Euro product safety alert system stepped up

The European Commission is to start publishing weekly safety alerts about potentially dangerous consumer products.

Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne said the decision reflected concern to improve public awareness of any risks.

The Commission receives up to four product safety alerts a week from member states. They go on to an EU “rapid alert” system, ensuring all other EU governments are informed.

Most involve toys and electrical appliances, warning of the dangers of choking, suffocation, electric shocks and fires.

Now Mr Byrne says this information should be available more directly to the public.

“One of the most important objectives of consumer protection policy is to protect consumers of all ages against shoddy, unsafe products.

“Clear information, active market surveillance and rapid intervention to remove dangerous products from the market are the key elements needed to provide European citizens with the protection level they require.”

The information will be available on the Commission’s consumer affairs web site. Brussels also operates a separate rapid alert system between governments on food safety, details of which will also be updated on the site every week.