As consumers, we expect the products we buy to be safe. However, even with the best intentions, anything we purchase, from exercise equipment to our food, can potentially pose a health hazard. Sadly, the process of recalling dangerous products is broken, and it’s not uncommon for recalls to drag on for months or even years.
Despite people notifying companies or federal regulators about illnesses, injuries, or deaths resulting from a product, recalls often take far too long. Regulators and companies may recall items after discovering their dangers; but by then, some recalled products may have already caused injury or death. It’s not unheard of for recalled products to inflict harm after months and years have passed since the recall because consumers are unaware of their potential dangers.
For instance, Fisher-Price recently reannounced the recall of its Rock ‘n’ Play Sleepers, which were linked to around 100 infant deaths before and after the initial recall in 2019. Reports of babies dying in the sleepers date back to at least January 2018, with parents and doctors filing complaints with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Yet, it took more than a year for the product to be recalled in April 2019, and by that time, over 30 infant deaths had occurred in Rock ‘n Plays. It’s disheartening to know that, nearly four years later, approximately 70 more babies have reportedly died while using this product, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
It’s time for a change. The current system of product recalls is not working in consumers’ favor. We need faster, more effective action to ensure that products are safe and do not harm people.
The Slow Process of Food Recalls: Is It Time for Change?
Food recalls in the United States are a common occurrence, with many being issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) every year. Unfortunately, these recalls often encounter delays that can result in more people falling ill. A recent Salmonella outbreak caused one of the worst foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years, and it highlighted the inefficiencies in our current food recall system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on February 2, 2022, that the outbreak was over. This announcement came more than three months after two onion distributors connected to the outbreak had issued recalls. By February 2022, there were 1,040 reported illnesses in 39 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. Of those affected, 260 people were hospitalized.
It is a cause for concern that people were still becoming ill even after the recall announcement, which begs the question; how many of those nearly 400 additional illnesses could have been prevented by a more efficient system that notifies consumers more quickly?
Clearly, the slow process of food recalls is a serious problem. Parents especially wonder why it takes so long to recall a product or even issue a warning. In some cases, products that have caused injuries and deaths are not recalled for months or sometimes years. Take the Rock ‘n’ Play Sleeper as an example.
As consumers, we deserve a system that is efficient and effective at ensuring our safety. It’s time for change.
The Need for Quicker Warning on Hazardous Products
When a product is deemed hazardous by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the government needs to take swift action to remove it from the market or alert consumers to potential danger. However, a major issue arises with the infamous Section 6(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Act, which legally forbids the CPSC from going public with derogatory information about a product until they have notified its company and waited 15 days. This critical lapse gives companies ample time to file lawsuits and block disclosures, often leading to weeks or even months of negotiations before a recall is finally issued.
To resolve this issue and prevent further injuries or deaths from occurring after the recall of a hazardous product, Congress needs to pass legislation like the Sunshine in Product Safety Act. Originally proposed in 2021, this bill seeks to repeal Section 6(b) and enable the CPSC to warn Americans about hazardous products sooner. With its reintroduction in March 2023, lawmakers must act fast in their approval of this act or similar legislation.
Furthermore, recalls themselves do not always present the intended solution, with many consumers uninformed about recall notices affecting their purchases. While some major news outlets cover large-scale recalls, the fact remains that these alerts only reach those already tuned in to the specific media source. There is no reliable way for consumers to learn about most recalls beyond happening upon a broadcast or article about it.
With the passage of new legislation and the implementation of more efficient means of alerting consumers to hazardous products, we can avoid future tragedies and more effectively promote a safe and transparent marketplace.
The Need for Better Product Recall Communication
Product recalls are a serious matter that affect thousands of consumers every year. In the case of the millions of Samsung washing machines and portable generators recalled last year, many consumers may not have even known about the safety concerns. This lack of communication highlights a larger problem with America’s product recall system. As U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell notes, the system is “ineffective” and needs to change before more injuries occur.
The Challenge
Finding a solution to this problem is not an easy task. However, the alternative is far worse: people will continue to be hurt or killed by common household products. One of the major issues is that many consumers simply aren’t aware that a recall has been issued.
A Possible Solution
One potential solution is requiring companies to use the marketing data they have on consumers when issuing recalls. Companies that are able to send targeted ads and coupons to their customers should also be expected to directly inform those same customers when a recall is issued for a product they have purchased.
In the end, keeping consumers informed is key to ensuring product safety and preventing serious injuries or deaths. While there is no single solution to this complex issue, it’s clear that something needs to change if we want to prevent future tragedies.
Fixing the Broken Recall System: 3 Key Steps
The recall system for unsafe products in the United States is far from perfect. Every year, thousands of Americans suffer injuries, illnesses and even death from dangerous goods that remain on store shelves long after they should have been pulled.
To address this problem, we need a comprehensive approach that includes better government oversight, stronger penalties for violators, and more robust communication to the public.
1. Strengthen Government Oversight
One critical step is to give the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) more power to regulate the safety of products sold in the U.S. This could include mandatory safety standards for certain categories of items, tougher testing requirements and stronger penalties for companies that violate safety rules.
2. Improve Communication to the Public
Another important step is to ensure that consumers are better informed about product recalls. Companies whose products are recalled should be required to notify the public through a variety of channels, including social media, targeted advertising and legal notices in newspapers. Recall notices should also be posted in prominent locations such as doctors’ offices and grocery stores.
3. Increase Funding for Regulatory Agencies
Finally, government agencies responsible for protecting consumers need adequate funding to do their jobs effectively. The CPSC, for instance, has a budget of just $135 million annually—a small amount compared to the $10 per person spent by the FDA. With more funding, these agencies could improve their websites with better options for consumers to learn about recalls and ensure that recall notices are posted consistently by retailers.
While it would be ideal if no unsafe products were sold in the first place, the reality is that dangerous items will always be on the market. Thus, we must act now to fix the broken recall system and protect consumers from harm.
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