China welcomes the results of a New Zealand probe into the
safety of made-in-China children's pajamas, commerce ministry
spokesman Wang Xinpei said yesterday.
The New Zealand government launched an investigation last week
into children's nightwear from China to determine whether it meets
garment fire safety standards. The probe came after two complaints
of children suffering minor burns while wearing pajamas imported
from China.
Testing was conducted by an independent laboratory.
The investigation found the Red Stamp brand of pajamas sold at
outlets of New Zealand retailer Warehouse Group Ltd met product
safety standards for children's nightwear, according to a statement
on the New Zealand Commerce Commission's website.
Stuart Wallace, acting director of fair trading with the
commerce commission, said the pajamas passed both the dimension
requirements for close-fitting garments and the surface burn after
washing test. Compliance with each is required for a garment to
carry the "low fire danger" label as set out in the safety
standards.
"However, low fire danger does not mean no fire danger," he
said. "All clothing and fabric will burn."
"While the aim of the product safety standard is to reduce the
danger of night garments catching fire or the likelihood of them
burning if they do catch fire, there is always a risk when children
are near heat sources. Extreme vigilance is needed," he said.
Wang said yesterday that China welcomed the findings of the
investigation.
"The government is responsible for consumers (using imported
Chinese products) around the world and will not shy away from any
problems," he said.
Mounting concern over the safety of Chinese products worldwide
has prompted a four-month government campaign against poor product
quality and supervision.
Eight categories of products are involved - pork, drugs,
agricultural products, processed food, food in the catering sector,
import and export products, and other products related to public
health such as toys and electrical wires.
The move aims to improve the quality of made-in-China products
by the end of the year.
A Cabinet-level food safety and quality control panel was also
established, headed by Vice-Premier Wu Yi.
(China Daily August 31, 2007)
