The CPSC is understaffed and underfunded, and it needs a complete overhaul of its mission if it’s to be effective at all in protecting US consumers, says Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin (D):
“The laws are written sadly in a way to make it next to impossible to protect consumers. 401 (CPSC) employees today trying to manage trillions of dollars in products … they do not have enough cops on the beat.”
Rite Aid is selling antifreeze-laced fog juice, the substance that is atomized and turned into a gas by smoke machines, isn’t terribly concerned, reports reader Jennifer.
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Accessory Toys (lead), Fisher Price Big Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys (lead), Fisher-Price Recalls Geo Trax Locomotive Toys (lead), NettoCollection “Moderne” and “Loft” Cribs (entrapment, strangulation), d-Scan Jubee Bunk Beds (collapse). Mattel’s CEO appeared in a new apology video, featuring shots of people in lab coats going through the motions of testing toys (we like how the guy in the beginning nods his head as he writes down a figure, nice lil piece of overacting there).
Toy-giant Mattel will recall yet more toys covered in deadly lead-tainted paint, the AP reports.
Mattel is being investigated (again) by the CPSC over the timeliness of its latest batch of recalls. According to the WSJ, Mattel knows it is required to inform the agency within 24 hours of receiving information about a defect that could cause injury—it just doesn’t do it because it thinks its not fair.
The CPSC is so underfunded that they can only afford one full-time toy tester, and his impact test area is located in the swing area behind the door to his cramped office, NYT reports.
Here’s some depressing news: US companies increasingly export products that do not meet our safety standards, says the Washington Post.
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Toys “R” Us Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases (lead paint), B&F System Emergency Tool Kits (fire and shock), Berko Electric Toe-Space Heaters (fire), Aloha Housewares “Aloha Breeze” Portable Electric Heaters (fire), Life Is Good Zippity Hoodie and Sherpa Full Zip Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings (strangulation).
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Oregon Scientific Weather Radios (failure to receive national weather service alerts), Toddler and Youth Nylon Bucket Hats sold at Bass Pro Shops (strangulation), Bella Cucina Death by Chocolate cookies (undisclosed walnuts).
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Kids Watering Cans (lead), Caterpillar Steel-toed Logger Boots (not actually shock resistant).
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Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers (fire), Calligaris ICE Bar Stools (falling).
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Basic Editions-brand Girls’ Clothing Sets (entrapment), Priddy “Trucks” Shaker Teether Books (choking), Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses (entrapment), AC Adapters sold with Network Hard Disk Drives (burn), J.C. Penney Windsor Spindle-Back Side Chairs (fall), Los Angeles Salad Company Genuine Sweet Baby Carrots (bacterial infection)
As we mentioned earlier, Elliot Spitzer, the governor of New York, seems a bit miffed about the whole lead recall thing. He’s issued a press release about some “initiatives” he’s taking in response to the recent recalls because he feels the CPSC doesn’t have enough power to deal with the problem.
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Hampton Direct Magnetic Toy Train Sets (lead).
A lawsuit filed Monday asks Mattel to pay for lead testing to determine if children have been exposed to lead from the millions of recalled toys.
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is taking action to ensure the prompt removal of recalled products, responding to the CPSC’s unwillingness to ask for, or accept, the authority to impose mandatory recalls. The following proposals do not require approval by the Legislature, and will go into effect immediately:
Mattel CEO Bob Eckert posted a video apology for the millions of lead-tainted and faulty magnet toys they were forced to recall. In it, he apologizes, has himself and his company take full responsibility for the issue, and outlines specific new steps to insure product quality and step up inspection processes. This is the best corporate apology video we’ve ever seen.
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Regal King Gourmet Seafood Ready-to-Eat Seafood Dips (bacterial infection), Clarion N.I.C.E. P200 Navigation and Entertainment Systems (fire), Confidence, Inc METABOSLIMTM Apple Cider Vinegar brand dietary supplement (undeclared drug ingredient).
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