Expert Recall

By Howard Aughinbaugh

Recent analysis of recall data by ExpertRECALL™ finds an encouraging trend in the safety of juvenile products. After review of recall data from September 2007 to September 2008, and for the same period in 2008 – 2009, our experts found that the number of total juvenile product recalls decreased by nearly one-third.

The analysis was conducted in response to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association’s annual Baby Safety Month. ExpertRECALL looked separately at data for children’s toys and for juvenile products (non- toys), such as baby furniture, strollers and clothing.

Toy recalls have dropped more than 50 percent since 2007. During this time the primary hazard for toy recalls has been lead content. During 2007-2008, lead content was the cause of more than 50 percent of toy recalls. Since 2008 lead hazards have been responsible for 41 percent of toy recalls.

Choking and strangulation was the second leading cause of toy recalls at 31 percent from September 2007 to September 2008. Despite fewer total recalls in the following year, the percentage of recalls due to choking and strangulation hazards rose to 37 percent.

Choking and strangulation were also major contributors to recalls in the juvenile products (non-toy) category. Hazards found with products ranging from cribs to hooded sweatshirt draw strings raised serious concerns with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In the past year, choking and strangulation hazards accounted for 46 percent of the total recalls, while lead content and hazards related to falling each accounted for 19 percent.

Over the past few months, there has been a concerted effort by regulatory agencies to protect consumers from harmful products. Trending data from the past two years suggests that consumer products are getting safer and, despite a potential uptick in recalls resulting from more stringent regulatory guidelines, consumers can expect this trend to continue. Most importantly, consumers should know that both manufacturers and retailers are taking precautions as never before to protect our youngest, and most vulnerable, consumers.

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.