Consumer Circle: What consumers should know about buying safe products

As it approaches the highest shopping season for consumers, the retailers are expecting increased revenue from sales online, in stores on car lots and arcades as families will be seeking to make purchases to meet the needs and wants of their families.

Achieving the best quality at an affordable price is becoming more challenging for consumers as increasing interest rates for basic living expenses such as housing, transportation and food result in greater challenges for working families.

Freedom Come Rain (FCR) is therefore assisting families in ensuring that the money is spent wisely and with due care. Consumers are being urged to check out the source, quality and price of the product before committing to the contract or transaction.

With this in mind, FCR has identified the top five top categories of goods that are consistently in high demand during this time of year and some of the steps you should take before making a purchase in each category.

The top five categories include:

1. Children’s Toys.
2. Household Appliances and Electrical Tools and Accessories
3. Household furniture and accessories.
4. Automobiles: new, used, parts and repairs.
5. Food: Fresh cut Meats, pre-cooked meats and vegetables, condiments.

Steps to take when purchasing children’s toys:

1. Look for large items that cannot fit into the child’s mouth to avoid choking.
2. Look for stuffed toys with fabric that are properly sewn and items that are not easily dislodged.
3. Read the label for age appropriate toys and avoid blaring noises that can adversely affect the child’s hearing.
4. Avoid toys with pellets or liquids used as stuffing, toys with sharp edges and pointed surfaces. Look for the “non-toxic” label.
5. Remove any strings, plastic tags that can be snapped and easily swallowed.
6. Look for the “UL Approved” stamp on electric toys for older children (over 12 years old).  ​Countries which track emergency rooms reports on the incidents of accidental swallowing have documented that loose magnets are commonly found in children’s lungs, intestines, ears, nostrils and throat and are sometimes fatal.
7. Always choose the right toys for the right age.

Steps to take when purchasing Children’s Furniture:

When choosing children’s furniture, please do the following:

1. Check the age and weight of your child and estimate how long the bed or chair will serve the child.
2. Get it custom-made if you can but if you purchase from a store, check the following:
   1. Check the frame, legs and base for secure joinings.
   1. Check mattress for firmness and strength.
   1. Check the bars on headboards and chairs to ensure that hands and heads cannot get stuck between the spaces.
3. .Shop around for material and quality and design before making a decision.
4. Inspect and look for warping filler boards, loose screws, sharp edges, hollow aluminium instead of metal support bars.
5. Most imported furniture carry inserts and labels with care instructions and or installation. Read carefully and apply the specification of age appropriate, weight and age that are recommended.
6. If you can, avoid using used furniture, especially for toddlers. Look out for recalled branded or specially designed furniture such as high chairs, strollers, chest of drawers, bunk beds, etc.
7. Always inspect, clean and test before “letting your children loose” to bounce around or use furniture.
8. Self-assembly is sometimes risky. If you do not have the skill, get help.

Through a collaboration of several consumer protection agencies, Jamaica’s consumers are being urged to utilize the information provided to facilitate the purchase of safe children’s products.

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) offers a live link at www.cac.gov.jm to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls of unsafe products and guidelines for durable goods designed for use by children under the age of 12, including furniture, bedding and toys. The CPSC also provides an extra layer of protection under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

The Bureau of Standards of Jamaica (BSJ) is responsible for setting the rules and guidelines to ensure that the products for children are safe and issue recalls for unsafe toys that may have entered Jamaica’s market  or if a problem is found. Toys should be recalled if found to be unsafe including toxic material, lead levels, choking or fire hazards, or any other problem deemed dangerous to the affected age group. The Consumer Affairs Commission is responsible for informing the public regarding recalled children’s products and should be removed immediately by the BSJ and or Jamaica Customs as provided under the Standards Regulation and or the Customs Act.

Editor’s Note:

This is the first in a series of the Five Top Categories of consumer goods that are in high demand during this season. FCR will be sharing steps on to how avoid sub-standard or unsafe goods when shopping. Next week FCR will highlight how to avoid pitfalls when purchasing Household Appliances and Electrical Tools and Accessories.

CONTACT: FCR NEWS TEAM