Dealing with Imported Defective Products
Posted by
Rick PattersonAugust 02, 2007 12:44 PMAs always, product safety is a great concerns for consumers. Of late, the list of defective products coming out of some foreign countries, namely China, has been getting much needed press coverage. From the tainted pet food fiasco to a variety of products designed for human consumption, the public are coming to the realization that they should think twice before using any product that is imported from China or any country where safety regulations are a far cry from regulations that are in place here in the U.S.
It is true that the volume of exports of food, drugs and consumer products has grown very quickly in recent years. So much so, that it is increasingly difficult for inspectors in the U.S. to catch tainted or defective shipments. It has been reported that with so much business at risk, China will attempt to focus on product safety in an effort to stem concerns about its faulty exports. It is not, however, expected to be an easy task given the level of corruption, pollution and product piracy problems are deeply entrenched. "Corruption is pervasive," says Arthur Waldron, Lauder professor of international relations at the University of Pennsylvania. "Furthermore, there's no complete legal code governing these things, and even if there were, the police and court systems are not intended to be objective. They're intended to serve the party and therefore, these corrupt officials."
So, what can be done here at home. Beginning in 2008, funds to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission will increase. The additional funding will allow for more inspectors. Additionally, Lawmakers will also authorize the FDA and USDA to order food recalls, which is not something thay are currently authorized to do, and to mandate stricter reporting and labeling.
Many consumers feel they are getting a "bargain" when buying imports. However, with the seriously defective products of late, it's sure to leave one wondering whether they are really getting good deals at all.
For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.