Update: Toy Recalls and the CPSC
If you are like me, you are tired of hearing about toy recalls and the gross failures of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to protect our children; however, I feel it is important to stay updated on the information for my children’s sakes. Recent news on the Thomas the Tank Engine recall settlement, Mattel’s refusal to recall lead-tainted toys, and the impotent CPSC demonstrate that the problem of toy safety and international manufacturing has not gone away.
I have written many posts on the CPSC’s failures. Now, for the second time in a year, the agency will become useless, as it loses its quorum. The CPSC requires three members on the panel; however, only two members are currently holding positions. The extension granted by Congress to operate with only two members expired in January. According to the Washington Post,
Congress has not passed another one, and the Bush administration has not nominated a new chairman who could restore quorum since its last pick, industry lobbyist Michael E. Baroody, withdrew his name in May after protest by Senate Democrats and consumer groups.
Of course, the agency can still oversee voluntary recalls, but they can no longer issue mandatory recalls or impose civil penalties. What a relief…I feel so protected!
