In the News; November 28, 2022
CPSC To Industry: Get Ready For More-More Penalties, More Litigation, More Regulation
November 21, 2022, Morgan Lewis
The CPSC will levy swift and strong civil penalties for product safety infractions, but, under this plan, it will also evaluate 100% of those cases for potential referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal prosecution of corporate offenders. This is designed to deter future misconduct. The CPSC will publicize import seizures to flex its power at the ports, and (funds permitting) increase staffing in the agency’s Offices of Compliance and Enforcement and the General Counsel.
Health Canada Recalls Thousands Of Bassinets And Change Tables Over Suffocation Concerns
November 18, 2022, Toronto Star
Thousands of playards for babies and small children are being voluntarily recalled in Canada due to potential suffocation and entrapment hazards. Health Canada says the recall involves approximately 84,000 bassinets with or without change tables for a number of Harmony Play & Go Playards. The agency says playards sold without these accessories are not included in this recall.
The Myth Of The Brilliant, Charismatic Leader
November 23, 2022, Harvard Business Review
There’s a view, call it the “superhero” theory of leadership, in which vision, charisma and brilliance of a CEO makes or breaks a company. That view is dangerous, not so much because CEOs don’t matter or that smarts and vision don’t help. It’s dangerous because of what it leaves out.
Hospitalisations In Australia Involving E-Scooter Riders Up 234% In A Year
November 27, 2022, WAToday
Injuries to people riding electric scooters in Victoria have increased by 234 per cent in the past year, leading to at least 427 hospital admissions, mainly due to broken bones. Data from Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit shows a steep rise in hospitalisations due to injuries among e-scooter riders, jumping from 28 in 2019-20 to 128 in 2020-21, and 427 in the past year.
Greenpeace Study: Dangerous Chemicals In Shein Clothing Violate EU Regulations
November 28, 2022, Fashion United
Greenpeace Germany tested some Shein clothing and found that there are often dangerous chemicals in the clothes sold by Shein. To prove this, Greenpeace Germany bought 47 garments from the Shein platform, which were examined in an independent laboratory for pollutant analysis. It found phthalate levels of over 100,000 milligrams per kilogram in five boots and shoes respectively; the European Chemicals Regulation (REACH) limit is 1,000 milligrams per kilogram.
High-End Cleaning Company The Laundress Tells Consumers To Stop Using Its Products
November 18, 2022, Consumer Reports
Luxury laundry and home cleaning company the Laundress has advised consumers to stop using all Laundress products. This includes its laundry detergents for delicates and for baby clothes and its surface cleaner, because of “the potential presence of elevated levels of bacteria.” The Laundress says it is working with government regulators but has not yet issued a recall.
CPSC Is Working To Keep Families Safe This Holiday Season
November 21, 2022, cpsc.gov
With the holidays right around the corner, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds consumers to keep safety at the top of your mind this holiday season. Many injuries and deaths associated with celebrating the holidays can be prevented, so consumers are urged to put safety in practice while purchasing toys for children, cooking that holiday feast or decorating your home.
Joint Industry Letter – Finalising The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
November 22, 2022, Computer and Communications Industry Association
“We are writing on behalf of a broad coalition that represents technology and e-commerce companies of all different sizes from across the EU. This coalition believes it is crucial to create a General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) that both protects the safety of European consumers and provides an adequate framework for all the businesses that have to implement it.”
Health Canada Recalls Thousands Of Toys For Toddlers For High Lead Content
November 26, 2022, City News Everywhere
A toy targeted at children six months and older is being recalled due to lead content “above the regulatory limits,” according to an advisory released by Health Canada. The toy in question is the My First Words cube by Québec-based Placote manufactured by Les Éditions Passe-Temps Inc. in Canada. The company reported that approximately 4,000 units of the affected product were sold in Canada from March 2022 to September 2022.
Parents Beware: These Recalled Toys Are Still Being Sold
November 19, 2022, WKRC/CNN
As holiday shopping intensifies, a consumer advocacy group is warning parents of dangerous, recalled toys that are still being sold online. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group released its 37th annual “Trouble in Toyland” safety report recently. The report states PIRG was able to buy over 30 toys that have been recalled from several U.S.-based online retailers.
