SpongeBob? Not You, Too!

Some 300,000 more toys and other children's items made in China have been recalled due to safety concerns about lead. That includes 250,000 SpongeBob journals and address books with lead paint on the metal bindings. The journals, imported by privately held Martin Designs Inc., were sold in US stores from June 2006 to July 2007—for about $2.

Other toys in the recall included spinning tops and children's charm bracelets. Chinese officials rushed to say that the majority of its exports still meet quality standards. A toy industry consultant says that the near-constant recalls will chip away at consumer confidence, but ultimately show that the system works. "Recalls are not uncommon for toys and children's products," he says. (More Chinese toys stories.)