Smart toy selections for the Holidays

(New York-WABC, November 8, 2007) (WABC) -- Many toys have recently been recalled because of various dangers. On Wednesday, we told you about a toy that can have the same effect as the date rape drug if swallowed.

This is the year of the recall. And much of the problems are coming from China manufacturers. This week alone, seven toys were recalled due to lead paint.

But how do parents find toys that are safe -- especially with the holidays just around the corner? Seven On Your Side found some answers.

At Dinosaur Hill in the East Village, the owner goes out of her way to make sure the toys are safe.

In the last few months, consumers have been hit with a dizzying array of product recalls. And just yesterday this toy, Aqua Dots, was recalled after two children fell ill and it was discovered that the glue in the dots was replaced with the same ingredient in the date rape drug.

Yesterday, the Bush Administration announced broad changes planned to beef up the Consumer Product Safety Commission. But critics say it doesn't go far enough.

"With kids lives at stake, with the whole industry about to go down the drain because of a few irresponsible people and because China has no regulations ... that's wrong," Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said.

Meanwhile, Consumer Reports has some advice for parents who are buying for their children:

Toy recalled by the Consumer Producer Safety Commission

All Recalls

List of 250 lead free USA made toys

List of 500 toys "not made in China" obtained from a Toys R Us store for Christmas and Hanukkah

Up to now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has had no authority to test products before they hit store shelves, and it's not clear if the administrations new plan will allow for that.

For now, it's up to parents to stay on top of recalls and keep anything suspicious, like small painted objects, away from kids.

(Copyright ©2009 WABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

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