Dear Mr. Bob Eckert, CEO of Mattel:
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. With that said, I have questions regarding the following statements found on the ‘Voluntary Safety Recall Facts’ webpage.
Statement 1: Regarding our manufacturing processes, we immediately strengthened them with a three-point check system. First, we’re requiring that only paint from certified suppliers be used, and we’re requiring that every single batch of paint at every single vendor be tested. If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t get used. Second, we are tightening controls throughout the production process at vendor facilities and increasing unannounced random inspections. Third, we’re testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach our customer. We’ve met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them.
Questions: The statement exclaims that your team has ‘immediately’ strengthened the manufacturing processes with a ‘three-point check system’. While I certainly appreciate these newfound safety measures, why, before millions of these toys became available to the public, were these processes not in place? Being that it further stated that ‘Mattel’s philosophy is that every employee is responsible for the quality and safety of our products’, I want to know where these philosophical views were prior to the implementation of the lead paint. Second, what is/was the reason for the non-certified use of paint? Third, why is it necessary to ‘tighten control’ with vendors. As a company, that prides itself on ’safety’ and ‘trust’, were the vendors not screened prior to implementation? The fourth and final question is this, why were inspections (announced or unannounced) not implemented previously?
Statement 2: We are in the middle of an extremely detailed and wide-ranging investigation. The fact that we were able to identify a specific part of one product as problematic is indicative of how painstaking this analysis is.
Questions: I understand that an investigation takes time. However, could you elaborate on this investigational period? In addition, could you let us know the means for public notification upon the closure of the investigation?
That is all for now.
Again, thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
Concerned Parent
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