Chinese-made Toy Foam Mats Recalled in Europe - Raising Fresh Concerns Over Safety of 2010 Christmas Toys

Two European countries have ordered a total recall of popular Chinese-made foam puzzle mats for children after tests indicated they carry dangerous levels of a carcinogenic chemical. This has raised fresh concerns from parents over the safety of 2010 Christmas Toys produced in China, the world's largest toy producer and exporter, in the lead up to the holiday season.

Fresh Concerns Over Safety of 2010 Christmas Toys

Belgium ordered all foam puzzle mats imported from China to be taken off the shelves on December 10, citing a health department report that they emitted harmful particles, specifically formamide, an industrial chemical that has been linked to cancer, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Formamide is toxic to the reproductive system and can pose harm to fetuses and infants. Exposure to the chemical can also cause eye, nose, throat and skin irritation. The latest decision by Belgium and France should raise awareness among Chinese parents, Dong Jinshi, the secretary general of the International Food Packaging Association, told the Global Times Monday, adding that foam puzzle mats in the world market all contain similar components.

Around 70 percent of the world's toys are made in China, with the sector's annual output worth 100 billion yuan ($14.7 billion), according to a report issued by puworld.com, an online platform on the Chinese polyurethane industry.

To better regulate the industry, China issued a National Safety Technical Code for Toys in 2004 that stipulated toys must carry warning labels and age recommendations. However, safety concerns have still been reported since. In January this year, China topped the list for the rapid alert system on non-food consumer products with 46 types of toys reported to have hidden safety risks.