Chinese Garments Under Scanner In New Zealand
First it was pet food, then toys, now the safety of Chinese made clothes is being called into question.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs is investigating claims that clothes contaminated with high levels of formaldehyde are being sold in New Zealand.
The gas is commonly used in clothing manufacture, but the programme found levels up to 900 times higher than considered safe by the World Health Organisation in garments it tested. Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause cancer in humans.
The claims are being aired on a New Zealand television program called Target.
Authorities are also investigating safety issues involving Chinese-made children’s flannelette pyjamas. The Warehouse has withdrawn the TWL brand of pyjamas while the Commerce Commission investigates whether the garments were faulty.
Last month, two boys suffered minor burns when their TWL pyjamas ignited.
Date: August 21, 2007
Article: NZ investigates claims of Chinese clothes contamination
Reference: The New Zealand Herald
Reference: Taipei Times