Was Lead Paint China's Only Choice for Fisher Price?

By: Brent Patmos

The Chinese Manufacturer that was contracted by Fisher Price to manufacturer its product had no choice but to take short cuts and use product processes that were eliminated in the United States in the mid to late 70's.

Chinese manufacturers understand economics and also understand how to make money. As a result, they have no choice but to cut corners and work around specific quality systems such as ISO or TS. That's exactly why Made in the USA means something. Lead paint was just the most recent in a line of corners that Chinese Manufacturers are cutting to make sure that they are, above all else, profitable. With their decision to outsource to China, driven by their own need to remain profitable, Fisher Price put one of the most recognized brands in toys at terminal risk.

It's likely that very few people will ever know the name of the Chinese Manufacturer that was responsible for the lead paint on toys and yet the name and brand of Fisher Price will bear the responsibility, accountability and damage for their decision. China had no choice but to use lead paint. When you manufacture goods at 40% to 60% the cost of domestic manufacturers and you're paying workers pennies on the dollar, it's likely that quality systems and processes aren't the top priority of your manufacturing operation.