Graco to Pay $10 Million for Delay in Recall of Defective Child Seats
March 20, 2015, The New York Times
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said company would pay a $3 million fine and spend $7 million developing safety programs. In a statement Friday, Graco said the company “evaluated the issue in a timely manner.” but in the consent agreement, acknowledged that “it did not provide the required notice to N.H.T.S.A.”
Lawmakers Push for Safer Laundry Pods
March 20, 2015, kirotv.com
As Congress considers legislation, the laundry industry will reportedly soon finalize new safety standards, adopting voluntary changes to protect kids from poisoning. CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye says pods should soon include a new formula, child-resistant packaging and different colors, concluding the product “shouldn’t be as attractive and it should be far less accessible,”
ACSH Submission to CPSC re: Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) report on DINP
March 18, 2015, American Council of Science and Health
Council on Science & Health challenges CPSC conclusions on plasticizer chemical DINP. Claims validity of data used in CHAP Report constitutes “flouting of the traditional, evidence-based standards for risk assessment based on peer-reviewed literature-all of it, not cherry-picked…”
ACCC: Chairman Outlines Strong Australian Consumer Law Record
March 19, 2015, 4-Traders
2014 results included $14.5 million in penalties. 2015 priorities included focus on product safety, truth in advertising, and medical/health sectors.
India: Consumer Protection Bill likely in 2015 Parliamentary Session
March 16, 2015, Business Standard
In sign of “sweeping changes,” Food and Consumer Affairs Minister said that the bill provides for punishment up to life imprisonment in certain cases of food poisoning and also has a provision for product liability.
China Heightens Scrutiny of New Zealand’s “Infant Formula” Milk Powder: Seeks Safety Certification
March 20, 2015, International Business Times, Reuters
The fear of contaminated infant formula products in New Zealand has started taking a toll on its export markets. China is now asking companies importing diary supplies from New Zealand to have government’s certification and also undergo mandatory importers’ examination to assure safety level
Product Liability: “defect” and recoverable damages – Implications for Manufacturers
March 13, 2015, Lexicology
Rare example of a major product liability dispute being referred to the European Court of Justice. Medical device case poses issues of whether a product is defective if no failures have been proven, and if the product is found to be defective, does corrective surgery constitute “personal injury” for which damages can be awarded.
China Child Safety Seat Market Report – 2014
March 16, 2015, wvnstv.com
Expected 68% growth rom 2014-2017, with sales forecast at 8M in 2017. As local governments begin releasing laws, industry urging national regulations be developed.
Study: Five Major Factors Impact Economic Costs of Meat, Poultry Recalls
March 14, 2015, Food Safety News
Those factors — perceived health risk severity, recall size, firm size, firm’s experience with recalls, and media coverage — ended up having the most impact on the recalling company’s stock market price
EU Seeks Public Input in England on Product Safety Issues
March, 2015, European Parliament
Regulations on market surveillance are to be simplified to avoid confusion for businesses and national authorities, thereby creating a more cooperative system of market surveillance in the EU. April 21 London meeting set to hear from consumers.
