An investigation by Senator Cantwell's oversight staff found that a "series of high-profile failures to effectively recall dangerous products has called into question the ability of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to adequately protect American consumers from unsafe and defective products. An extensive review by U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Minority staff shows that these failures have not occurred due to staffing shortages or lack of legal authority. Instead, they are the result of a pattern of inappropriate deference to industry that has characterized CPSC leadership in recent years."
The report focuses on CPSC actions involving the BOB jogging stroller, the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play inclined infant sleeper, and residential elevator safety–three examples that it says illustrate a failure by past CPSC leadership to adequately protect consumers from the dangers of these product hazards. The report also includes recommendations to prevent such failures from being repeated.
The report is here.
