Melissa & Doug is one of my favorite toy companies.  They offer affordable wooden toys, games and puzzles that are high quality and available in more mainstream stores now.  I have been a fan of theres for 6 years now.  They have allowed me to get rid of most of my plastic junky toys (except for Playmobil which I don't think is junky).

Anyways I know there products are made in China so I wrote to them this morning to ask about the lead paint issue with certain toy companies right now.  I heard back from them within a few hours and I thought I would share their response.

I asked:
With all of the growing concerns regarding paint being used by toys made in China I am wondering if you can send me any info on your company and this issue.  Are you able to guarantee that your toys do not contain lead paint?

They replied:
Yes, we definitely appreciate and understand your concern.

Please be assured, we test for lead VERY frequently.

It's quite possible to make great quality children's items in China, which meet all safety regulations, but the key point is that you have to test and inspect very frequently to be sure that your factories are always following your instructions explicitly. I assure you that's exactly what we do.

From our experience, the key to doing this correctly is not simply to insist that your factories follow your instructions, but then to go one step further and to AUDIT, INSPECT, AND TEST very frequently. That is the most important part of the process, and it's something our company has always taken VERY seriously.

Thanks again for asking, and for your support also.

Your Dedicated Customer Service Team

Melissa & Doug, Inc.

800-284-3948