From Reactive to Proactive: Redefining Safety Standards in the Promotional Industry (A Four-Part Series)
Part 3: Testing Issues and Areas of Concern
At the heart of the recent California lunch-box recall—and others like it—was something perhaps more alarming than simple carelessness. Reduce the event down to a common denominator, and it becomes clear that a lack of awareness, rather than intentional negligence, was the defining factor. Both supplier David Chen, CEO of T-A Creations, and distributor Marla Kaye, You Name It Promotions’ president, reported testing the lining of the toxic lunch box, but that was the extent of the effort. “I just don’t know what happens in China enough to know how to really do this [testing]. This is why we go to our vendors … they’re supposed to be the ones that know,” said Kaye. Despite several red lights that should have been heeded by the company—including a lawsuit and FDA letter—Chen, too, admits to a certain level of confusion with regard to the proper standards by which he should be complying.
- Places:
- Oakland, California