Recall of Fisher-Price Baby Rocker in US
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the recall of Fisher-Price baby rockers and the safety assessment of imported infant products as raised by Ms Rahayu Mahzam. Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that Enterprise Singapore (ESG) regulates general consumer products under a risk-based approach that requires compliance with international safety standards. ESG monitors potential hazards through consumer feedback and overseas notices, conducting product tests and requiring suppliers to rectify or stop the sale of non-compliant goods. The Minister confirmed that Fisher-Price issued a voluntary global recall for its sleepers and that ESG published a corresponding alert on its website in April 2019. Consumers are urged to respond to the recall and maintain vigilance by checking safety labels, weight limits, and ensuring children are supervised during use.
Transcript
18 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for Trade and Industry in light of the recent recall of the Fisher-Price baby rocker in the US (a) whether these rockers have been imported into Singapore; (b) whether there is a process of tracking and assessing the safety of infant or baby products that are imported into Singapore; and (c) what are the measures in place to ensure imported products meant for infant or children are safe for use.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: Enterprise Singapore (ESG) oversees the safety of general consumer products sold in Singapore. General consumer products, including products for use by children, that are not regulated under any other legislations, are required to meet applicable international safety standards under the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods Safety Requirements) Regulations administered by ESG. While these general consumer goods are not required to be pre-approved before they are sold in the market, ESG monitors safety issues in such goods via consumer feedback and overseas consumer product notices and will work with suppliers to address any safety concerns quickly. Based on the information it gathers, ESG conducts tests on selected consumer products in the market to ensure that they are safe. Suppliers found with non compliant products will be asked to rectify or stop sale. This risk-based approach towards product safety regulation allows general consumer products, which have lower safety risks, to enter the market quickly without the need for comprehensive but resource intensive testing. This approach balances safeguarding consumers safety and ensuring market efficiency.
ESG is aware that Fisher-Price has issued a voluntary recall globally, including in Singapore, of its Rock 'N Play Sleepers and has issued an alert warning consumers to discontinue the use of the product. ESG has also published the alert on its website in April 2019.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to respond to the product recall by Fisher-Price. Parents should exercise vigilance when buying and using products for their children, including observing the safety labels on products. Where a child's entire weight is to be placed on a product, parents should check the product's recommended maximum weight capacity to ensure it is suitable for their children. Baby rockers should only be used on the floor and not on elevated or soft surfaces as they may tipover and cause injury or suffocation. Parents should also supervise their children and secure them with restraints when they are in baby rockers.