At OnderLaw, we prioritize the safety and well-being of families and children above all else. Today, we bring your attention to a concerning issue surrounding social media resale marketplaces and recalled products, specifically the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. Despite recalls and safety warnings, these sleepers are still making their way onto these platforms, putting innocent lives at risk. We aim to raise awareness about the dangers and advocate for stronger actions to prevent further tragedies.
The Alarming Recalls:
The Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, a product that should have brought joy and comfort to families, was recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2019 after 32 infants tragically lost their lives. Shockingly, this number has since risen to at least 100 infant deaths linked to the sleeper due to instances where babies rolled from their backs to their stomachs or sides while unrestrained.
Social Media Resale Marketplaces:
Despite these heart-wrenching statistics, hundreds of these recalled sleepers are still surfacing for resale on social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. Even after Meta, the parent company of Facebook, claimed to prohibit the sale of recalled products and take preventive measures, the CPSC’s surveillance team issued nearly 4,000 takedown requests for these sleepers between February 2022 and March 2023.
The Call for Urgent Action:
The CPSC, as the government agency responsible for identifying unsafe consumer products, recently sent a letter to Meta, urging them to take more decisive actions to prevent the sale of these dangerous products on their e-commerce platform.
Facebook’s Unique Position:
Facebook, being a prominent player in the social media space, is uniquely positioned to identify and halt the sale of recalled and hazardous products like the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. Implementing strict measures and mechanisms to detect and remove these listings before they go live could save lives and spare families from enduring unimaginable tragedies.
CPSC Recommendations:
In its letter, the CPSC made two vital recommendations to Meta. Firstly, they suggested making it clearer to sellers that marketing recalled products is strictly prohibited. Secondly, they urged Meta to incorporate a way for consumers to flag recalled and hazardous products, empowering users to be vigilant and protect each other.
Fisher-Price’s Role:
The CPSC also called on Fisher-Price to re-announce the recall and offer incentives for consumers to destroy these sleepers. The recall was previously reannounced, but it had little impact on the pace of listings, indicating the need for stronger measures.
Our Pledge to Safety:
At OnderLaw, we join the CPSC in demanding accountability and responsibility from social media platforms and manufacturers alike. We are committed to raising awareness about these dangers and fighting for the safety of families across the nation.
Moving Forward:
The dangers of social media resale marketplaces and recalled products cannot be underestimated. Lives are at stake, and immediate actions must be taken. We stand united with the CPSC in urging Meta and Fisher-Price to step up their efforts to keep dangerous products off their platforms and out of circulation. Together, we can prevent further tragedies and protect our loved ones. Let’s work together for a safer tomorrow. If you or a loved one have been affected by defective products, contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
