Consumer Product Safety Commission to launch public database of complaints

[UpInArms]

Source: Washington Post

The federal government is poised for the first time to make public thousands of complaints it receives each year about safety problems with various products, from power tools to piggy banks.

The compilation of consumer complaints, set to be launched online in March by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has been hailed by consumer advocates as a resource that will revolutionize the way people make buying decisions.

But major manufacturing and industry groups have raised concerns about the public database, saying it may be filled with fictitious slams against their brands. Competitors or others with political motives could post inaccurate claims, business leaders say, and the agency will not be able to investigate most of the complaints.

Arguing that this could present a new burden in an already difficult economic environment, they are working behind the scenes to delay or revamp the project.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/09/AR2011010902730.html?wpisrc=nl_natlalert

[napi21]

1. I guess a lot depends on what info is released. If it's only accusations, I understand the co's

argument/ If they also post results, then there should b no gripe.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. there is always The Consumerist dot com.

And, since our washer shuddered and died yesterday, I found this site very very helpful:

http://www.appliancejournal.com/appliance-repair-help/washer-repair/why-kenmore-front-load-washers-fail-271/

[Kingofalldems]

3. So we can conclude that the republicans represent

Big Business and the monied elite. Their howling is telling.