U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 25, 2003
9:14 AM

CONTACT: U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG)
Alison Cassady, Jennifer Mueller (202) 546-9707

U.S. PIRG Joins CPSC In Creative Program To Publicize Product Recalls
WASHINGTON - November 25 - U.S. PIRG has partnered with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to promote a new tool for consumers, www.Recalls.gov, in conjunction with U.S. PIRG's annual toy safety report release. Launched today, www.Recalls.gov is an unprecedented collaborative effort of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and four other federal regulatory agencies—the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard.

"Recalls.gov is another tool for the tool belt of the savvy and safe shopper," said U.S. PIRG Research Director, Alison Cassady. "This holiday shopping season, consumers should download our "Tips for Toy Safety" at www.ToySafety.net to learn about potential hazards and use www.Recalls.gov to check for recalls of products already in the home or hand-me-down toys."

The new Web site links visitors to the home pages of government regulatory agencies responsible for product recalls. In addition to finding details about recalled products, visitors will gain additional safety information and may sign up for e-mail alerts on recalled products, as they become available.

Over the past 17 years, U.S. PIRG toy safety reports have directly led to more than 100 corrective actions by the CPSC and manufacturers. The 2003 report and safety tips for shoppers are posted at www.ToySafety.net.

###