MATTEL TO PAY $12 MILLION TO 39 STATES Mattel December 15 agreed to pay $12 million among 39 states to settle allegations related to toys with lead paint.

CAL/EPA PROPOSES CHEMICAL SAFETY PLAN The California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) December 16 urged six steps toward handling chemicals, including ensuring safer products.

N.Y. STORES AGREE TO MAKE SUPPLIERS PROVIDE CERTS The New York Attorney General December 15 said that five Westchester County retailers agreed to adopt supplier control programs to settle allegations they sold children’s jewelry with excessive levels of lead.

NEW JERSEY FINDS RECALLED ITEMS IN STORES The New Jersey Attorney General office December 16 said that four of 39 stores its inspectors visited recently were selling two recalled toys.