Consumer Product Safety Commission
I shop at yard sales and second hand stores to find equipment for my child care. Many times I can find old cribs, playpens, infant carriers, etc. that are old but in good condition. I've heard that some older equipment doesn't meet current safety standards, however, and that many products are "recalled" because they are unsafe. How do I find out about products that may be unsafe for the children in my care?
--Concerned Child Care Provider
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Dear Concerned Child Care Provider,
The best place to find out about "recalled products" and current safety standards is the Consumer Product Safety Commission. We have been including information in The Health Connection on some of the many product recalls of interest to child care providers (see page 4 of this issue). This information is sent to us by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What is the Consumer Product Safety Commission and what does it do?
In 1972 Congress created the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Congress directed the CPSC to protect the public "against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products."
Today, the CPSC is an Independent Federal Regulatory Agency. CPSC works to save lives and keep families safe by reducing the risk or injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. CPSC does this by developing voluntary standards, issuing and enforcing mandatory standards, banning consumer products when necessary to protect the public, recalling products, conducting research on potential product hazards, and informing and educating consumers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announces recalls of products that present a significant risk to consumers either because the product may be defective or violates a mandatory standard issued by CPSC. CPSC has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 kinds of consumer products, but they do not have jurisdiction over all products. Some products, including automobiles and other on-road vehicles, tires, boats, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, food, drugs, cosmetics, pesticides, and medical devices are regulated by other federal agencies.
How can I find out about recalled products?
Healthy Eating for Lifetime