2nd N.Z. probe finds made-in-China pyjamas safe

A second New Zealand probe into the safety of pyjamas imported from China has found the products do not violate safety standards, news that the Chinese government welcomed Thursday.

New Zealand's Commerce Commission last Friday said its tests on Warehouse Red Stamp brand pyjamas showed the clothing met safety standards for children's nightwear.

Officialsbeganthe investigation after two children complained they suffered burns while wearing the pyjamas. A local television station said its tests indicated the clothes contained unsafe levels of formaldehyde.

"China welcomes New Zealand's findings that the pyjamas meet standards,'' Wang Xinpei, a spokesman at the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, told reporters in Beijing.

Health Canada does not have specific restrictions on formaldehyde levels in textiles, and says it's the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that products meet general safety guidelines and industry standards.

The investigations follow a series of recent product safety probes of Chinese exports involving toys, toothpaste and pet food. Chinese government officials have pledged to tighten safety inspections but noted that Chinese goods were being unfairly targeted as a means of trade protectionism.

In mid-August, Mattel Inc. recalled 436,000 die-cast Sarge cars worldwide because the made-in-China toys contain high levels of lead that pose a health threat to young children. The toy giant also recalled more than 18 million magnetic toys over safety concerns.