Remember that toy recall a few days ago?

**Beany** · 14-08-2007 00:19

http://en.rian.ru/world/20070813/71134268.html

Chinese toy company boss commits suicide in lead paint scandal

BEIJING, August 13 (RIA Novosti) - The head of a Chinese toymaker committed suicide following a scandal in which plastic toys were recalled in the United States over dangerous lead content, a Chinese state newspaper said Monday.

Southern Metropolis Daily said Zhang Shuhong, CEO of Lee Der Industrial Co. Ltd., hanged himself in a company warehouse.

Earlier in August, U.S. toy distributor Mattel Inc. recalled 967,000 pre-school toys being sold under the Fisher-Price brand, saying the Chinese producer had used a non-approved pigment containing lead. Following the recall, China's state department for inspections and quality control banned all exports by Lee Der Industrial.

The paper quoted a company manager as saying the paint had been supplied by the CEO's best friend. The scandal has cost the Chinese toy producer, which employs around 5,000 people, around $30 million, bringing it close to bankruptcy.

Mattel Inc. produces many globally-known toy brands including Hot Wheels, Matchbox cars, and their main product, Barbie dolls. The toys produced by the Chinese manufacturer included Muppets Big Bird and Elmo, and toys from the Dora the Explorer series.

Wowie.

**Melo** · 14-08-2007 00:31

Wow!

**neostudded** · 14-08-2007 00:45

When I saw that it made me sick!! but I dont have enough money to throw out all of the toys I have.I wonder if Julius's fisher price swing that I spent 130 bucks on has lead in it...Iam very discusted

**our little treasures** · 14-08-2007 00:48

GOOD Lead is very poisonous.

**Mister Noodle** · 14-08-2007 01:01

Erm, I don't think suicide is good...

**Harlequin** · 14-08-2007 02:26

Originally Posted by neostudded

When I saw that it made me sick!! but I dont have enough money to throw out all of the toys I have.I wonder if Julius's fisher price swing that I spent 130 bucks on has lead in it...Iam very discusted

I would definitely try to get them replaced if they do.

He should never have taken that paint off his friend... speaking of which, I wonder how the friend is feeling right about now... Dear me.

**neostudded** · 14-08-2007 05:19

Thats the thing, iam not sure which ones would be poisious I just know we have some fisher price toys in our house.

**Miaow** · 14-08-2007 06:32

Not good he committed suicide

Neo - In regards to the recall - there is a list of the affected toys in this post ... http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/f...d.php?t=111293

**Seekrit** · 14-08-2007 06:47

Originally Posted by neostudded

Thats the thing, iam not sure which ones would be poisious I just know we have some fisher price toys in our house.

Most of the toys recalled were character toys - Dora, Sesame St etc.
You don't have to throw them out - that's not how recalls work, you take them back to the store for a refund or exchange.

(Also HI NOODLE!!)

**~mia&ryan~** · 14-08-2007 06:53

Oh my, I think it is so sad that he though suicide was his only option... Harlequin you spoke my mind, I wonder how his friend is feeling right about now.... The whole situation is awful...