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Note to Reporters:
Consumer Advocates Release “Ten Worst Toys” List; Foreign Manufacturers Produce Overwhelming Majority of CPSC’s Recalled Products in 2008, according to AAJ Analysis
Today W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) released the annual “Ten Worst Toys” list at a press event in Boston. W.A.T.C.H. is made up of American Association for Justice (AAJ) members Edward and James Swartz. To see the full report, see http://www.justice.org/WATCH_-_10_Worst_TOYS_-_NOVEMBER_2008.pdf .
According to a brief analysis prepared by AAJ, a large majority of products—85 percent— recalled so far this year by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) were produced in foreign countries and 57 percent were manufactured in China. Of the 354 products recalled by the CPSC, 302 were produced in foreign countries and 201 were produced in China according to CPSC’s posted recall notices.
Recalled products Jan 1, 2008-Nov. 13, 2008
Total Recalled products –354
From the United States—52 or 15%
From China – 201 or 57%
From foreign countries –302 or 85%
This is significant because foreign manufacturers can set their prices lower because they are not subject to the equal prospect of restitution as U.S. manufacturers face if a consumer is injured by their product. Also, foreign manufacturers often face huge discrepancies in product liability insurance rates. Without the prospect of being held accountable through the U.S. civil justice system, a foreign producer has little incentive to maximize product quality and safety.
See a detailed list of CPSC’s 2008 recalls here.
