EU calls for tougher toy safety laws

Tougher EU-wide laws are needed to tackle imports of potentially dangerous toys, an MEP said.

The call follows a Mattel recall of 55,000 toys from the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland because of concerns over lead in paint.

Mattel said problems with the Fisher-Price Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boats, of which 12,000 were sold in the UK and Ireland, were caused by a sub-contractor in China.

Arlene McCarthy, chair of the European Parliament’s consumer protection committee, said proposed changes to the EU toy safety directive would make it possible to prosecute importers over faulty goods.