopping tips to recall information – can be found online at www.ToyInfo.org.

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