Target settles CPSC allegations of selling toys with lead paint in $600,000 fine

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Target Corp. has agreed to pay a $600,000 fine for allegedly violating the federal lead paint ban for toys, the Consumer Products Safety Commission said.

The civil penalty is a part of a settlement between the Commission and the Minneapolis, Minn., retailer that stems from accusations by the agency that Target knowingly imported and sold multiple toys with paint or other coatings containing illegal amounts of lead from May 2006 to August 2007.

The agency also accused Target of failing to prevent toys or other children’s products with lead in them from being imported or sold in its stores, which created a risk of lead poisoning and children’s health problems.

As a part of the settlement, Target has denied Commission allegations that it broke any laws.

Target voluntarily recalled the toys in question, including Anima Bamboo Collection Games, Happy Giddy Gardening Tools, Kool Toyz and Sunny Patch Chairs, the agency said.

Lead has been banned from toy paint since 1978.

-- Nathan Olivarez-Giles

(top) and Anima Bamboo Collection Games (bottom). Credit: Consumer Product Safety Commission