Fewer Kids' Products Recalled, But Recalls Ignored

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — A new report finds fewer children's products are being recalled. But parents aren't paying close enough attention to recall warnings that could possibly affect their children.

According to the advocacy group Kids in Danger, product recalls were down 24 percent in 2011 from the year before. However, the number of injuries and incidents associated with recalls grew seven percent.

Nancy Cowles, the advocacy group's executive director, said it's good that manufacturers are being held to a higher standard. "New requirements to avoid lead in children's products and for safer cribs went into effect about the same time," Cowles said. She hoped that's part of the reason that the number has decreased.

KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:

Another new requirement is that a third party or an independent lab confirms that their product meets the safety standards.

"That's something that was lacking before, but now we know because we have testing results," Cowles said.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, only 15 percent of recalled children's products are returned for repair.

Cowles recommends parents register their new products with the manufacturer so they can get direct notification if there are any problems.

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