Federal Investigation Initiated by Sen. Ossoff Uncovers Gaps in Testing of Kids Toys for Lead

Washington, D.C. - A Federal investigation initiated by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has found critical gaps in the testing of toys and other children's products that could lead to lead exposure.

Recently, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report in response to a 2024 inquiry from Sen. Ossoff into how the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) conducts testing on products intended for children ages 12 and under for potential lead contamination and other safety hazards.

The report found that the CPSC has failed to review and update its testing requirements for lead despite being required to do so at least every five years. The report also found that the CPSC does not have written procedures for monitoring changes related to toxic substances in children's products.

"The safety of children in Georgia and across the Nation is one of my highest priorities, and I will continue to push to ensure that lead and other toxins stay out of children's products," Sen. Ossoff said.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to protect kids across Georgia.

Last month, the bipartisan Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, a bill cosponsored by Sen. Ossoff, was signed into law as part of bipartisan government funding legislation to ensure kids covered by Medicaid in Georgia face fewer delays when receiving specialty care.

Last month, Sen. Ossoff's bipartisan investigation with Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) into the incarceration of children with special needs in juvenile detention facilities uncovered that kids with special needs were locked up and incarcerated instead of getting the mental health care they need.

In December, the U.S. Senate passed Sens. Ossoff and Chuck Grassley (R-IA)'s bipartisan Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025 to strengthen coordination between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to better stop child trafficking and protect kids.

Also in December, Sen. Ossoff urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reinstate a grant made to Emory University to research children's exposure to lead, heavy metals, and other contaminants in West Atlanta following the discovery of dangerously high levels of lead in some West Atlanta yards.

Last April, Sen. Ossoff demanded answers from baby formula producers Abbott Nutrition and Mead Johnson about recent reports of toxic chemicals found in formula.

In 2024, Sen. Ossoff's bipartisan REPORT Act with Sen. Blackburn became law, which - for the first time - required websites and social media platforms to report crimes involving Federal trafficking and enticement of children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

In 2023, Sens. Ossoff and Grassley's bipartisan Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023 was signed into law, which will strengthen Federal protections against the sexual abuse of children, including online exploitation.

In 2022, Sen. Ossoff pressed the GAO and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to improve efficiency and coordination in processing product recalls in order to protect families from dangerous products.

Click here to read the full GAO report.

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