Irresponsible corporations and our children’s safety

Consumer International just released their list of the worst products sold in America for 2007 and I wish I could say I’m shocked about the press release! Out of the four products awarded, three of them are directly targeting our children and the fourth indirectly targets our children.

Mattel, which is the world’s largest toy manufacturer, had to recall 21 million toys this year. We were told that these recalls were related to China and their manufacturing methods (mainly involving lead paint.) However, in September Mattel quietly admitted to the fact that a large part of the issue was design flaw and now claims responsibility for 11 million of the 21 million recalls. Statistics are still not available for the amount of families adversely affected by these “design flaws.”

The Kellogg Company which is one of the worlds largest cereal suppliers has been under fire this year for over promoting and using colorful cartoon characters to push their sugar laced products to our kids. I’m a hard supporter that parents have the final say in what their children put into their mouths but it’s ridiculous that the Kellogg Company was forced to make changes to their advertising policies only after litigation was pursued against them. However, it seems as though little is being done at this point. With obesity on a scary rise with adolescents, it’s not only up to the parents to control what their children eat; corporate responsibility must be taken to ensure that the children are protected and the proper foods are being sold.

It’s scary to think that parents who try to feed their children wholesome and nutritious and clean foods may be part of an even deeper seeded misdeed. The Coca-Cola Company which is one of the worlds biggest water bottlers has been “outted” when it comes to their Dansani bottled water. Not only is it the only bottled water that has sodium added to it, it’s basically the same water that comes out of the kitchen tap. The company will tell you that they are not doing anything illegal but I doubt they could deny being shady about the whole deal. Water is water and it’s up to us to determine if we want to be duped by big business into believing that their water is any different.

Now this last one is just down right scary because any person with kids have all wished for this but in reality, would never really want it. Sleeping pills for kids! Takeda Pharmaceuticals introduced a drug and advertised it in the U.S. as a “back to school” item which is outside of federal regulations and allowed them to advertise the drug without warning (“stupid” parents who would actually use the drug) about the numerous side affects. In my opinion this is low down corporate abuse and is dangerous.

I know this is a lengthy post but to me it’s sad that these companies get away with this and the small consumer groups trying to protect the children of the world get little air time in return. These issues need to be at the forefront of our consciousness because our children and being taken advantage of and put in danger. Since our government is doing little in the way of cleaning up these messes, it’s up to us as parents to be consumer advocates and to research any toy, food or drug we give to our children! Realize that the government isn’t here to protect and in all honesty, it’s not their job. It ultimately comes down to the decision making of the parent!