On Wednesday, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that it is suing Amazon Inc. The action is being taken to compel the retail giant into withdrawing the hundreds of thousands of hazardous products that it has been distributed via its platform.
According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these products included 24,000 carbon monoxide detectors that failed to go off, nearly 400,000 hair dryers that lacked the required protection against shock and electrocution, and several flammable children’s sleepwear products. The consumer body stated that Amazon was legally responsible to withdraw these products as they were completely detrimental to consumers as they could cause both injury and death.
“We must grapple with how to deal with these massive third-party platforms more efficiently, and how best to protect the American consumers who rely on them,” CPSC Acting Chairman Robert Adler said on Wednesday. The CPSC’s decision to file an administrative complaint against Amazon was reached by a 3-1 vote.
Amazon has not been silent about the issue. Although unspecified, it has taken some actions to recall some of these products which according to the CPSC is not enough.
The online retailer, however, in a statement stated that it was not clear why the regulator rejected its proposal to expand its recall program, including for products sold by third parties. Amazon also mentioned that it was also unclear why it is being sued to force actions that are “almost entirely duplicative” of what it had already taken. The company said that it had taken down the vast majority of these products from its store and has provided full customer refunds.
Amazon continues to assure people of quality products and consumer-centered and ethical behavior. The company also recently appointed a new CEO promising improved services and says that consumers should rest assured of its products and services.
