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U.S. Official: Toys Need Outside Testing Firms

Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt says toymakers need a proactive approach by making sure toys are safe before entering the country.

NEW YORK (AP) — On the eve of a trip to China to talk about export standards, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt stopped at the Times Square Toys ''R'' Us.
 
Leavitt says Washington wants to get companies to make better use of outside testing firms to make sure toys are safe. He says those that comply will find it easier to export their goods.
 
''Rather than just stand at the border and hope to keep things out that would be unsafe, (companies) need to make certain that products are safe before they're allowed to come in,” Leavitt said.
 
The holiday shopping season has been preceded by headline-making news of high-profile toy recalls involving some of the biggest names in the business, including Mattel and Fisher-Price.
 
Leavitt also took advantage of his stop on Monday to holiday shop for his grandchildren.
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