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SINGAPORE : In the last two years, some of its toys have been recalled in the United States.
But Daiso stores here are still stocking some of the children's products accused by a United States consumer watchdog of being dangerous and lead-tainted.
On Tuesday, federal regulators slapped a hefty US$2 million (S$2.8 million) fine on the US subsidiaries of the Japanese retailer.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the outlets would not be allowed to import children's products until they are proven safe.
According to The Associated Press, since 2008, Daiso California and Daiso Seattle have had five recalls of 698 toys and other children's products.
They included small wooden toys, stuffed animals, purses and ponchos.
When MediaCorp checked with three out of five Daiso outlets in Singapore, sales staff said there had been no word from the top to recall the items here.
There have been no complaints about the children's products which have been available here for some time, they added.
While no injuries have been reported in the US, the head of the consumer commission, Ms Inez Tenenbaum, said: "This landmark agreement for an injunction sets a precedent for any firm attempting to distribute hazardous products to our nation's children."
The commission accused Daiso of importing, distributing and selling toys with illegal levels of lead content, small parts on toys intended for young children and products that lack required warning labels.
Daiso senior executive Yoshi Murata said the company accepted the fine and wants to make sure the products it imports are safe.
It has initiated a programme for product quality and safety, he told AP.
In Singapore, Consumers Association of Singapore executive director Seah Seng Choon said it had not received any complaints about the Daiso items.
Still, he said: "The public would expect Daiso to alert all consumers of the toys in question and provide advice for the proper disposal of the products."
Ms Cecilia Lee, parent of two schoolgoing girls, felt the authorities should take steps to recall harmful products and do stringent checks on other toys in the market too.
- TODAY/il
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