NEW YORK -- At the start of the holiday shopping season, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt is trying to reassure anxious consumers about the safety of Chinese-made toys.

AP Photo

Toys made by Mattel based on popular characters like Barney, Dora and Diego have been recalled after the toymaker warned of lead in the paint.

Leavitt paid a visit to the giant Toys 'R' Us in New York's Times Square to talk up tighter standards for exporters.

He says Washington will demand that exporters submit their products to independent testing before they reach the U.S.

Leavitt says, "We need to make certain that products are safe before they're allowed to come into our country."

Firms that comply will be rewarded with easier access to American markets.

The secretary, who is going China soon to deliver the message, also took the opportunity to buy gifts at the store for his grandchildren.

Link: Recall toy list

Toy safety warnings issued by Consumer Product Safety Commission:

-- Riding toys, skateboards and inline skates can cause dangerous falls

-- Toys with small parts can cause choking hazards

-- Toys with small magnets can cause serious injury or death if the magnets are swallowed (particularly for children under age 6)

-- Projectile toys for older children can cause eye injuries (such as air rockets, darts and sling slots)

-- Chargers and adapters can pose burn hazards to children