21/04/2009 - Increase in faulty recalled goods
A report shows there was an increase in the number of products that had to be recalled from shops in Europe last year because they were dangerous to consumers.
Figures from the EU show 1,860 dangerous consumer products were withdrawn last year, but it is believed tougher monitoring is the reason behind the 16% increase rather than a rise in poor quality goods.
By using an EU alert system, a faulty product found in one member state can be quickly identified and removed from sale in all EU countries.
The biggest rise in product alerts was in the toy market, where 498 articles deemed potentially dangerous to children were recalled in 27 countries last year.
Safety risks in electrical goods and cars also resulted in a large number of alerts and the three products accounted for 53% of all withdrawals of goods in Europe.
There was also an increase in the number of Chinese-made products that had to be recalled, up from 52% of the total in 2007 to 59% last year.
EU consumer commissioner Meglena Kuneva commented: "This report sends a very clear signal that there is no room for complacency when it comes to safety."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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