Last year parents across the country were given a toy scare when over 1.5 million toys were recalled because of toxic paint. Out of the 1.5 million toys recalled 60,000, or about 4 percent, were from the Thomas the Tank Engine toy line. The manufacturer of this toy line issued an immediate recall once they were made aware that the Chinese producer of these toys had used lead paint on the surfaces of the wooden toy trains. This toy recall brings an important issue to light, toy manufacturing safety and outsourcing reliability.

Outsourcing Toy Manufacturing – Is It Too Big of a Risk?

Last year’s huge recall of toys was just one of many recall scares for American consumables. However, these scares did have one positive effect it spawned a discussion about the safety of imported goods. The American government debated for weeks over what precautions and safety guards could be put in place to ensure that the imported goods were safe for American consumers. One of the most promising suggestions was the recommendation that a quality inspection program for imported good be implemented. This program would be funded by fees shared by both the exporter and the importer, which would create the smallest impact on wholesale and retail prices.

Recalled Items from the Thomas the Tank Engine Line

If you weren’t aware of the recalls from 2006 and your child has a collection Thomas the Tank Engine toys, then you need to use the following list to see if you have any toxic toys. If you have one of these toys, manufactured prior to 2006 then immediately remove them from your child’s toy collection.

* Red James Engine and coordinating #5 Coal Tender
* Red Lights and Sounds James Engine and coordinating #5 Lights and Sound Coal Tender
* Red Skarloey Engine
* Red Hook and Ladder Truck
* Red Water Tanker Truck
* Red Musical Caboose
* Red Baggage Car
* Red “Sodor Mail” Car
* Red Holiday Caboose
* Red Fire Brigade Truck
* Red Coal Car
* Red Stop Sign
* Red Sodor Line Caboose
* Red Fire Brigade Train
* Brown & Yellow Old Slow Coach
* Deluxe Sodor Fire Station
* Yellow Box Car
* Yellow Railroad Crossing Sign
* Ice Cream Factory
* Smelting Yard

The Thomas the Tank Engine toy line is a quality toy line. However, like any other toy line, you need to watch out for safety recalls, like the one that occured in 2006. Being a parent means protecting your child from safety hazards, but fortunately you are not in it alone. Most toy manufacturers do their best to produce safe toy trains and toy train sets.