The news over the past few months has been filled with stories of toy recalls. With more than three million toys manufactured in China already recalled due to dangerous lead paint, the entire industry has been forced to increase its safety standards, and sooner or later the added costs are going filter down to toy prices.So far, consumers have not had to foot the bill for the added safety measures, but according to analysts, that is all going to change after this year's busy holiday shopping season. Starting next year, it is estimated that toy prices could jump as much as 10%, making it the largest one-time jump in several years. Toys are not going to be the only consumer items that will be hit with rising costs. Other imports from China of fish and children's apparel are also going to be susceptible to increases.
It poses the question -- how much is your child's safety worth? I think the answer to this question is rather obvious; it is worth whatever it takes to ensure that the products are safe for the little ones to play with. While there is undoubtedly going to be many upset shoppers out there, I, for one, believe the added costs are immaterial when the safety of children is at stake.
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