Florida Consumer E-Newsletter - November 2008
Charles H. Bronson
Commissioner
A Message from the Commissioner
Dear Friends:
One of the most important functions of government is the protection of its citizens, and in the process of fulfilling this responsibility, the importance of consumer product safety cannot be understated. When a product is deemed to be unsafe and a recall becomes necessary, communicating the relevant information to consumers in a timely fashion can sometimes be the difference between life and death. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services is proud to function as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's agent in Florida regarding product recalls, inspections, and investigations. On our website, www.800helpfla.com we post this information by listing the most recent recalls and press releases right on our homepage.
Remember, we’re here for you. This edition of our Florida Consumer E-Newsletter is dedicated to educating our subscribers about various types of recalls and how they can best access information on products that have been deemed a safety hazard. Our Consumer Hotline, calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221 or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), will answer any consumer related questions you may have or direct you to the best resource for assistance.
Sincerely,
Product recalls may come in different forms. Some ban the sale of an item while others ask consumers to return the item for replacement or repair. Sometimes a seller provides a part that reduces the danger of using the product. The likelihood of injuries or deaths is greatly reduced when recalls get major headlines like the Tylenol recall in 1982, the recall on toys with lead paint in 2007, the massive pet food recall in 2007, or the tomato recall in 2008. Unfortunately, the majority of recalls get little or no news coverage and many dangerous products linger in homes well after they have been pulled from store shelves. Almost one-third of all recalled vehicles – more than half of all toys, clothes, appliances, tools, and electronics gear, and three-fourths of child car seats – are never repaired or returned to stores.
Because so many recalls each year come from different agencies that have their own rules and procedures, it is difficult for anyone to keep up or know where to go for assistance. In order to streamline communication with the public, improve interagency information sharing, and enhance public security, six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together to create www.recalls.gov – a “one-stop shop” for U.S. Government recalls. Here you will find information on recalls for consumer products, motor vehicles, boats, food, medicine, cosmetics, and even environmental products.
Be Cautious of Used Products
Recalls may get products off store shelves, but it is more difficult to get them out of people’s homes when they are resold at garage sales, discount or “dollar” stores, swap meets, and on the Internet.
Many recalled products are resold in online auction sites, often years after they were deemed dangerous. Even experienced and reputable sellers may not know a product has been recalled and it is difficult for online bidders to check for a recalled product since many listings do not include a serial number or date it was manufactured. When buying or selling used products, use the resources below to thoroughly check if that item may pose a threat due to a recall.
Report Unsafe Products
The following is a list of resources which will enable consumers to check for recalls, report unsafe products, and/or file complaints:
- U.S. Government Recalls
to provide better service in alerting the American people to unsafe, hazardous or defective products, six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together to create www.recalls.gov -- a "one stop shop" for U.S. Government recalls. - Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Report any injury or death involving consumer products, or report an unsafe product. CPSC does not have jurisdiction over automobiles, child restraint devices, foods, medicines, cosmetics, and medical devices. - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
File a complaint against the following consumer products: automobiles, tires, child restraint devices, vehicle equipment (such as oil filters, alternators, lights, etc.).
- United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Report to FDA any adverse reactions or other problems with medicines, medical devices (from bandages to artificial hearts), blood products, vaccines, cosmetics, veterinary drugs, animal feed, and electronic products that emit radiation (such as microwave ovens and video monitors). - United States Coast Guard
Boat owners and users are encouraged to report possible safety defects about recreational boats and related equipment less than 5 years old.
