Consumer Protection

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was created in 1973 and is the U.S. federal government agency responsible for guaranteeing that more than 10,000 consumer products are safe for use. The CPSC creates safety standards and can ban or recall items from the marketplace that are hazardous. The commission enforces regulations such as the Flammable Fabrics Act of 1953, which governs the fire-resistance requirements for fabrics. Other acts that the CPSC regulates include the Hazardous Substances Act of 1960 (with later amendments), which requires that product labels contain warning and safety information.

The FDA regulates processed foods, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics. The agency ensures that these items are safe and that their labels are correct. The FDA also makes certain that food is wholesome and that drugs are effective. If products are unsafe, the FDA has the authority to take the merchandise off store shelves. Radition-emitting products, including microwave ovens, also fall under the charge of the FDA.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees motor-vehicle safety. The NHTSA has the power to recall defective automobiles. The agency sets safety standards for the nation's highways and investigates automobile defects that impact the vehicle's safety.