This is nonsense. As educated bird owners, we simply can not expect all quality bird toy companies to suddenly change all their hardware to stainless steel when we have no evidence that the hardware they are using is a problem when maintained properly. Stainless steel can be over 6 times the cost of regular metal hardware and the market will not support such a price increase in price. The retail price of some toys could double or even quadruple depending on the number of hardware pieces used. However, in some cases, it is certainly worth asking your veterinarian about.
Zinc toxicity is a newly discovered consideration in the safety of our birds.
I am sure that within the next few months, we will all have more access to information on this subject. In the meantime, it is important to use caution in all things we provide to our birds but please be reasonable and try to get good information in making your decisions. The key, as always, is to pay attention to the way our parrots play with their toys. My parrots do not play with their toys in such a way that I am concerned about the hardware being a risk factor. However, if you feel your parrot is at risk because he chews on or mouths his toys excessively, then make the necessary changes.