safety

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act

Posted by Rehan Khalil on December 8, 2009   |   No Comments

Continuing with yesterdays discussion about product safety legislation, Health Canada issued a press release suggesting that Bill C-6, Canada Consumer Product Safety Act has been held up in the Senate.

Apparently, on “December 2, 2009, the Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology committee made a number of amendments which render the Bill dysfunctional.”

The Canadian Health Minister stated:

“A handful of opposition Senators are trying to water down the proposed Act and consequently add extra steps in the process, slowing matters down needlessly,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “The amendments made to the Bill do nothing to improve the health and safety of Canadians. They do, however, considerably weaken the bill by putting the interest of industry ahead of the health and safety of Canadians.”

It’s extremely unfortunate that such an important Bill designed to protect Canadians is being heldup.

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Product Safety Legislation in Canada

Posted by Rehan Khalil on December 6, 2009   |   No Comments

The most recent crib recall has been the last straw. Soon there might be product safety legislation in Canada.

Many in Canada might be unaware that there are no safety requirements for manufacturers to comply with. Companies are not required by law to inform the public about a potential hazard. Finally, the government of Canada does not have the power to impose a mandatory recall because it’s up to the company.

Bill C-6 is designed to be tougher legislation to protect Canadians and empower the government with the ability to issue mandatory recalls. The Bill passed with ease in the House of Commons and is now before the Senate. It’s time Canada modernized its product safety legislation and brought it in line with the United States and Europe.

The Toronto Star reported on the matter here.

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High levels of lead found in Disney and Barbie toys.

Posted by Rehan Khalil on November 21, 2009   |   No Comments

A California consumer group tested about 250 products that were bought at major retailers and found that in seven of the toys the lead levels were far greater than the federal limits permitted.

The California Attorney General issued a safety warning in regards to the high lead levels found in the toys. The AG urged retailers such as, Wal-mart, Target, Sears and other stores to remove the products from their shelves immediately.

Also:

Other products that the center says have abnormal amounts of lead are the Kids Poncho and MSY Faded Glory Rebecca Shoes, both sold by Wal-Mart; Reversible Croco Belt sold by Target; Dora the Explorer Activity Tote sold by TJ Maxx; and Paula Fuschia Open-Toed Shoes sold by Sears.

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Halloween Safety

Posted by Rehan Khalil on October 28, 2009   |   No Comments
Halloween

Halloween

Halloween is a fun time of year for everyone especially those with children. However, people should be aware of the numerous dangers posed by unsafe practices.

Click here for things to remember this Halloween.

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How much lead is getting into Canada?

Posted by Rehan Khalil on October 17, 2009   |   No Comments

Lead is bad. While in Canada our government continues to supervise the issue we still don’t know what happens in other countries. In fact, a recent article in the Food Safety Magazine states:

In this new era of global food trade, FDA will have to acquire a better understanding of food ingredients and food production practices in other countries. Some countries have not imposed controls on uses of lead within their own borders. Given the potential for lead to be used in a wide variety of agricultural and industrial applications abroad, increased food imports from countries that have yet to put lead exposure controls in place for their own populations could potentially raise U.S. consumers’ exposure to lead once again.

Mexican candies containing lead based wrappers were discovered in 1994 and is cited in the article as an example of what we should watch out for when importing products.

It would be hard to imagine that third world countries would have the same standards for lead screening in food products.

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