City Considers Banning Items Made In China
Request Follows Numerous Product Recalls
POSTED: Thursday, October 4, 2007
UPDATED: 3:58 pm EDT October 5,
2007
PALM BAY, Fla. -- City Council members in Palm Bay are considering an ordinance proposed by Mayor John Mazziotti that would prohibit the city's purchase of any goods manufactured in China.
"We are losing jobs left and right to them," Mazziotti told Local 6 News partner Florida Today. He said recent concerns about the quality and safety of items prompted his request.
Last month, several Mattel toys were recalled after it was discovered that lead paint was used on toy cars and that action figures and some dolls contained small magnets that could be swallowed. Wal-Mart pulled Chinese-made binders and pet products from their shelves because of safety concerns.
The proposed ordinance reads that the city will take the action because Chinese products hurt the American economy, and because "there is a complete lack of environmental, health and safety standards in product manufacturing in China."
The ordinance would prevent the city from buying any items costing more than $50 that are manufactured or assembled in China or that contain more than 50 percent components from China. Exceptions are for emergency purchases, if the item is not available otherwise or if the cost is more than 150 percent higher.
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