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About Product Recalls
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent
federal regulatory agency created in 1972 by Congress in the Consumer Product
Safety Act. In that law, Congress directed the Commission to "protect the
public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer
products."
They have jurisdiction over about 15,000 types of consumer products,
from automatic-drip coffee makers to toys to lawn mowers. Some types of products, however, are covered by other federal agencies. For example, cars, trucks and motorcycles are covered by the Department of Transportation; foods, drugs and cosmetics are covered by the Food and Drug Administration; and alcohol, tobacco and firearms are within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury.
The CPSC provides reports of many important recalls on their site --
every parent should check the site on a regular basis to be sure that something
in your home hasn't been recalled. Some important recalls recently involved
strollers, extension cords, infant carriers, children's robes, ceiling
fans and many other everyday items.
A recall doesn't always mean the product is completely defective --
it may mean it needs a new part to repair a fault or that a warning label
(such as one mentioning small parts) was not included.
To report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related inquiry, call
the CPSC toll-free Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or (800) 638-8270 for the
hearing and speech impaired. To request a free copy of our publication
listing, write to us at U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington,
D.C. 20207.
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