In the News: May 18, 2015

 

California May Require Warnings on Products Containing Chemical BPA
May 8, 2015, Town Hall, Reuters News
Plastic drinking bottles might soon be required to carry a label disclosing that the compound can cause productive harm to women. Environmental group says it is an “important step” forward. Industry group says it stirs up “needless fear about safe products.”

EU Court Says it is Possible to ‘Infer’ a Device is Defective
March 25, 2015, Lexology
The Court of Justice of the EU has delivered a preliminary ruling on defective medical devices that could result in new costs for manufacturers. It finds that where a medical device has a potential defect based on quality control checks, it is possible to classify all products of the same model as defective “without the need for showing that product is defective in each individual case.”

Judge Orders Denver’s Zen Magnets to Cease Sale of Tiny Magnetic Balls
May 14, 2015, The Denver Post
A Federal judge has ordered the company to stop selling 917,000 balls acquired shortly before the New Jersey manufacturer of the products agreed to recall the magnets. Industry observer reports that judge suggests sale of units is basis of marketing campaign based on defying a CPSC order.

Does Your Company Comply with Dangerous Goods Transport Regs?
May 15, 2015, Supply Chain Brain
Whether by air, sea, or land, almost every industry is involved in transporting materials classified as hazardous, including batteries, airbags, paint, lubricants and adhesives, nail polish, and numerous electronic products. Improper labeling cost one manufacturer $180.000.

Scientific Debate Heats up Over Safety of Grease-Resistant Chemicals
May 8, 2015, Lexocology
Group of scientists calls for limits on use of certain water and grease-resistant chemicals in industrial and consumer products.  They say the substances are ‘very persistent” once released in the environment, and that animal studies link the substances to human health hazards.

LIST: 10 Largest Product Safety Recalls Ever
May 12, 2015, RTV6-ABC
Hearing about today’s recalls may bring visions of large volume events, but for a look at some of the largest recalls ever, here’s a list compiled by an ABC affiliate.

Bill Seeks to Bolster Consumer Rights
May 15, 2015, Sun Star
The Philippines’ Senate has a bill up for consideration that will address current concerns of consumers and markets. The proposed law would “close down any establishment caught in the act of selling, distributing, manufacturing, producing, displaying, or importing hazardous and defective products.”

Auto Safety: Past Is Prologue
May 13, 2015, Huffington Post
Michael Lemov has a new book out on the history of the auto safety movement. In his book, Car Safety Wars: One Hundred Years of Technology, Politics, and Death, Lemov traces a history that will appeal to those interested in automobiles, the consumer safety movement, or the mechanisms of democratic government.

 

 

 

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Innovation, Organizational Development, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Product Standards, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain