Pheffer Amato: “Amazon Products Need Regulation”
This past week the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that 4,152 items for sale on Amazon’s site have been declared unsafe by federal agencies, are deceptively labeled or are banned by federal regulators -- items that big-box retailers' policies would bar from their shelves. Among those items, at least 2,000 listings for toys and medications lacked warnings about health risks to children.[1] Pheffer Amato, Chair of the Subcommittee on Child Product Safety, wants action by Amazon immediately
South Queens, New York – Today Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) called on Amazon to take steps to ensure that products listed on their website or mobile marketplace are regulated up to the standards of any other retailer in New York State. The WSJ reported earlier this week that at least 2,000 items listed for toys and medications lack warnings about health risks to children, Pheffer Amato demands that all buyers must be notified immediately by Amazon about the risks associated with any products purchased through the online retailer.
“Many of our toys are imported, and with the growth of e-commerce knowing whether our children’s products are made safely is a huge question mark. Amazon needs to inform their consumers of what they are buying, especially if there could be adverse effects to children. If third party sellers are selling products that are harmful they must be taken off the site right away – like any other retailor would be required to,” Pheffer Amato said. “As Chair Subcommittee of the New York State Assembly’s Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee, my top priority is ensuring the safety standards for children’s toys and products- Amazon must comply.”
Pheffer Amato penned a letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos requesting that he conduct an investigation of Amazon’s consumer safety policies. Additionally, Pheffer Amato is looking into the legislation for this upcoming Legislative Session.