Hunton Retail Law Resource

Even in a pandemic, some things do not change.  This month’s Recall Roundup finds the CPSC focusing on dangers that have been front and center for some time.  Specifically, the CPSC continues to focus its regulatory efforts on protecting consumers from product defects in all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and other recreational off-highway vehicles such as snowmobiles, golf carts, and utility vehicles.  The CPSC recently issued a warning to consumers about the risks associated with such products, especially as more consumers look for outdoor activities during the pandemic.  The warning cites to the CPSC’s Annual ATV Report of 2018, which identified almost 82,000 ATV-related injuries that required hospital treatment.  Nearly one-fourth of these injuries were sustained by children under 16 years old, the highest fraction of any age group.  There were also 264 ATV-related deaths in 2018, though this number is expected to rise as reporting is ongoing.  So far, the CPSC has issued 15 recalls for recreational off-highway vehicles in 2020.  In 2019, that figure was 20 recalls.

Unlike COVID-19, the dangers of lead are not novel as two recalls this month highlight the dangers posed by the presence of lead in consumer products, especially those targeted at children.  The first recall targets an insurance company’s plush stuffed animal distributed as a promotional item.  The recall covers over 635,000 units distributed over 15 years.  The second recall targets a major toymaker’s water guns and covers 53,000 units distributed over five months this year.  Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers should be mindful of lead levels in consumer products.  Lead poisoning is a serious disease that can cause learning disabilities and long-term health problems, especially for young children.

Total Recalls: 18

Hazards:  Injury (6); Violation of Federal Standard (5); Fire/Burn/Shock (3); Tip-Over (1); Laceration (1); Skin Irritation (1); Impact (1)