Target Corp. Fined $600,000 for Violating Lead Paint Ban on Toys

Target Corp., one of the nation’s largest retailers, has agreed to pay a $600,000 civil fine to settle allegations that the company violated a federal ban on lead paint in toys, product safety officials said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the fine today. The fine stems from charges that from May 2006 through August 2007, Target knowingly imported and sold the following toys which contained excess levels of lead:

• Kool Toyz products

• Anima-Bamboo collection games

• Happy Giddy Gardening Tools

• Sunny Path Chairs

The toys were later recalled and prompted the CPSC to impose stricter limits on lead paint in toys, officials said.

“This penalty should remind importers and retailers that they have always had the same obligation to meet the strict lead limits as the manufacturers,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.

Target agreed to pay the CPSC fine to settle the allegations, but denied violating the law by selling the toxic toys.

Exposure to lead can cause reduced intelligence, learning disabilities, and major organ damage in children. Young, developing children are particularly vulnerable to lead and other hazardous toxins found in toys and other children’s products. In 1978, the federal lead paint ban for toys went into effect.

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