In the News: July 14, 2014

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Phthalates given a Reprieve by the EU — Surprisingly, given European Devotion to the Precautionary Principle
July 2, American Council on Science and Health
The EU Commission recently voted down a Danish proposal to ban four phthalates.  Read about the proposal and why some scientists welcome the decision by the Commission…

Couch Concerns: The Risk of Upholstered Furniture on Porches
July 10, NBC Philadelphia
Flammability standards and flame retardants in furniture are being worked on at the state and federal levels.  Read about a recent tragedy and how it could influence the debate here…

Flushmate Recall Settlement Agreement Reached For $18M
July 11, About Law Suits
What began as a recall of 2.3 million units of a toilet flushing system has concluded with a settlement of a class action law suit between the plaintiffs and the manufacturer.  Read the details of the recall and settlement here…

Traceability is the Formula for Success
July 10, I Start
China is the fastest growing market for infant formula in the world.  Read about new standards and the quality control requirements for the manufacturing process here…

Five Ways to more Effectively Manage Supply-Chain Risk 
July 3, CGMA
In a recent survey of supply chain executives, risk management was deemed very important to more than 75% of those who responded.  Read about the survey and some tips on how to manage risk in your supply chain…

4 Ways to Keep Your Parents (and You) Safe
July 8, Forbes
Acting CPSC Chairman Adler has stated on several occasions that the CPSC will have a greater focus on product safety for seniors.  Read about his initiatives and the data he is using to support the Commission’s efforts…

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

In the News: July 7, 2014

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In Recall Blitz, G.M. Risks Its Reputation
June 30, New York Times
GM continues to issue recalls for their cars reaching an unprecedented 29 million vehicles the company has recalled this year.  Read about the new recalls and the impact they could have on the company and consumers…

China Food: Product Safety makes Good Business Sense
June 27, 4-Traders
EU Commissioner Neven Mimica recently traveled to China in an effort to improve product safety.  Read about his trip and his observations on product safety…

Nigeria: Who is Legally Liable for Injuries Caused by a Defective Product?
July 2, Daily Independent
Who is liable for defective products can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Read about product liability Nigeria and the rights of people harmed by using defective products…

Combining Machine Learning and Optimization in Supply Chain Analytics
July 2, Business 2 Community
Supply chain executives have a goal of optimizing their operations and increasing transparency.  Read how machine learning and analytics can help optimize your supply chain here…

Zen Magnets Responds to CPSC with Voluntary Standard
June 30, Gifts and Decorative Accessories
Zen magnets, another company selling high powered magnets and subject to scrutiny from the CPSC has released a voluntary standard to sell their magnets.  Read about the standard and the strict selling requirements…

The Benefits of Supply Chain Sustainability
July 1, EBN
Examining the entire life cycle of a product can help you create an efficient and sustainable supply chain.  Read about the benefits of a sustainable supply chain and tips for getting there…

Posted in Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Standards, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: June 30, 2014

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Highlights from ACI’s 2014 Consumer Products Regulatory & Litigation Program
June 17, Lexology
The American Conference Institute recently held a consumer product regulatory conference in Chicago.  Read some of the key takeaways from a former CPSC General Counsel here…

New ACE White Paper Examines Why Companies Should Consider Purchase of Product Recall Insurance
June 23, Market Watch
Product recalls are a costly reality for many companies.  Read why having product recall insurance may be one tool company’s can use to weather the storm…

US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Announces Trusted Trader Program Test
June 23, National Law Review
The United States Custom and Border Patrol in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announce a Trusted Trader Program pilot. Read about the program and how it could impact importers…

How to Develop a Risk Management Plan
June 24, Houston Chronicle
Risk management is important for any company to manage foreseeable and unforeseeable risk.  Read some tips on how to develop a risk management plan…

CSA Group Opens its First Chemical Testing Lab for Product Evaluation in Shanghai
June 23, Reuters
One of the world’s largest testing labs recently opened a new facility in China aimed at ensuring global compliance.  Read about the new lab and how it can help consumer product companies comply with global regulations…

Manufacturers: Sustainability is Everyone’s Responsibility
June 24, Environmental Leader
Sustainable supply chains are becoming more and more important to companies that operate in the food and other commercial product arenas.  Read about a recent conference and why some manufacturers are urging their entire supply chains to operate in a sustainable way…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Food Safety, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Risk Assessment, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: June 23, 2014

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General Motors: Grapples with Safety Crisis
June 17, 4-Traders
The General Motors safety issues continue to mount as the company issued new recalls last week.  Read a detailed timeline of what has happened this year and where the company stands as a result of the new recalls…

FDA Rule Could End Consumer Access to Antibacterial Soaps
June 16, Reuters
The FDA is considering a ban on antibacterial soaps to consumers, which has caused two industry associations to object to the proposal.  Read about the proposal and the specific concerns raised by the American Cleaning Institute and Personal Care Products Council…

Program Seeks to get Harmful Chemicals out of Furniture
June 17, SF Gate
The use of flame retardant chemicals in furniture has slowly transitioned from a regulated requirement to manufacturer choice in California.  Read about a program that aims to replace the foam in older furniture with foam that guaranteed to have no flame retardant chemicals…

CPSC Joins International Effort to Prevent Button Battery-Related Injuries and Deaths
June 17, Reuters
The United States has partnered with 12 other countries to make button cell battery safety a priority.  Read the details of the partnership in the announcement released by the CPSC here…

Resilience in Supply Chain Management
June 16 and 17, EBN On-Line
Mitigating risk is essential to having a resilient supply chain.  Read a two part interview that discusses supply chain resilience and some things you can do to mitigate risk in yours…
Part 2 can be found here

California Importers Ordered to Stop Importing and Selling Hazardous Children’s Products
June 16, Kids Today
A Federal Judge has issued an injunction to four companies to stop importing children’s products that contain hazardous amounts of lead and phthalates.  Read about the companies and the details of the suit brought by the government…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: June 16, 2014

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France Urges ‘Quick Action’ on Endocrine Disruptors
June 11, EurActiv
Chemicals used in everyday products can contain endocrine disruptors.  Read about the concerns expressed in France and what the country is trying to do with these chemicals…

Landmark Ruling on Territorial Application of Consumer Protection Act
June 5, Lexology
A recent ruling in a United Kingdom court has clarified manufacture liability to UK goods sold outside of the country.  Read the court’s ruling and the impact it could have on product liability cases in the UK…

Brown Calls for Mandatory Standards for Grocery Carts
June 10, The Columbus Dispatch
Injuries to children in shopping carts have gotten the attention of a Senator from Ohio.  Read his concerns and why he is calling on the Consumer Product Safety Commission to act…

Bolstering Food Safety with Traceability Systems
June 6, Beverage On-Line
Food recalls are on the rise and tracing food products is becoming more and more important as the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) grows near.  Read about food traceability systems and why they will become more important when FSMA is implemented…

VUW Design Lecturer Leading Charge for Child-Safe Button Batteries
June 12, Wellington Scoop
Button cell batteries can cause severe damage, including death if swallowed.  Read about a potential breakthrough that could improve the safety of these common batteries…

Riskiest Countries for Business: FM Global Ranks Nations by Supply Chain Resilience
June 11, Reuters
A global insurance company has released a report that examines supply chain resilience by country around the world.  Read the results of which countries have the most resilient supply chains here…

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

In the News: June 9, 2014

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The Changing Face of Product Liability around the World
June 2014, Who’s Who Legal
The definition of product liability is changing around the world.  Read a thorough analysis of why the nature of product liability is changing and the impact that it has on companies that manufacture consumer products…

GM Sales Jumped in May as Automaker Weathers Recall Scandal
June 3, Washington Post
The General Motors recalls of 2014 have been dominating automotive news. Read here to see what impact these recalls have had on the company’s bottom line…

Former CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) Chairman Brown Expresses Concern over CPSC’s Voluntary Recalls Rule
June 3, National Law Review
CPSC is currently reviewing the agency’s voluntary recall rule.  Read about the rule and the position of a former Chairman…

Health Canada’s Modernization Makeover: an Update on the New Food Safety Regulations
May 29, Lexology
Health Canada just released new proposed regulations to continue to modernize safety in Canada.  Read about the regulations and their implications here…

Remanufacturing is Key to Growth in Supply Chain
June 3, Modern Materials Handling
Remanufacturing, the process of restoring old or worn products to “like new” condition is a growing area in manufacturing. Read about the process and three key findings from a recent report…

Opinion: The Seven Steps to Sustainability
June 5, Eco-Business
A recent study of 1000 CEOs from companies around the world examines their attitudes towards sustainability in their business.   Read seven steps that can help your company move towards sustainability…

Posted in Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: June 2, 2014

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Blog: Good riddance to Buckyballs
May 28, The Hill
The Buckyballs case has been controversial in some circles, but recently concluded.  Read some reflections from CPSC Commissioner Robinson in this blog post…

SGS Safeguards EU Safer Products & Market Surveillance
May 28, Fibre2fashion
In April, the EU passed legislation that will put additional safe guards in place for products coming into member states.  Read a brief summary of the legislation and how it will impact companies that import products to the EU…

California Bill Seeks to Expand Liability on Manufacturers for Defective Products that do not Place the Consumer’s Health and Safety at Risk
May 16, Lexology
California could be making changes to the requirements a plaintiff must show in a product liability case.  Read about the proposed legislation and the impact it could have on product liability litigation in California…

New CPSC Recall Progress Report Template Emphasizes Social Media
May 27, Mondaq
When a company is engaged in a product recall, they provide reports to the CPSC on the progress.  Read some changes to the reporting template and how these changes could change the data you collect during a product recall…

New Zealand Overhauls Food Safety Laws
May 29, Food Safety News
Last week, New Zealand’s Parliament passed sweeping changes to food safety laws that will greatly increase regulatory authority over food.  Read about the new regulations and what they are designed to accomplish…

9 Tips for Writing Your Sustainability Story
May 29, Environmental Leader
Sustainable business practices can be an asset for a company.  Read 9 tips on how to tell your sustainability story in a way that will connect with your customers…

Posted in Children's Products, Food Safety, Global Developments, Product Liability, Sustainability

In the News: May 26, 2014

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Minnesota Bans Anti-Bacterial Chemical from Soaps
May 19, Houston Chronicle
Beginning in 2017, the chemical Triclosan will not be allowed in soap under a new law recently signed by the Governor of Minnesota.  Read about the law and what implications it could have…

Safety Commission Recalls Bed Handles After Deaths
May 20, New York Times
After several reported deaths, the CPSC announced the recall of 100,000 bed handles.  Read about the recall, and what implications it could have products sold to primarily senior populations…

Editorial: Fatal Safety Failure at GM
May 20, Tampa Bay Times
The troubles for General Motors continue to mount.  Read an editorial that recounts the problems and what the paper thinks should happen as a result of the problems…

Social Media Transform Transparency in the Supply Chain
May 21, EBN
Social sharing of data could potentially create transparency in the supply chain.  Read four “rules to live by” in this data driven world…

Some States Object to Legislation that would Curtail State Regulations of Chemicals
April 19, The Republic
Some states have reacted with concern over a new proposal to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act.  Read about the draft legislation and the concerns raised by some state Attorneys General…

New Models and Concepts Needed for Asia-Pacific Supply Chains
May 20, Manufacturing.net
If your company utilizes supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region, your company may face some hurdles. Read about the challenges and how “dynamic operation” could help you meet them…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain

In the News: May 19, 2014

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Buckyballs Founder Agrees to Product Recall in Settlement with Federal Regulators
May 13, Washington Post
Long running litigation between the CPSC and the founder of Buckyballs has come to an end.  Read the outcome and the unique nature of the settlement here…

Myer, Just Jeans and Target among Major Retailers Recalling Products over Azo Dye
May 9, News.com.au
More than 120,000 items have been recalled in Australia because of a dye that contains a carcinogen.  Read about recall and the steps the Australian government is taking in the wake of the recall…

Cosmetics Europe Supports SCCS Opinion on Aluminum in Cosmetics
May 9, Cosmetics Design Europe
The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has issued an opinion of the impact of aluminum in cosmetics and other health items.  Read about the report and next steps…

AAFA Supports US CPSC on Delay in Final Rulemaking
May 9, Fibre2fashion
The CPSC recently announced that it would delay rulemaking on certificates of compliance.  Read one association’s view of the delay and what concerns they voiced to the agency…

G.M. Recalls 2.7 Million More Cars
May 15, New York Times
In the wake of the ignition switch recall which has put the company in the spotlight of the media and regulators, GM issued 5 recalls covering 2.7 million cars last week.  Read about the recall and the implications across the auto industry…

Blog: The Race Toward Better Chemical Regulation
May 8, Green Biz
The regulations focused on the tracking and restricting of chemicals in products are rapidly changing and vary from state to state.  Read about some ways to help your company keep up with the rapidly changing environment…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Product Liability, Product Safety Rules, Supply Chain, Sustainability

In the News: May 12, 2014

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Ergobaby is ‘Company Doe’ in Product Safety Case
May 8, AP
The company who brought the first lawsuit against the Consumer Product Safety Commission database, saferproducts.gov has come forward after a court ordered the case to be unsealed.  Read about the case and the company’s reasons for trying to remain anonymous…

Will Fourth Circuit Decision to Unseal A CPSC Case be a Boon to Asbestos Defendants?
May 1, Forbes
What are the implications of a recent court decision to unseal a case a company brought against the CPSC?  Read how the court’s decision could impact pending and future litigation against the CPSC and beyond…

GM Recalls Frustrate Customers, Challenge Automaker
May 8, Daily Finance
Identifying a problem and ordering a recall were the first steps in a very lengthy process for General Motors and the company’s consumers.  Read about the recall process and the steps the company is taking to complete the recall which will take over 9 million parts…

Port Surveillance News: CPSC Stops More Than 12.5 Million Units of Violative Products from Reaching Homes in Fiscal Year 2013
May 6, Reuters
If your company imports products into the United States, the increased import surveillance programs at the CSPC may impact you.  Read about the programs and the results from 2013…

Blog: What Lessons can Lean Manufacturing Teach Sustainability Pros?
May 8, Green Biz
One of the world’s largest automakers has business processes in place that could help your company become more sustainable.  Read about these processes and what they can do for you…

Nike’s Sustainability Report Shows Environmental Impact Reductions
May 7, Sports One Source
Nike has a company-wide initiative to have a more sustainable supply chain. Read about how the company is doing, and the benchmarks it uses to measure their progress…

Posted in Chemical Hazards, Children's Products, Global Developments, Innovation, Product Liability, Supply Chain, Sustainability