Not In My Cart

Anyone else out there a little overwhelmed trying to keep on top of all the product recalls these days?  You might be happy to know that the Consumer’s Union has a new website called Not In My Cart that is kind of a one-stop shop for information about recalls.  It's got toys and other household products (and even some food) all in one spot.  It's updated daily with the latest recalls.  Photos of each product are included which makes it easy to tell right away whether or not the recall is something you've got in your house.

The Consumer's Union is the publisher of Consumer Reports magazine.  They are an independent, non-profit organization working to establish a fair and safe marketplace for consumers. The mission of Not In My Cart is not only to provide consumers with an easy way to keep track of recalls but also to facilitate ACTION.  Here's what they want to see happen (info pulled from their website):

• Manufacturers and importers must test and inspect products before shipping them to the U.S., face stiffer fines for importing unsafe products, create a traceability program for toys and consumer products; and employ third party certification systems to assure food and products meet US standards.
• Retailers must be required to remove all recalled products from shelves promptly, post prominent recall notices, and spot check products for safety.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission, Food and Drug Administration and USDA must have the staff and authority to stop unsafe products from entering our country instead of trying to yank them back from consumers once in their homes.

They also want us to take action.  The website's TAKE ACTION page has a form letter for you to fill out and send to your members of Congress urging them to stop unsafe imports.  It just takes a minute, so I urge you to do it!