Cadmium Concerns Test Companies’ Recall Management

By Mike Rozembajgier

The Associated Press recently released results of its ongoing investigation into cadmium and lead in children’s products. The investigation has already led to recalls of children’s jewelry and drinking glasses that contained high levels of cadmium or lead. As the AP continues its investigative work, we can expect additional recalls to follow. In today’s era of increasing scrutiny by not only regulators, but also consumer advocates and the media, companies cannot afford to wait until public attention makes a recall inevitable. Adding further pressure on recall managers, regulators will not hesitate to penalize a company that intentionally delays the recall process.

Most recently, the AP tested products from several manufacturers and brand names including drinking glasses marketed by The Coca-Cola Company, The Walt Disney Company, Burger King and McDonald’s. The results found that glasses with comic book and movie character designs exceeded federal limits for lead in children’s products by up to 1,000 times. They also contained relatively high levels of cadmium – a metal deemed dangerous by consumer advocates and regulatory bodies.

As I told TheStreet.com, these recent findings are a game changer for companies that contain lead or cadmium in their products. In fact, some companies may now be wondering if they are next in line for a recall. Additionally, manufacturers and retailers must understand that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is not the only force to be reckoned with during the recall process. Advocacy groups and the media also join the chorus of voices calling on companies to do their part to protect consumer safety.

Effective recall planning and recall management is critical to your company’s success. Since the initial investigation into cadmium started, we have seen some companies be proactive in recalling products in question. These companies generally retain consumer trust and brand equity. However, when companies wait for the recall request from the CPSC, they generally face increased scrutiny across the board.

Companies that are unprepared for recalls face increasing risks to their brand and their bottom-line. If your company does not plan ahead for the recall you will inevitably face, you risk increased costs financially and to your reputation. Conveying genuine commitment to consumer safety is essential to brand integrity over the lifetime of your company.

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.