Thursday, February 26, 2009

ICPHSO conference

The International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) is really the only place where all the stakeholders in product safety gather each year to discuss emerging issues together. Manufacturers, retailers, testing labs, government regulators from around the world, and consumer groups are in Florida this week talking about toy safety certification programs, chemicals in Children's products, preemption of state laws and many other issues. ICPHSO works to hear from all stakeholders on these issues. KID will be participating tomorrow on a panel on retailer responsibility. Of course this year, CPSIA is a major issue. Today, the CPSC has an all day presentation.

ICPHSO


Thursday, February 19, 2009

Old Navy recalls stuffed animals for choking hazard


Old Navy recalled 35,500 stuffed animals today due to button eyes that can fall off and pose a choking hazard. Return the toys to Old Navy for a refund AND if returned before July 2009, an additional $5 coupon. Kudos to Old Navy for giving an extra incentive to encourage returns!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

NY Times calls for new leadership at CPSC

This morning a New York Times editorial called for new leadership at CPSC to effectively implement the new safety law, Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act and give families the assurance they need that the toys and children's products they buy are safe.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Strangulation death from drawstring in sweatshirts


Wisconsin was the first to ban drawstrings in clothing for children, and CPSC has followed suit nationally, recalling millions of sweatshirts and other clothing items with drawstrings around the neck. Last year, CPSC fined seventeen companies for selling clothing with drawstrings.

Today, in heartbreaking news, the CPSC announced yet another recall -- this one because of the death of a three year old boy. The drawstring of his sweatshirt got caught in playground equipment. The recalled sweatshirts by Hill Sportswear are Kid Zipper or Kid pullover sweatshirts sold in California and Texas.

Parents and caregivers should remove(PDF) any drawstrings in their children's clothing as it can get caught on playground equipment as well as school buses or other vehicles.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

CPSC has posted small business guidance for the CPSIA


CPSC has recently added many new items on its CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) page. Today they posted guidance to small businesses, resellers, crafters and charities on complying with the law. The booklet covers definitions, timetables, exclusions and FAQ's. Many of the bills provisions go into effect today.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Exploding bath bombs; stair gates among recent recalls


In addition to thousands of lead-tainted items (see previous post), CPSC has recalled a Spa Aromatherapy Kit for exploding jars of bath fizzies or bath bombs as they are appropriately called in the set. There were 88 reports of exploding jars and 13 injuries.


In addition, Safety 1st (Dorel Juvenile Group) has recalled their Smartlight Stair Gates due to hinges that can fail, causing a fall hazard. While no injuries have been reported in the US, Health Canada is reporting several reports of hinge failures with one injury.

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