Recently, Chinese-manufactured products have been a topic of controversy, both for consumers in South Florida and in the rest of the U.S. We have seen defects in toys, toothpaste, drywall, and now, baby strollers.
According to CNN Money, the Connecticut-based stroller maker Maclaren has recalled 1 million umbrella strollers due to a product defect which can lacerate or even amputate a child’s fingertips. There have already been 12 amputations across the U.S. due to children getting their fingertips stuck in the side hinges of the strollers while it is being opened or closed.
China’s presence in the global market has grown over the years. Companies across the U.S. and Europe are setting up shop in China. Though these companies are keeping at pace with competition due to the cost advantages of manufacturing abroad, there have been dire consequences. Despite many factors such as rapid economic expansion and a lack of resources to keep up with such growth, it seems that differing standards in quality controls have been central to the many Chinese product recalls over the years.
China has responded to the growing concerns. In 2007, MSNBC reported that the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, which oversees Chinese-made products, set systems to address problems with quality control due to toxins found in products ranging from toys to toothpaste.
However, after two years, it seems that problems persist. CNN reported that the Florida Department of Health received over 150 complaints about levels of sulfur and sulfuric gases found in Chinese drywall.
These problems will have to be addressed sooner rather than later. According to the Miami Herald, Florida’s own Senator Bill Nelson, keynote speaker for a recent summit on Chinese drywall, is calling on President Obama to address the issue. If China continues to produce defective products, there will be more pressure for Congress to get to the heart of the matter.
Maclaren has been working with the USCPSC and has voluntarily recalled the following stroller models, which have been sold since 1999 at Target and Babies R Us stores: the Easy Traveller, Triumph, Quest Mod, Volo, Quest Sport, TechnoXLR, TechnoXT, Twin Techno, and the Twin Triumph.
If you own or have purchased a Maclaren stroller, you can go to the Maclaren recall website and get a free repair kit.
Finally, if you, someone in your family or someone you know has been injured due to this defective product please contact our offices.
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