Ryobi Lawn Mower Lawsuit Results in $2.5M Verdict Over Explosion, Burn Injury
January 26, 2015, AboutLawsuits.com
Federal jury finds company was negligent by “failing to properly handle information” that would have informed consumer of “unreasonable risk of injury.” Claim against retailer Home Depot denied.
China Regulator Blasts Alibaba for Illegal Business on its Websites
January 28, 2015, Reuters
State Administration for Industry and Commerce charges that many products sold on their websites “infringed upon trademarks, were substandard or fake, were banned or endangered public security.”
Alibaba Breaks with Custom to Berate Chinese Authorities over Highly Critical Report
January 28, 2015, The Guardian
In unusual public display for Chinese industry conduct, company fires back and accuses regulator of “misconduct.”
U.S. and Canada Explore Unified Toy Regulations
January 24, 2015, Toys & Games
Talks begun in Ottawa to explore “possibility” of unifying toy standards and regulations. Government and industry leaders’ agenda includes appointment of steering committee.
Washington State Lawmakers Look at Banning Hazardous, yet Popular Microbeads
January 30, 2015, The Spokesman Review
Under proposal, sales and purchase of products containing the product would cease starting in 2020. Manufacturers would stop use of product by 2018.
Summary Report of European Commission’s mHealth Consultation Published
January 27, 2015, The National Law Review
Focus on regulatory review includes liability and product safety issues. Other areas of attention include privacy and data protection, patient safety, equal access, interoperability, research and innovation, and international cooperation.
Apple To Allow Chinese Government Product Security Inspections, But What Does It Mean?
January 23, 2015, Digital Times
Agreement at December meeting to subject Chinese Apple products to “security inspections” by government. Heightened speculation on what the word “cooperate” means.
Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Create Single Food Safety Agency
January, 2015, Food Safety News
Now split among 15 different agencies with the federal government, food safety would be consolidated under the bills into a Food Safety Administration, independent of any federal department.
Blog: Chemical Safety Board Seeks Better Process Safety Management
January 27, 2015, Environmental Leader
Board has been set up by Congress to promote clearer regulatory requirements that facility operators enhance their hazard evaluation and management efforts. Author claims neither OSHA nor EPA have adopted many of these recommendations.
Today’s Supply Chain: Complexities & Challenges
January 23, 2015, Lexicology
International trade environment challenges companies to gain complete control over the supply chain, but it’s not easy or simple to do according to observer.
