Web site gives alerts on product hazards

Mattel has recalled Polly Pocket toys and the Barbie Kitty Condo. A new Web site, www.NotInMyCart.org, features information on recalls and congressional action involving hazardous products and foods.

As hordes of Americans prepare to buy millions of toys and gifts as well as food and drink for feasting for the upcoming holiday seasons, consumers are justifiably concerned about keeping their loved ones safe from tainted products.

The tide of unsafe imports rises higher. The recalls, many from China, keep on coming – poisonous pet food, contaminated fish, brightly painted but toxic toys sold by trusted companies. Recently, Wal-Mart recalled toy farm animals and J.C. Penney recalled Winnie-the-Pooh play sets, all due to lead content.

Consumers now have a new one-stop resource available for information about everything from recalls and congressional action involving hazardous products and foods. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, recently launched a new Web site, www.NotInMyCart.org.

The Web site offers news on the latest recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

It also features Consumer Union’s recommendations for ensuring that products the U.S. imports and sells are safe. In addition, the Web site provides tips from Consumer Reports on how consumers can keep their homes safe and includes updates on what Congress and the Administration are doing to make our food supply, toys and other products safer.

On a more personal level, the Web site features a “share your story” section where consumers can share their experiences with hazardous food, products and imports so other consumers can learn from their experiences.

“With so much in the news about hazardous imports and unsafe levels of lead in toys, people don’t know how to find safe products and get rid of unsafe ones,” said Donald Mays, senior director of product safety planning and technical administration for Consumers Union. “People who agree real safeguards need to be enacted can also contact lawmakers to push for strong legislation to mend the hole in the safety net.”

Imports have skyrocketed in recent years, especially from China. The value of all imports increased by 67 percent between 2000 and 2006, and today 80 percent of all toys sold in the United States are imported from China.

Of all the food Americans consume, 13 percent is imported; 83 percent of seafood is imported, yet less than 1 percent is inspected.

Visit www.NotInMyCart.org for the latest information on hazardous products and food.