CPSC Warns of Remedy and FoIA Delays and Gives other Coronavirus Updates

CPSC is advising that some companies' recall remedies currently might be unavailable. The agency's notice is in popups that appear on its homepage and on webpages for individual recalls. Additionally, it appears atop the general recalls page although not as a popup. It reads:

"Due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding COVID-19, some of the remedies identified in recall press releases may not be available at this time. Consumers should check with recalling firms for further details."

"It is important to remember that CPSC and recalling firms urge consumers not to use recalled products."

Meanwhile, the agency also is periodically updating its general webpage on the situation (bit.ly/2U1AHzH). Other information on it as of March 28 included an explanation of how to minimize delays in making Freedom of Information (FoIA) requests and the related issue of companies getting notices of requests under 6(b):

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office staff are on extended telework. As a result, we temporarily do not have access to U.S. mail, and will be processing all FOIA requests electronically during this time. FOIA requests and appeals submitted via US mail or courier, and any FOIA records requiring physical delivery will be delayed. If you are a requester who has not already signed up for Public Access Link (PAL) in order to submit electronic FOIA requests and appeals, and to receive FOIA responses electronically, please do so today by visiting foiapal.cpsc.gov/App/Home.aspx. In the alternative, please submit new FOIA requests and appeals to the cpscfoiarequests@cpsc.gov email address. If you are a manufacturer who has not already signed up to receive Section 6 notifications via the Collaboration Portal, please visit www.cpsc.gov/Guidance-for-Firms-Responding-to-a-FOIA-Request-via-the-Electronic-Manufacturer-Notification for registration information."

The page also repeats information from a separate March 27 press release (bit.ly/2WWKNVo) targeting consumers, generally warning of the increased risks of injuries at home due to more time spend there. This included four checklists on mitigating risks for young children (bit.ly/3dB0I1S), older children (bit.ly/39rG7tw), seniors (bit.ly/39rPB7S), and everyone (bit.ly/2ygl5kF). 

There also are links to general U.S. government sites on the virus and previously provided information such as CPSC pushing more meetings towards web/teleconferences, allowing staffers to telework, and prompting companies to ensure they can meet Section 15(b) reporting obligations (PSL, 3/3/20, bit.ly/2W6X8Gl).