Shifting Obligations – Developments in California Products and Chemical Law
November 19, 2014, Lexicology with Association of Corporate Counsel
Sweeping changes to California’s Proposition 65 warning regulations on the horizon. More ambiguous “safe harbor” provision; seen as giving “little guidance to businesses on how to comply.”

Personal Injury Suit Claims 3-year-old Swallowed Buckyballs® Magnets
November 24, 2014, Lexicology with Association of Corporate Counsel
The parents of a 3-year-old girl who was allegedly hospitalized after swallowing 37 high-power magnets from a “Buckyballs®” adult desktop toy set have reportedly filed a personal-injury lawsuit against the now-defunct company that made them, as well as its former general manager Craig Zucker

Maryland City Votes Unanimously to Alert Citizens to the Health Risks of Cell Phone/Wireless Radiation and to Oppose Cell Towers on School Grounds
November 24, 2014, ReleaseWire
Greenbelt Town Council urges FCC to take steps. Cites World Health Organization and Academy of Pediatrics concerns for possible cancer links.

CPSC Chair Challenges Craigslist: It’s Time To ‘Step Up’
November 24, 2014, ABC News
Kaye to Craigslist CEO: ABC investigation “independently corroborated the fact that Craigslist allows the sales of dangerous, recalled products.” Says companies efforts to stop sale of unsafe products are “clearly not sufficient.”

Seen on Linked In: BV Outlines Summary of EU Flamability Requirements
November 25, Product Safety Recalls
Toy Safety Directive specifies characteristics of materials that meet standards. Most hazardous products include costumes, head or face products such as hoods, beards, or wigs, playhouses, and soft-filled toys.

Record Settlement: $25 MM Soy Milk Action Ends 4-year Legal Battle in Australia.
November 25, 2014, Product Safety & Recall Directory
Writer claims management “bunker mentality” led to market share and brand damage, and that companies allowed an “incident that should have been managed quickly and effectively to escalate to the point of crisis.”

Guide Available For Compliance with New Drug Supply Chain Law
September 24, 2014, In-Pharma Technologist.com
GS1 guide ties traceability to new drug security act. Takes companies from lot level to item-level. First phase in 2015 requires supply chain participants to share chain of ownership data.

Q&A: Ensuring Quality & Safety Throughout The Supply Chain
February, 2014, Manufacturing.net
Industry consultant discusses establishing and enforcing a compliance program that ensures product integrity. Proposes “360 degree” compliance program that provides “management visibility into the global supplier ecosystem.

ACE Westchester Extends Its Product Recall Insurance to Small Businesses
November 26, 2014, Reuters
Coverage Offers Crisis Management Solutions for Underserved Market Segment. ACE Recall Plus for Small Business is available to companies with revenues of up to $25 million, to cover events of component parts, consumer goods, and consumable products.

Laundry Detergent Pods a Serious Poisoning Risk in Children
November 10, 2014, Pediatrics
New Pediatrics study urges parent and caregiver awareness on safe storage and handling. National Poison Data System shows over 17,000 children under 6 exposed to chemicals in pods; nearly 80% through ingestion. Exposures increased 645% from March, 2012 to April, 2013.  Senator Charles E. Schumer asks CPSC, ASTM, and detergent companies to use child safety caps on pod packaging.

GM Ordered New Switches Ahead of Recall, E-mails Show
November 10, The Washington Post
Compay ordered parts 2 months prior to telling government of product recall. Federal prosecutors are investigating company’s conduct.

E-tailers May Come Under Consumer Protection Law
November 11, 2014 The Times of India
India government proposal calls for action against firms that refuse to take back defective products or issue refunds. Critics say plan leaves loop-hole between those who actually sell goods/services and those who just work as marketing entities.

Asean Auto Manufacturers Act on Deadly Airbags As Regulators Stay Mute
November 8, 2014, The Establishment Post
Southeast Asia-based automobile manufacturers and dealers claim swift reaction to replace potentially deadly airbags fitted to their vehicles sold in Asean. Three deaths and 139 injuries tied to Takata air bags. Honda widens recall as Takata denies hiding test results.

Food Product Safety Very Important: New Zealand PM
November 11, 2014, Xinhuanet
At the recent Asian economic summit in Beijing, John Key focuses on safety while encouraging Chinese investment in his country’s dairy industry.

Health Canada Alerts Parents and Caregivers to the Dangers of Swallowing Small Magnetic Parts from Mega Brands Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets
November 12, 2014, CNW-Health Canada
Canada’s safety agency removing high-powered magnets from the marketplace. Since 2006 there have been several voluntary recalls of children’s toys with powerful magnets where the magnetic parts were either small enough to be swallowed, or small powerful magnets were separating from the toy parts.

Philippines: DTI  Orients Procurement Officers on Trade and Industry Regulations
November 10, 2014, Philippine Information Agency
Manufacturers must have government license and mark to sell products in country. Reaching out to industry to help assure compliance.

Industry calls for action against side-by-side regulations
November 6, 2014, PowerSports Business
RV Off-Road vehicle makers generate push back to CPSC proposed rule for mandatory standards. Urges consumers to contact members of Congress

Winter-Proof Your Supply Chain
November 10, 2014, EBN
Holiday period brings with it supply chain challenges. Adverse weather can cost logistics firms $2.2-3.5 billion annually due to delays, product integrity, and cargo protection issues.

Seen on Linked In: Study Finds Consumers Favor Product Safety Over Brand
November 13, 2014, Product Safety & Recall Directory
2012 TUV study shows consumers willing to pay more for products with 3rd party certification. Half of consumers surveyed had experience with unsafe product in past 5 years. Food and toys seen as safer than electronics.

Last Maker of Strong Magnets Deemed Hazard to Children Fights Safety Ban
Oct. 2, 2014, New York Times
Lonely battle waged by Zen Magnets owner. “Many hurt emotionally,” says new CPSC head, citing horrible injuries to children from high powered magnets that are also the source of entrepreneur dreams.
 
Blog: Chemical Industry Update: Regulatory Compliance Requires a Single Source of Truth
Oct. 2, 2014 Material Handling & Logistics
Worldwide momentum for government and industry to “carefully examine” regulations and policies for chemicals in global supply chain. High risk in product labeling system.
 
After One Product Recall, Fitbit Faces a New Safety Inquiry
Sept. 26, New York Times
CPSC now studying the Flex due to complaints of blisters, rashes and other problems. This follows recall of over 1 million Force wristbands in February.

New Solutions for Food Recall Management and Consumer Outreach Presented by Dr. Avi Chaudhuri of Kezzler at Canadian Meat Council’s Food Safety Symposium
Oct. 2, 2014  Reuters
Kezzler claims new system can provide “exact knowledge” of where products are in the supply chain.  Company says consumers can verify product’s safety at dedicated website.

ESA Honour’s 2014 Exceptional Electrical Safety Leaders
Oct. 1, 2014, CNW
Canada’s electrical authority passes out honors to companies, organizations and individuals who have contributed to safety in businesses and homes.

Research and Markets: China Child Safety Seat Market Report 2014
Sept. 29, 2014, Reuters
Research poins to surges in sales and “significant” growth potential as government is urged to introduce national laws and regulations.