Poison clothes add to China export scares

FT.com ^ | 08/20/2007 | Geoff Dyer

[LM_Guy]

The safety problems affecting Chinese goods spread from toys to textiles on Monday as New Zealand said it would investigate allegations that imported children’s clothes contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde.

The government ordered the probe after scientists hired by a consumer watchdog programme discovered formaldehyde in Chinese clothes at levels of up to 900 times regarded as safe. Manufacturers sometimes apply formaldehyde to clothes to prevent mildew. It can cause skin rashes, irritation to the eyes and throat and allergic reactions.

The Warehouse, a New Zealand retailer, issued a recall at the weekend for children’s pyjamas made in China after two children were burned when their flannelette nightclothes caught fire.

The New Zealand investigation is the first time that the safety of Chinese clothes has been called into question; concerns have been raised over a series of Chinese products in recent months, including toys, food and toothpaste. Last week, Mattel said it was recalling 18.2m toys globally because of hazards such as the use of lead paint.

The latest concerns came as Li Changjiang, head of China’s safety watchdog, claimed the product safety scares were “a new trend of trade protectionism”, and accused some governments of “demonising China’s products”.

Hiscomments reflected Beijing’s anxiety over growing fears of Chinese exports in the US and Europe, but they were dismissed by Peter Mandelson, the European Union trade commissioner.

“The allegation that European companies’ action against toxic Chinese goods is politically motivated and shows bias against China is totally false,” said Mr Mandelson on Monday. “As trade commissioner, I will not accept claims of toxicity being used as a pretext for protectionism.’’

Economists say the safety scandals have so far had limited impact on exports, in part as toys accounted for less than 1 per cent of overall exports last year, while foodstuffs....

[LM_Guy]

Doesn’t sound Bogus to me but instead just the tip of the Iceberg when people and companies start digging into what they are really getting for their money by buying Chinese products.

“Chinese blankets recalled over chemical”

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070822/ap_on_re_as/new_zealand_china_tainted_products_4

[WLR]

Australia and New Zealand do not have standards for the PPM for Formaldehyde in clothing.

The chemical servers several purposes..

The PPM count on the blankets in Question is Greater than that allowed in the US but Less that is Allowed in Germany.

“Independent tests had revealed the chemical’s content was “less” that 1,500 parts per million — the maximum level permitted in Germany — but “we’ve decided not to get into those details,” Bilton said.”

Those details matter..

For those who have read my Postings before I have no problem flaming the Chinese Government over certain Political Policies and Human Rights issues. I support Taiwanese Independence..

At the same time the Chinese will rightly throw up their hands and tell everyone to go to He^^ if we create a moving target or standard we change willy nilly.

If you want them to succeed in efforts to correct their discrepancies and failings keep focused on those.

Don’t fall into the trap of “Piling On” that is Crap.

According to the article the Chinese in this case were are in complete compliance with all laws and regulations in place..

You cannot ask more from anyone than that.

The Verdict...

China is correct in this case..

10 yard Penalty on the MSM for Piling On after the ball is down. lol

W