Changes to Illinois law improve posting requirement

In Illinois, a new law changes the recall posting requirements for children's products. Public Act 096-0590 amends the preexisting Children's Product Safety Act by increasing the required 120-day posting of recalled children's products to 240-day postings for the following items: full-size cribs, non-full-size cribs, toddler beds, car seats, high chairs, bath seats, play yards, stationary activity centers, infant carriers, strollers, walkers, swings, bassinets and cradles. Signed by Governor Pat Quinn on August 18, 2009 and sponsored by Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights), this law became effective immediately.

Another important change to the Children's Product Safety Act under PA 096-0590 is a retailer's ability to now post recalled items electronically. Previously, retailers were mandated to post paper recall notices within the store property. Parents and caregivers be aware-- if you don't see posters of recalls in your consumer location, check a kiosk or computer terminal in the store for electronic postings. Stores are still responsible to post a physical sign to alert consumers to the electronic postings' location. Look for links such as "product recall" if there is not a warning notice on the main page.

As the Product Safety Letter recently stated, "Illinois has been a bellwether state on recall effectiveness." The state passed the first Children's Product Safety Act in the nation in 1999, banning the sale or commercial use of recalled children's products. The original Act was amended in 2005 to require the posting and consumer notification requirements. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan takes seriously her obligation to enforce the act as well as other measures to protect children from unsafe products.