Expert Recall

By Mike Rozembajgier

2009 was a frightening year for parents of infant children, especially in light of many massive stroller, crib, and other baby product recalls. Consumers were flooded with recall notification announcements and time after time manufacturers were challenged to test their recall readiness – so much so that 2009 deserves the name “Year of the Infant Product Recall.” The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recorded a 20 percent increase in the number of recalls in the Children’s Nursery Equipment and Supplies category, and a 450 percent increase in the number of reports they received on potentially hazardous products.

While the statistics may be alarming, industry leaders and trade associations deserve credit for proactively addressing product safety concerns.  Manufacturers continue to make consumer safety a chief priority, working with consumer groups and regulatory agencies to improve or develop industry standards where none currently exist, and reaching out to educate and communicate with consumers. Organizations such as the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) are providing certification programs for its members.

Further, under Commissioner Tenenbaum, the CPSC is adding resources and tools to more closely monitor, report and create awareness of safety hazards. Parents and consumers are increasingly more educated about choking hazards, lead paint and making sound purchase decisions on consumer products.

On December 16, 2009, the CPSC approved a new rule requiring manufacturers of infant or toddler products to establish and maintain a registration card program in order to improve communication between manufacturers and product owners and thus increase recall effectiveness. Manufacturers will help address consumer education with this new requirement.

The onus for consumer safety remains on the manufacturers and retailers. What can you, as a company CEO or risk manager, do to help educate and protect consumers? Do you have a plan in place to ensure timely and effective communication with your consumers in the event of a recall?

Stericycle ExpertRECALL™ is the industry leader in recall logistics and regulatory compliance for consumer product, pharmaceutical, medical device, juvenile product, and food and beverage recalls. ExpertRECALL’s professionals are experts in recall management who can help you streamline the entire product recall process.