A recent Congressional report identified the risk of toxic heavy metal contamination of various brands of commercial baby food. Palmquist v. Hain Celestial Group is one of the first of many cases pending nationwide seeking...more
PFAS in Children’s Products is a major focus for state legislators across the country, prompting some of the most stringent PFAS restrictions in consumer products. Thus far, eight states have enacted legislation concerning...more
This second installment of our series highlights CPSC’s Office of Compliance Activity and continued aggressive enforcement efforts. Multiple presenters emphasized CPSC’s continued aggressive enforcement. Commenters...more
As a lawyer handling product liability cases, I’ve come across numerous instances that highlight the often dangerous shortcomings of child safety products. But nothing quite underscores the gravity of this issue like the...more
The safety of our children while traveling in a motor vehicle is extremely important. It is well established that the back seat is generally the safest place for children to ride, but there comes a time when kids may ask,...more
The holidays are upon us, including “cyber week” filled with deals for shopping for the holidays. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) is warning shoppers about smart toys this holiday season. In its article,...more
Reports of a recall of apple cinnamon fruit pouches for children have been prominent in the headlines for the last few weeks. This blog has previously covered the topics of lead in spices and the FDA’s January 2023 issuance...more
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products across a broad spectrum of industries are being impacted by laws regulating the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in their products. This...more
Injuries caused by e-scooters and e-bikes increased steeply from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the serious risks associated with these transportation devices (officially known as “micromobility products”). According to a...more
A significant number of federal legislative proposals that focus on online child safety have been introduced. If enacted, they would modify online providers’ obligations to remove and report child sexual exploitation (CSE)...more
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a final rule adopting a mandatory safety standard for consumer products that utilize button cell or coin batteries. CPSC enacted the rule as required by...more
PFAS in Children’s Products has become a major focus for state regulators across the country, prompting some of the most stringent PFAS restrictions in consumer products. Thus far, eight states have enacted regulations...more
Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products across a broad spectrum of industries are being impacted by regulations regarding the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) in their products....more
The European Commission’s (EC) Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) announced the release of its final opinion on the safety of titanium dioxide in toys on June 27, 2023. Following the...more
On May 24, 2023, Minnesota enacted HF 2310, which includes a number of PFAS restrictions in consumer products. As discussed below, several categories of products can no longer contain intentionally added PFAS beginning on...more
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 7063 into law on May 25, 2023, providing short-term and long-term tax relief for Florida taxpayers. The legislation provides approximately $1.3 billion in tax breaks to Florida...more
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two new draft guidance documents on pediatric drug development and exclusivity, most notably clarifying that, under a new proposed policy that would come into play upon...more
Baby formula has sadly made headlines in recent years as a result of shortages, plant closures, contamination, and lawsuits. A major infant formula class action lawsuit is ongoing against manufacturers Enfamil and Similac for...more
On March 4, 2021, we wrote about lawsuits concerning alleged high levels of heavy metals in baby foods (“Are Your Baby’s Strained Carrots Safe? Considerations for Manufacturers”). A precipitating factor was a staff report...more
Lead poisoning in children has been a known risk for more than 100 years. Toxic exposures to lead and other heavy metals can lead to problems with learning, cognition and behavior....more
In his State of the Union address on February 7, 2023, President Biden affirmed his position on consumer data privacy protections and specifically his focus on strengthening protections for children. With several state data...more
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently issued a proposed rule to update its school nutrition standards. The rule proposes long-term standards, starting in the 2024-2025 school...more
Data from U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that more consumer products are being recalled now than they have been in recent years. The U.S. PIRG Education Fund published a report on February 2, 2023...more
PFAS in Children’s Products has become a major focus for state regulators across the country, prompting some of the most stringent PFAS restrictions in consumer products. So far, seven states have enacted regulations...more
The Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021, which went into effect on November 12, 2022, makes it is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, manufacture for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States padded crib...more