The Consumer Product Safety Commission entered semi-neutered status this weekend.

Bush hasn’t appointed a new third commissioner since Hal Stratton resigned in July. By law, the CPSC can only continue in full capacity for six months without a full stable of comishs.

Until they get a new third, the CPSC can’t vote on new safety standards or take additional action on civil penalties levied against firms that fail to report defective and hazardous products.

However, “Information will still go out to public about emerging hazards and problems, compliance work will still be conducted” that could lead to recalls, and “research and investigations will still continue,” said Julie Vallese, CPSC director of public affairs.

Don’t worry, you’ll still get your periodic dose of, “Toys R Us Baby’s First Iron Maiden poses choking, lead, hazard.” — BEN POPKEN

CPSC entering legal limbo; agency can still do recalls [ConsumerReports]

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