Mattel Singapore speaks out

Apart from directions from Mattel US, is Mattel Singapore doing anything else to ensure toys sold in Singapore are safe?

Mattel is working around the clock to improve its safety system and has already taken significant actions by launching a strengthened three-point safety check system, meeting with vendors to ensure they understand these tightened procedures. We are also conducting an extremely detailed and wide-ranging investigation.

The fact that we are able to identify one specific part on one specific product from one specific plant is indicative of how painstaking this analysis is. This process is to ensure the safety of toys effective for global distribution.

Procurement and supply chain professionals across the world have pinned the product recalls on shoddy supplier qualification and a lack of supply chain control. What do you think is the cause of these recalls and what will Mattel do to prevent such recalls in the future?

Prior to these events we required paint and product to be tested. If these vendors and their subcontractors had adhered to our procedures, we won't have this issue. We have instituted changes to our required procedures to catch mistakes and improve accountability.

While we have some of the most rigorous quality and safety testing procedures in the toy industry, no system is perfect. We are working around the clock to improve our system and have already taken significant actions and launched the above mentioned improved three-point check system.

Tell us a little more about this system.

First we're requiring that only paint from certified suppliers be used and requiring every single batch of paint at every single vendor be tested. If it doesn't pass, it doesn't get used.

Second, we are tightening controls throughout the production process at vendor facilities and increasing unannounced random inspections.

Third, we're testing every production run of finished toys to ensure compliance before they reach our customer.

We've met with vendors to ensure they understand our tightened procedures and our absolute requirement of strict adherence to them.

The recalls have caused global public outcry among concerned parents. How does Mattel Singapore plan to boost its local consumers' confidence in the brand again?

First, let me assure you we work closely with local regulators to comply with legislation and we are confident that our toys are perfectly safe. In this case, it seems clear that a situation has arisen in a very small part of Mattel's supply chain that points to the use of some non-compliant paint.

Our detailed investigation allowed us to determine which products were affected. We then alerted local regulators and are working with retailers and consumers to take the affected toys out of the marketplace, which has always been our policy.

We have earned the trust of consumers for more than 75 years with our high standards, and by investing in doing the right thing in an open and honest way.

Does Mattel Singapore assist retailers in their reverse logistics plans and how is it done?

Mattel's Global Sustainability team is developing strategies region by region to ensure that the recalled products are handled in compliance with all applicable requirements. We want consumers to return affected products directly to Mattel.