Thursday, March 20, 2008
[legal] Reebok Pays $1 Million Two Years After Recall
Consumer Help Web
warned consumers about lead in a child's bracelet nearly two years ago. One of the earliest very public recalls linked to products produced in China, toxic levels of lead in the bracelet were linked to a child's death. The bracelets were sold for two years at a price between $33 and $50.
Now the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that Reebook will pay a record $1 million penalty related to the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).
As part of the settlement, Reebok denied any wrongdoing or violating federal law despite the company's recall of 300,00 of the bracelets that the consumer watchdog group claimed had too much lead.
Labels: China, CPSC, recall, Reebok, safety
Monday, February 25, 2008
[safety] As Recalls Pile Up, Legislative Inaction Hampers CPSC
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, a federal agency operating with only 2 of 3 commissioners, continues to fumble through its mission while Congress, consumer advocates and the public swirl around the group in a messy
melange of ideas.
CPSC staffing levels have dropped through the years to half of where they were when the agency was founded three decades ago. President Bush's attempt last year to fill temporary agency head Nancy Nord's role with a manufacturing lobbyist was met with derision and quickly withdrawn. Nord continues as Acting Chair of the agency while the House of Representatives and Senate consider legislation that would fund the organization to approximately $80 million while giving the group broader powers or potentially entangling the agency's mandate with states rights.
Our issues with the agency's rules are that recalls still remain voluntary and penalties are relatively minor. We support broadening the agency's role while giving informed consumers tools with which they can make good choices. Provisions for consumer databases exist in the Senate's floor bill (S. 2045) while legislation that passed the House calls for mandatory recalls.
"Both the Senate bill and the House bill passed earlier include important safety provisions that will help CPSC's ability to keep our children safe. We hope that the final conference bill will take the strongest language from both and give the agency the funding, staff and teeth they so desperately need," said Nancy Cowles, Director of
Kids in Danger.
Kids in Danger has created a safety poster we'll be sharing later this week that shows recently recalled items that place children in harm's way.
In our opinion, neither piece of legislation is the best answer in its current form. Rather than throwing brickbats at the agency itself, we hope lawmakers will take a fresh look at this legislation and all safety issues.
Problems with jurisdiction already exist at the federal level. Complicating the matter by involving state Attorney Generals might be a recipe for more dangerous products being sold for longer periods of time. Other consumer advocates feel differently, but ultimately, this is more than an issue of stalled legislation. Consumer safety crosses race, gender and economic lines.
Labels: CPSC, KidsinDanger.org, legislation, safety
Friday, December 28, 2007
CPSC Lowers Boom On HSN For Failing To Report Safety Issues
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says that HSN will pay an $875,000 fine for failing to report safety issues regarding its sale of The Welbilt Electronic Pressure Cooker (pictured left)
HSN, which was known as Home Shopping Network during the 2001 to 2004 time period in which the government agency said the offenses occurred, denied any wrongdoing or liability. The law requires manufacturers and distributors to immediately report safety issues.
The company's actions were termed a penalty, rather than a fine, but the results are simple semantics. The CPSC claims that the company received more than two dozen reports of consumers who were burned when the cooker's lid allegedly opened prematurely. The agency worked with Welbilt and HSN in 2005 to recall nearly 4,000 units in 2005. Those cookers were made in Korea.
"This simply shows that even a small recall can have major repercussions," said Consumer Help Web's George Bounacos. "We have been trained to think in terms of millions or hundreds of thousands, but in this case, the reported injury rate was more than 1 out of every 170."
Bounacos' comments came during his announcement of a new recall information portal for consumers. "Too many agencies announce recalls and investigations for the average consumer to learn about them all. Even when stores do comply, the second-hand market for used goods thrives, from eBay to consignment shops.
RecallRecap.com will help consumers quickly check for free whether the product they're interested in was recalled, and if so, for what reason."
Labels: CPSC, HSN, recall
Monday, November 19, 2007
Congress, Media Continue CPSC Attacks
Suddenly it's the agency's fault.
Writing in the
Albany Times Union, Marianne Means calls the state of the
Consumer Product Safety "a national embarrassment". The
Washington Post stopped
just short of editorializing its CPSC news although reporter Annys Shin was quick to paint a
business v. consumer and
House v. Senate battle scenario.
What is happening now
is a national disgrace. After years of gutting federal consumer protection, this spring and summer saw big cases reach the public's consciousness. Suddenly, the average consumer wanted to know about consumer protection, which is something we consumer advocates have been trying to talk with them about for over a decade. Tax cuts, celebrities in jail for two hours at a time and
American Idol took the place of paying attention to the products we use and consume.
One can imagine a U-shaped curve showing American interest in consumerism peaking with Ralph Nader's crusades decades ago, bottoming out during the "greed is good" phase and peaking again with word about shoddy products endangering us. CPSC Commissioner Nord gets that issue. In
Nord's testimony to Congress (pdf link) weeks ago, she reminded Congress that the CPSC had not been reauthorized since 1990. In her words:
"Most of America's consumer products, not just toys, now come from overseas manufacturers. Much has changed in the marketplace, in technology and in communications since 1990. The result is that the inspection and enforcement tools at the agency's disposal with respect to imported products are not as strong as they need to be."Nord also pointed out two very critical issues that most pundits seem to miss:
* Relative to the USDA and FDA's groups tasked with product safety, the CPSC has a minuscule amount of resources available.
* As Nord testified, the CPSC
does not have ultimate authority on imports. By statute, Customs and Border Protection has the direct authority to deal with failures of import goods.
So while America pounds the wardrums for being exposed to potentially dangerous products in an all-you-can eat land of dollar stores and low cost providers trumping quality nearly every time, a balanced look at the issue is appropriate.
The CPSC failed because Congress, and by extension the American people, continually cut the agency's resources. This was followed by nearly a generation of not acknowledging the global marketplace, all of which stopped the CPSC from doing an effective job.
Why not work with the agency on a go-forward plan, a tactic we've now suggested three times, instead of starting with a new agency. Holding an entity accountable for circumstances beyond its control and mandate is a national embarrassment, exactly what one would expect when stories of what DVDs are on sale and the middle of the pro football season knock the tragic story of 3,000 people dead in Bangladesh off the front page of most newspapers.
Labels: Congress, CPSC, Nord
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Stripped Down CPSC Continues Struggling
In various recall notices, we have repeatedly said that now is not the time for recriminations about the recall process in the U.S. Apparently House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), where CA most definitely does not stand for
consumer affairs, is calling for CPSC head Nancy Nord (pictured) to resign.
The entire recall system is broken, but it's not broken because of anything Nancy Nord did or didn't do. It's broken because years of budget cuts cut the agency to shreds. It's broken because the CPSC doesn't have control over things the USDA and FDA control. It's broken because consumerism was stripped out of the federal government when the Office of Consumer Affairs was shuttered almost a decade ago. While OCA didn't recall items, they were one more official voice that could summon resources for consumers.
So the OCA is killed off, the CPSC's budget is torn to shreds over years and suddenly Representative Pelosi wants Nancy Nord to resign? Why? Apparently the issue stems from Nord's comments to not overwhelm the agency's infrastructure with money and resources now, but to let them create a cogent plan to increase resources and responsibility.
The political grandstanding has no place in this debate.
One does not right a decade of wrongs by writing a check. You don't double an agency's budget in a dysfunctional federal government bureaucracy and then scream for scalps when caution, prudence and good planning is suggested.
Here is an idea for consumers reading this today. Call someone who represents you in Congress and urge them to support the CPSC, but to give them time to create a strong moving-forward plan. If you happen to be a big donor to political campaigns, reminding the office of that certainly wouldn't hurt.
You can call Representative Pelosi's office too. Faced with multiple defeats and the inability to muster enough votes to override a lame duck President when she has control of the House, the Speaker is now going after soft targets.
She ought to be ashamed of her behavior. The CPSC does need help and does need reform. Getting rid of people who actually know what is going on is not the way to do that.
Labels: CPSC, Nord, Pelosi
Saturday, September 22, 2007
"Why Did It Take Three Deaths? - *CRITICAL SAFETY RECALL FOR CRIBS*
If you have an infant or know anyone who does, you must pass this information along
today. Read this short piece, and get busy. Email it to your friends, and tell them to email their friends.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and a large crib manufacturer have issued an immediate recall of 1 million cribs.
Three children have died.
The cribs have the name Aspen and Graco.The Aspen crib models are: Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1, Nursery-In-A-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1.The Graco crib models are: Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in 1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and the Trio.More model numbers are found on the envelope attached to the mattress or on the label on the crib's headboard. The model numbers are 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760 and 8896.
Call the manufacturer now at 888-593-9274 if you own one of these cribs.
We never condone sp@m or unsolicited email. Today we're asking you to write everyone in your address book. Send them to this story, and we'll also point them to the great non-profit
KidsInDanger.org. Their
press release about the recall is in a free PDF file here.
As consumer advocates, we'll work with others to deal with recriminations and blame later. Today, we make the children safe. Consumer Help Web is waiving its $29.99 fee for any person who owns one of these cribs and can not get satisfaction. Complete our
order form so we have the details, and skip the payment page. Those are being redirected to a special mailbox, and we will call you if you need help, but call the manufacturer first. They will be responsive. Let us know if they are not, and we will help you for free.
Labels: Aspen, baby, CPSC, crib, Graco, KidsinDanger.org, recall, safety
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Mattel's Barbie Joins Spongebob Squarepants, Dora On Recall List
Another month, another Mattel recall. And what a surprise. This one also has addresses safety issues with toys manufactured in China.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said that that Mattel claimed no reports of injuries had occurred, but that parents and caregivers should immediately take the toys from children and contact Mattel for a replacement. The company has set up a toll-free hotline staffed around the clock at (888) 496-8330.
As the eBay season ramps up again, parents are especially cautioned to beware of toys being auctioned. A
Forbes report claimed that the business magazine had found recalled toys for sale without warnings on the popular auction site.
The toys affected by this recall are shown below.
| Product | Product Number | Date Code Number | Product Photo |
|---|
| Barbie® Dream Puppy House™ (lead paint on dog) | J9485 | 286-6JX through 365-6JX
or
001-7JX through 232-7JX
(product number and date code are marked on the bottom of the house) |  |
| Barbie® Dream Kitty Condo™ Playset (lead paint on cat) | J9486 | 286-6JX through 365-6JX
or
001-7JX through 232-7JX
(product number and date code are marked on the bottom of the house) |  |
| Barbie® Table and Chairs Kitchen Playset (lead paint on dog, chip platter, dinner plates) | K8606 | All
(product number is marked under the table) |  |
| Barbie® Bathtub and Toilet Playset (lead point on cat) | K8607 | All
(product number is marked under the tub) |  |
| Barbie® Futon and Table Living Room Playset (lead paint on cat) | K8608 | All
(product number is marked on the cushion label) |  |
| Barbie® Desk and Chair Bedroom Playset (lead paint on dog) | K8609 | All
(product number is marked under the desk) |  |
| Barbie® Couch & Table Living Room Playset (lead paint on purse) | K8613 | All
(product number is marked under the table) |  |
Labels: Barbie, CPSC, Mattel, recall, safety, toy
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Government Will Consider Untested Matresses Unsafe
Growing concern over imported goods and a hyper-competitive market have prompted the federal government to issue a ruling that any mattresses not tested by the government would be considered unsafe and subject to recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the mattresses would be considered flammable.
A "narrow exception" has been made for medical beds meeting strict criteria.
Labels: CPSC, furniture, safety
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Massive Fisher-Price Recall Affects Sesame Street, Dora The Explorer, Other Toys
On the heels of a
huge recall of Thomas Railroad toys thought to contain lead-based paint, toy giant Fisher-Price is recalling nearly a million units for the same reason.
The New York based company said it had not received reports of injuries, but a chance existed that excessive lead based paint was used for toys based on popular children's characters. Those characters are from series such as
Sesame Street,
Dora the Explorer, and
Sponge Bob Squarepants among others.
The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with “Fisher-Price,” are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging.
The toymaker also issued a large recall earlier this year for its "Little People Animal Sounds Farm". That toy had a loose fastener that injured at least one child that resulted in surgery. As part of that recall, Fisher-Price agreed to pay a civil penalty of nearly one million dollars. Another choking hazard in a Fisher-Price toy was also found earlier this year when
500,000 "Laugh and Learn Bunny Toys" were recalled. The recalls follow a relatively quiet 2006 that was marred only by a
recall of 600,000 musical toy chairs that the Consumer Product Safety Commission said could trap a small child and lead to strangulation.
Fisher-Price is a unit of Mattel and conceded that the affected toys were made in China. The company instructed parents and caregivers to take the affected toys away from children immediately. Fisher-Price will issue a voucher for a replacement toy. Consumers can call toll-free (800) 916-4498 anytime for more information.
Labels: CPSC, Fisher-Price, recall, safety
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thomas Railroad Toy Made In China Recalled, Will Cost Up To $8 Million
More than a million toys based on a popular kid series have been recalled after the company and Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that the exteriors were decorated with lead-based paint.
RC2 Corporation reported no children were injured after playing with the toys made in China. The company said the recall could cost up to $8 million and pledged to implement strict quality control measures.
The recall involves wooden vehicles, buildings and other train set components for young children listed in the chart below. The front of the packaging has the logo “Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway” on the upper left-hand corner. A manufacturing code may be located on the bottom of the product or inside the battery cover. Toys marked with codes containing “WJ” or “AZ” are not included in this recall.
Consumers who have one of the affected toys can call RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT Friday.
Labels: China, CPSC, RC2, recall, safety, Thomas
Friday, July 27, 2007
Ceramic Heaters Could Be Fire Hazard
Lasko, a ceramic heater manufacturer, has recalled more than one million units after it disclosed to the government that the heater's electric cord can overheat and cause a fire.
The company said that it had received 28 reports of failed power cords and several reports of "minor property damage", but no consumers have been injured.
The heaters involved in this recall were all manufactured in 2005. Model numbers included in the recall are: 5132, 5345, 5362, 5364, 5420, 5532, 5534 and 5566. Model numbers are located on the bottom of the unit or at the rear of the base of the heaters.
Stop using the heater and contact Lasko toll-fee at 800-984-3311 with questions.
Labels: CPSC, heater, Lasko, recall, safety
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Laptop Battery Recalls Return
It's Gateway's turn now.
Almost a year after Sony batteries in laptops sold by Apple and Dell made international headlines when
more than four million were recalled, Gateway has a little battery problem of its own.
The company had its own version of a recall last year, but now is recalling 14,000 batteries shipped as the primary or spare battery pack for some Gateway 400VTX and 450ROG series notebooks, The batteries, manufactured in China and imported by Gateway in 2003, are identified by part numbers: 6500760 or 6500761. The part number and “made by SMP” are printed on a label on the underside of the battery pack.
According to the federal agency, consumers should stop using these recalled batteries immediately and contact Gateway to receive a replacement battery. Consumers can continue to use the notebook computers safely by turning the system off, removing the battery pack, and using the AC adapter and power cord to power the system until the replacement battery is received.
Gateway can be called at (800) 292-6813 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT seven days a week.
Labels: battery, CPSC, Gateway, laptop, recall
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Get Off The ATV! Importer Refuses To Help Recall Dangerous Children's ATVs
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers who own a Kazuma Meerkat 50 Youth All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) that
children are at risk of injury or death due to multiple safety defects with this off-road vehicle.
The agency said that the ATVs, imported by Kazuma Pacific, it determined that the Meerkat 50 lacks front brakes, has no parking brake, is missing a neutral indicator light, and can be started in gear. Additionally, the owner’s manual does not contain complete information on safe operation and maintenance of the ATV.
CPSC staff recommends that consumers stop using the product immediately because it is unsafe. The staff recommends that consumers demand a refund of the purchase price from the importer or dealer due to the defective condition of the ATV.
The risk with these ATVs is severe because these vehicles are intended for children age 6 to 11. In many cases, youth riders are just learning how to operate an ATV and may not have the experience necessary to help them avoid hazards associated with this product’s defects.
For some unknown reason, Kazuma Pacific has refused to provide complete incident or injury information for any of their products. In years of reporting on recalls and other safety issues, we can't remember such a blatant refusal for such a serious issue. The government is unable to determine how many children have been injured. The agency also state that between December 2006 and May 2007, Kazuma Pacific has impeded CPSC’s efforts to protect the safety of children, by refusing to implement a corrective action plan for this ATV.
Kazuma Pacific has sold at least 2,700 Meerkat 50 ATVs and has stated that they are continuing to sell the units that CPSC staff found to be defective. Kazuma dealers and Web retailers nationwide have sold this ATV since 2003 for between $525 and $825.
CPSC staff is requesting that consumers immediately report any incidents involving the Kazuma Meerkat 50 to the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or to the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov
Labels: ATV, CPSC, Kazuma
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Mother's Day Brings News Of Child Car Seat Recall
Perhaps no more fitting Consumer Help Web blog post can be written. On this Mother's Day, 2007, we ask that all parents check their child's car seat.
The one pictured here is an
Evenflo Embrace car seat. The company worked with the federal government on Thursday to voluntarily recall 450,000 of these seats after receiving reports of more than 670 malfunctions. Those errors caused 160 injuries to children, including one child with a fractured skull.
The company reports that the handle can "unexpectedly release" and cause your child to fall forward. The recall involves Evenflo Embrace™ Infant Car Seat/Carriers made before April 8, 2006. The recalled car seat/carriers have model numbers beginning with 317, 320, 397, 398, 540, 548, 549, 550, 556, 597, 598 or 599. The model number and production date information can be found on a white label on the bottom of the carrier and on the top of the convenience base.
Models beginning with "5" are units sold with the travel system (compatible stroller). "Evenflo" is on the carrying handle and car seat base. Embrace™ infant car seat/carriers made on or after April 8, 2006 are not included in this recall.
You
CAN continue to use this set to protect your child when it is buckled into a vehicle. What you
CAN'T DO is transport your child using the seat while carrying it by the handle. For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 490-7497 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Labels: car seat, CPSC, Evenflo, Mother's Day
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Children Eating Magnets? It's True And Dangerous. Another Recall Issued
Consumers may think of children's toys with detachable magnets as a choking hazard, but in the case of Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets, the issues have become far more serious.
Working with the manufacturer, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of 4
million units of the toy. The government agency has discovered at least two dozen cases of children ingesting the magnet. One of the children died and nearly all required surgery.
This is the second recall for the toy and by far the most sweeping. The toy contains more than 100 detachable pieces, some of which can cause serious injuries to a child's digestive system or even be aspirated into a lung. What makes this issue so unusual is the age of the children involved. Although the hazard was initially thought to be a problem primarily for children younger than six, it has since been learned that at least ten injuries involved children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old.
“CPSC is deeply concerned about the dangers that small, powerful magnets can pose to children if swallowed,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “In order for any product recall to be effective in protecting consumers, we must significantly reduce incidents and injuries from occurring after the recall is announced.” Mega Brands has been cooperative in this expanded recall, according to the CPSC.
Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy. If consumers are uncertain as to whether their product is being recalled, they can contact Mega Brands at (800) 779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
The CPSC is also asking consumers to immediately report any incidents of loose magnets to the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or to the CPSC Web site at
www.cpsc.gov.
Labels: CPSC, Magnetix, recall
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Easy Bake Ovens, Maytag Dishwashers Recalled Due To Fires and Burns
Millions of household name products have been recalled this week by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The venerable Easy-Bake Oven, a childhood institution manufactured by Hasbro pictured right, has been blamed for injuring several dozen children whose hands were caught in the toy. An additional 5 children were treated for burns. As a result, the agency and company issued a statement that the toy should not be used by anyone under the age of eight years old.
The affected units have the number 65805 and Hasbro stamped into the plastic at the rear of the oven. Any unit sold before May 2006 is not included in this recall.
Consumers should contact Easy-Bake at (800) 601-8418 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. eastern time during any day to receive a free kit to repair the oven.
The company says that almost one million units are involved in the recall.
Another company recalling units is Maytag, the manufacturer of Maytag and Jenn-Air dishwashers. The company recalled 2.3 million units after receiving reports of 135 fires in the dishwasher.
Maytag says that liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher's internal warning and cause a fire. Units affected include Maytag and Jenn-Air under counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers with black, white, almond, bisque or stainless steel front panels.
The CPSC suggests consumers contact Maytag toll-free at (800) 675-0535 anytime to determine if their dishwasher is one of the units manufactured in a 4 year period that is covered by the recall.
e recall involves Maytag® and Jenn-Air® under counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers. The dishwashers have black, white, almond, bisque and stainless steel front panels. The following model and serial numbers are printed on a label located on the dishwasher�s plastic frame on top of or to the left of the door opening. Consumers should contact Maytag to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recallLabels: CPSC, Hasbro, Maytag, recall
