The Toy Association™ Responds to Unsubstantiated Safety Claims in NGO Reports

November 26, 2024 | Last week, The Toy Association was on the frontlines responding to unsubstantiated claims made by NGO reports about the safety of toys. Responding publicly to misleading and unfounded narratives is part of The Toy Association’s efforts to protect responsible toymakers that comply with strict federal safety laws, share facts that families can trust about the safety of legitimate toys sold in this country, and offer simple safety guidance consumers can follow to ensure a safe and happy holiday.

"Toys sold by reputable manufacturers and retailers meticulously comply with more than 100 stringent federal standards and tests, which is why toys are among the safest consumer products found in the home," said Adrienne Appell, executive vice president of marketing communications at The Toy Association. "Yet, certain NGOs choose to exploit the holiday shopping season by causing consumer panic with reports raising unwarranted concerns about toy safety. The Toy Association debunks these claims, and our efforts have proven successful in eroding the credibility of such reports."

Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards & regulatory affairs, was interviewed by print and TV outlets following the release of reports by W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) and U.S. PIRG on November 19. She shared safety guidance for families, including how to avoid counterfeit toys sold by rogue sellers online, how to monitor for recalled product, and why it’s critical to follow age labels on toys and supervise play.

The Toy Association’s Toy Safety Awareness Month will continue through the end of November; any individual or company that wishes to be an advocate for safe play is encouraged to get involved. The Toy Association’s safety tips can be shared using #ToySafetyAwarenessMonth and #PlaySafe. Be sure to follow the latest updates on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Additional resources are available at PlaySafe.org, the industry’s premier play safety resource for parents and caregivers.

Contact Kristin Morency Goldman, senior director of strategic communications at The Toy Association, for more information or assistance with any media requests (safety or otherwise) your company receives.