Disney just announced this week that they plan to implement an independent testing program for all of their products. This means any toy or piece of jewelry or anything that contains a Disney character could be tested by their independent labs to make sure it is free from lead, choking hazards, or anything else that could make the product unsafe.
This additional level of testing will hopefully prevent Disney products from being involved in massive recalls like the recent Mattel fiasco. Now manufacturers like Mattel will have to be extra careful, knowing the power of the Mouse is watching over them. If something should slip through their quality control, but Disney catches it, you can bet Disney will take their business elsewhere. A smaller brand wouldn’t have that kind of power to make a manufacturer nervous, but Disney can do it.
Now, I’m not completely naive - I’m fully aware this move is a corporate marketing tactic partially intended to keep consumer brand support for Disney. I’ll be honest, it worked on me. I feel better about Disney knowing they’re doing this. But if it helps improve the safety of their products, I don’t see why anyone would be upset with this announcement. More importantly, if a mega-brand like Disney begins independently testing their products, it’s very possible that other companies will follow suit. Double testing will further decrease the chances of dangerous products reaching our families.
If companies want to win back consumer trust, they need to prove to us that their products are safe. We need to know they are actually checking manufacturing plants and not leaving work to unlicensed Chinese sub-contractors using materials that haven’t been tested. We want to see them putting safety before profit. Disney’s announcement today is a good start.
