Every year thousands of new products hit the market. As consumers, it’s easy to assume that these products have undergone proper testing and are safe. However, that is not always the case. To regulate the release of these new products and ensure their continued safety for consumers, there are various federal entities with different jurisdictions. The two main entities are the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All major consumer products used in and around the home are regulated by the CPSC. Any food, drug or prescription medication, and cosmetic product is regulated by the FDA. The other regulatory entities include:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Oversee motor vehicle recalls, child safety seat recalls, tire recalls, etc.
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Oversee recreational boat recalls, boat equipment recalls, etc.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Oversee recalls related to pesticides, rodenticides, fungicides, etc.
Each one of these entities are crucial to the overall safety of society. To ensure your own safety and the safety of your loved ones, we recommend you stay up to date with recall announcements from any of these federal entities.
Recent Product Recalls in Philadelphia
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers
On June 3rd, Fisher-Prices recalled it’s 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soother after four infant deaths were reported. After being placed on their back, unrestrained, in the soothers, the infants were later found on their stomach. No fatalities have been reported for Fisher-Price’s 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders. However, the 2-in-1 model has been recalled as well. Consumers should stop using the products immediately and contact Fisher-Price for a refund HERE.
Joy/JM-branded My Little Steamer® and My Little Steamer® Go Mini
On May 26th, HSN announced the recall of 5.4 million handheld steamers due to a serious burn hazard. The Joy/JM-branded My Little Steamer and My Little Steamer Go Mini reportedly spray or leak hot water during usage. If you purchased this product anywhere from January 2018 to December 2020, you are eligible for a full refund. If you purchased one of the steamers between January 2015 and December 2017, you are eligible for a partial refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) strongly recommends you should stop using the product, and if you would like to file a claim you can do so HERE.
Kidde TruSense Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms
In early May, Kidde decided to recall several models of its smoke alarms, and combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Only detectors with the TruSense logo or “AMBER=FAULT” printed on them are impacted. No incidents or injuries have been reported, but Kidde released a statement that certain models may fail to alarm consumers. If you have a Kidde smoke alarm contact the retailer for a replacement model HERE, but do not remove your current detector until the replacement has been installed.
Church & Dwight Vitafusion Gummies
On April 20th, Church & Dwight announced a voluntary recall of their gummy vitamins due to reports of metallic mesh material being found in the product. No illness or injury resulted from the reports, but consumption of metallic material could lead to damage of the digestive tract. If you have purchased and/or consumed any of the select Vitafusion gummies between November 2020 and April 2021, stop taking them immediately. For a refund contact Church & Dwight HERE.
For more up to date information on product recalls, we recommend the resources listed below. Depending on the product type, you can stay informed on major recalls that could result in life-threatening injuries.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
More About Product Recalls & Frequently Asked Questions
Products can be recalled for a variety of reasons. In addition, the remedy for product recalls can be handled in a variety of ways. Many factors are considered, including how long the product has been available to consumers, and if any illnesses or injuries resulted from the defective product. Below we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions, by consumers, related to product recalls.
Q: Can I get my money back if a product I own is recalled?
Remedies for product recalls can be in the form of a full refund, partial refund, replacement, or repair. Visit the manufacturer’s website or one of the resources listed above to learn more about your particular product recall.
Q: If a product that a particular company makes is recalled, does that mean the company’s other products are also unsafe?
Not necessarily – when a product is recalled, the announcement will include details about specific models, parts, or shipments that have been affected.
Q: What if myself or a loved one becomes ill or injured due to an unsafe product?
There are multiple steps you will want to take if you or a loved one has become ill or injured due to an unsafe product.
- First and foremost, seek medical treatment.
- Research and see if a recall has already been put in place for the product that caused harm. If a recall has already been announced, follow the instructions from the manufacturer. If a recall has not already been announced, you should report the illness or injury to the manufacturer, as well as to the corresponding federal entity.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. You are entitled to compensation for any damages a defective product caused, including pain and suffering and lost wages.
Q: How do I report an unsafe product?
Reporting an unsafe product differs depending on the type of product and whose jurisdiction it falls under. Generally, there are several means of communication one can choose to file a complaint such as an online form, calling, or mailing it in. Visit the CPSC, FDA, UDA, EPA, NHTSA, or USCG websites for detailed instructions.
Q: How long are recalls in effect?
Product recalls don’t expire. If you find out about a recall months or even over a year later, you should still be able to seek the remedy outlined in the recall announcement. If for whatever reason the company is unresponsive, contact the CPSC or corresponding federal entity.
Contact Us Today
It’s imperative that you stay up to date on the most recent product recalls and immediately stop using any products that have been reported to have defects. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure the safety of their own products before they are released, and to remove them from shelves if they are found to be harmful to consumers after they have been released. Furthermore, if your or a loved one has become ill or injured due to a defective or unsafe product, you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options as soon as possible.
During this time, The Cochran Firm Philadelphia is continuing to take our own precautionary measures amidst COVID-19, but do not fear – we are still here for you. We will review your case and proceed if we feel we can obtain a favorable outcome, while keeping the health and wellbeing of everyone a priority. We will ensure your case remains on track and keep you in the loop throughout the entire process.
The attorneys at our Philadelphia office have secured numerous multimillion-dollar awards for victims of serious injury and many have even been recognized as Super Lawyers for their personal injury successes.
When you are the victim of serious injury or illness, you deserve someone on your side who is both intimately familiar with state and federal laws, and fully devoted to helping you get maximum compensation. Call us today to schedule your FREE case evaluation at 1-800-THE-FIRM.