A number of recalled products sold at Meijer stores, including a baby sling that killed three infants, are still being sold by other retailers, according to the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC). These recalled products were improperly disposed of and were offered for sale at discount retailers, dollar stores, liquidation firms, flea markets, and thrift […]
A number of recalled products sold at Meijer stores, including a baby sling that killed three infants, are still being sold by other retailers, according to the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC).
These recalled products were improperly disposed of and were offered for sale at discount retailers, dollar stores, liquidation firms, flea markets, and thrift stores, nationwide, and at various prices. The recalling firms listed below fully complied with the negotiated terms of their original recall.
The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using these recalled products immediately and contact the recalling firms to participate in their individual recall programs, and notes that it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Details on these recalls, including how to receive reimbursement or product replacement, can be accessed on the CPSC web site at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12126.html,
The Infantino “SlingRider” Baby Sling was linked to three infant deaths before a 2010 recall, noted Michigan Live (MLive) and is just one of the eight recalled products that the CPSC learned were resold through a third-party liquidation firm. At the time, the CPSC said the three 2009 deaths involved a 7-week-old infant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a 6-day-old infant in Salem, Oregon; and a 3-month-old infant in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The eight products were first recalled in 2010 or early 2011 and were later resold throughout 2011, said MLive. The CPSC first recalled the baby sling in 2010 following the three infant deaths. Some of the other recalled products reportedly caused choking and burn injuries.
Meijer said it contracted with a third-party liquidator to either destroy the recalled products or return them to a manufacturer, said MLive. It remains unclear if additional injuries have occurred as a result of the mistake; however, both Meijer and the unnamed third-party liquidation firm are being investigation by the Commission to determine how the error occurred and if other injuries took place. According to a Meijer spokesman, Meijer discovered the error and alerted the CPSC, said MLive.
“You are talking about kids who don’t have a choice about what toys or products they are given,” said Alex Filip, a CPSC spokesman, wrote MLive. “These are our most vulnerable customers out there. We have a high concern about children’s products…. Obviously, something went wrong. Meijer gave it to the (third-party liquidator) company expecting it to be disposed of, not resold,” he added, said MLive. The CPSC is keeping the name of the third-party liquidator confidential, but will release the identity if the firm is found to be at fault, said Filip.
Meijer or the third-party liquidator could face penalties including fines, which could “range from thousands to millions of dollars depending on the severity,” said Filip, wrote MLive.
