Regulators Demand Investigation into Shein and Temu Over Reports of ‘Dangerous Baby Products’
Two commissioners from the Consumer Product Safety Commission called for an inquiry into the foreign-owned platforms after reports surfaced about ‘dangerous items for babies and toddlers.’
Two commissioners from the Consumer Product Safety Commission are urging the agency to look into whether online retailers like Shein and Temu adhere to U.S. safety standards.
In a statement released on Tuesday, commissioners Peter Feldman and Douglas Dziak emphasized the need for an investigation into these foreign-owned platforms, citing reports of “dangerous products for babies and toddlers” being readily available for purchase. The letter specifically mentioned Shein and Temu as platforms of concern.
YSL News was unable to find specific products from Temu or Shein that have been directly connected to infant fatalities. Both companies did not respond to requests for comments right away.
The commissioners referenced a report from The Information last month, indicating that sites selling bargain products continue to offer items deemed hazardous for young children. They pointed to “padded crib bumpers,” which Congress banned in 2022 due to suffocation risks for infants, as a notable example still available on these platforms.
The letter urged the commission to prioritize its mission of “protecting consumers from products that pose an unreasonable risk of injury.”
Investigation Will Focus on Safety Issues with Overseas Suppliers
Feldman and Dziak called for an examination of Chinese manufacturers and vendors that send inexpensive, direct sales with “minimal or no U.S. presence.”
The investigation will assess how to tackle potential safety gaps related to sales that might exceed the commission’s jurisdiction, according to the commissioners.
“Furthermore, the commission needs to understand the enforcement issues linked to foreign third-party vendors,” the commissioners stated. “When compliance staff identify safety violations, we expect the commission to take action.”
They recommended that the commission clarify its expectations regarding the companies’ responsibilities as it outlines priorities for 2025.
“We anticipate that this review by commission staff will guide further necessary actions to safeguard American consumers,” the commissioners said.
