CPSC Commissioner Feldman Statement: Record Recall Numbers Reflect ROI For Consumers; “These Strong Numbers Are No Accident”
November 1, 2023, cpsc.gov
Commissioner Feldman notes the importance of recall results. “The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced more than 300 recalls in fiscal year 2023, a 20% increase over the previous year. Of particular note, defect and regulatory recalls are up, with the latter at an all-time high. These strong numbers are no accident. They reflect a multi-year push to re-prioritize the agency’s core mission of enforcement and compliance. I have supported efforts to increase funding, add additional staff and provide new case management tools for CPSC’s Office of Compliance and Field Operations (EXC). This approach is paying dividends for American consumers.”
Subcommittee Markup Recap: E&C Advances Bills To Enhance Product Safety, Transparency, Supply Chains And American Tech Leadership
November 2, 2023, Energy & Commerce Committee
The House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee advanced proposals to secure American technological leadership and improve people’s lives. In a subcommittee markup, the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee voted in favor of several pieces of legislation that enhance product safety, improve the resiliency of America’s supply chains and bring much needed price transparency to the ticketing and lodging industries.
Project Managers Should Think Like Startup Founders
November 2, 2023, Harvard Business Review
Most project managers focus on planning and execution. But large projects rarely go in a straight line and the execution may go far in the wrong direction before the need for changes are recognized. The author, a strategic advisor to large firms, suggests that project leaders should think like startup founders instead, using tools that have become common in that sector: A project canvas, customer development and so forth. In doing so, project leaders can uncover and solve some of the project’s biggest questions and risks first, before scaling to full execution.
CBP Seizes Flammable Children’s Sleepwear
November 1, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Champlain Port of Entry seized a commercial shipment of children’s sleepwear that failed flammability requirement standards. In August, CBP officers examined a shipment of children’s sleepwear that were manufactured in China. Working in collaboration with the Consumer Product Safety Commission a sample was provided for further testing. CPSC determined the products failed the flammability requirements under the Flammable Fabrics Act and recommended seizure.
The U.S. Commerce Department Is Creating An AI Safety Agency
November 2, 2023, Husch Blackwell
The Biden Administration is creating a new Federal agency focused on the safety and security of Artificial Intelligence systems. President Biden directed the Department of Commerce to establish the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI), which will lead the government’s efforts on AI safety and trust. USAISI will facilitate the development of safety, security and testing standards for AI models, and the development of standards for authenticating AI-generated content.
CPSC: Stop Using Mollys Products’ Sodium Hydroxide. No Consumer Remedy Offered
November 2, 2023, cpsc.gov
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to immediately stop using Mollys Products’ sodium hydroxide products because they do not comply with the child resistant packaging requirements under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. product violates the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. The seller Burgess Jackson, Inc. of Philadelphia, has not agreed to recall the Mollys Products’ sodium hydroxide or offer a remedy to consumers.
The Forever Frontier: PFAS Trends Can Create New Areas Of Focus For Companies
November 3, 2023, Reuters
In recent years, mass tort litigation has shown increased focus on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and perhaps more importantly, on new products, industries, and users of these substances that previously avoided such attention. As is often the case with mass and toxic tort litigation, the filer appetite for larger and more diverse groups of defendants has caused focus to shift to second, third, and fourth “tiers” of defendants. This happens as primary defendants become insolvent and seek bankruptcy protections.
What The Consumer Protection Act Says About Liability For Damage
November 4, 2023, The Citizen
It is important for consumers to know what the Consumer Protection Act says about liability for damages because it gives them a way to get recourse. Section 61 of the Act deals with the liability of the producer, importer, distributor or retailer of hazardous, unsafe or defective goods that caused the death, injury or illness of any person or loss of or physical damage to any moveable or immovable property. These parties can also be held responsible for damage or harm caused by not giving consumers adequate instructions or warnings regarding the use of the goods. While consumers do not have to prove that the producer, importer, distributor or retailer was at fault, they can only claim for loss which results from the types of harm mentioned above.
More Than 40% Of Consumers Use Their Social Media Feeds To Find Products
November 1, 2023, PYMNTS
In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for consumers to discover and purchase products. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have transformed the way people shop. Findings captured in a joint PYMNTS-AWS study show that 43% of consumers browse social media to find goods and services. Notably, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have the highest conversion rates, with users frequently purchasing products they discover on these platforms.
Toy Safety Awareness Month Kicks Off
November 1, 2023, The Toy Association
November is Toy Safety Awareness Month. It’s goal is to help parents, grandparents, and other caregivers keep little ones safe this holiday season. From the importance of avoiding recalled and counterfeit products, to advice for keeping kids safe when playing with Internet-connected toys, families are being advised of some simple steps they can take to ensure children’s safety. Toy Safety Awareness Month is sponsored by PlaySafe.org, The Toy Association’s trusted safety resource for parents.
