Buerkle nomination to head consumer agency returned to Trump
December 28, 2017, cnycentral.com
The nomination of a former central New York congresswoman to lead the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been returned to the White House. According to congressional records, Ann Marie Buerkle, who President Donald Trump tapped to head the agency, was among several agency nominations the U.S. Senate sent back to the president last week. Trump nominated Buerkle for the position back in July. Since her nomination was sent back, Trump must now either re-nominate her or choose someone else.
Dr. Reddy’s announces it has reached a $5 million settlement With U.S. Government regarding company compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act
December 19, 2017, Reuters
The US subsidiary of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. announced today that it has reached a settlement with the US Government, in a case that is more than six years old, involving packaging for five blister-packed prescription products. A company statement said, “In order to avoid any unnecessary costs and the distractions of prolonged litigation, the company has chosen to settle the matter for USD five million.”
CPSC Approves new federal safety standard for children’s folding chairs and stools
December 20, 2017, cpsc.gov
The new federal safety standard incorporates the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F2613-17a, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Children’s Chairs and Stools), but limits the scope of the CPSC standard to children’s folding chairs and stools. The mandatory standard contains several requirements for children’s folding chairs and stools, including: latching and locking mechanism or adequate hinge-line clearance requirements, rearwards and sideways stability testing, and warning labels
The woes of Toys R Us – will the “magical place” have its Christmas dreams come true
December 20, 2017, Lexology (Squire Patton Boggs)
Toys R Us UK is facing the potential closure of its 106 stores, which may result in the loss of 3,200 jobs. The retailer has failed to instil confidence in the state-backed Pension Protection Fund (PPF) to approve a planned restructure. The proposed company voluntary arrangement (CVA) would involve the permanent closure of at least 26 loss-making stores, but has the potential to salvage the business. The troubled company must raise around £9 million to contribute to the Toys R Us UK pension fund.
Joint Statement of CPSC and Polaris on Polaris RZR 900 and 1000 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs)
December 19, 2017, Markets Insider (PRNewswire)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Polaris are informing the public about fires on model year 2013–2017 Polaris RZR 900 and 1000 Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs). These fires have caused death, serious injuries and property damage.
CPSC Hails Successes of Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act as Law Hits 10-Year Mark
December 19, 2017, cpsc.gov
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Pool Safely campaign marks the 10-year anniversary of the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool & Spa Safety Act, being signed into law by President George W. Bush. The VGB Act is one of the reasons for great improvements in water safety and drowning prevention, including a full decade with zero drain entrapment-related deaths involving children in public pools and spas.
Amazon pulls infant circumcision training kits over child safety fears
December 21, 2017, news.com.au
Amazon has been forced to withdraw one of its most bizarre products — an infant circumcision “training kit” — amid concerns it could put children at risk.
Secular and medical groups wrote to the online giant asking it to withdraw the product which was on sale for just under $A800 on its US and UK websites.
CDC: Lead hazards in some holiday toys and toy jewelry
November 27, 2017, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC has issued an alert to protect children from exposure to lead in metal and plastic toys, especially imported toys, antique toys, and toy jewelry. According to the government agency, “Toys imported into the United States and antique toys and collectibles often contain lead. To reduce children’s risk for exposure, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls of toys that could potentially expose children to lead. Learn more at the CDC Lead website.”
The Consumer Goods Forum launches new corporate website
December 19, 2017, Market Watch
The Consumer Goods Forum has today launched its new corporate website, integrating events and strategic initiatives under one newly designed home: http://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com. The revamped website offers quick and easy access to essential information about The Consumer Goods Forum, its strategic initiatives and global events.
EPA and California regulators devise regulatory fix for VW
December 20, 2017, Environmental Leader
The US Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board said that they have come up with a regulatory fix to the diesel emissions scandal that has plagued Volkswagen. The solution involves disassembling the software that allowed the car maker to defeat the rules and to replace that with hardware that can prevent it going forward.
Top Google searches of the year: Hurricane Irma, Meghan Markle and Fidget Spinners
December 21, 2017, netimperative
Google narrowed down the top-trending searches over the past 12 months — terms that had the highest spike in traffic this year compared to 2016. From Hurricanes Irma and Harvey to the Last Vegas shooting, the year has been rife with tragedy. But 2017 also brought us the solar eclipse and the rise of a toy that captivated the nation. The company’s trends data reveals that people asked “how” more than any other question.
EU seeks to improve product safety, remove trading barriers in bloc
December 19, 2017, Sundiata Post
New rules proposed by the EU’s executive should make it easier to sell goods across the bloc, EU Internal Market Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska has said. This call follows crack down on unsafe products after series of scandals have raised questions over the reliability of European products. The Commissioner said that consumer trust had been undermined in recent years by revelations such as Volkswagen’s manipulation of car emissions tests and the sale of unsafe breast implants by a French company. “Faulty products have absolutely no place in the EU. “Many unsafe products slip through the net,’’ the European Commission said in a statement.
