June 23, 2010

The Canadian government is considering legislation that will strengthen product safety laws and give Health Canada, the agency responsible for national public health, the authority to issue mandatory recalls when products present a danger to health or safety.

The proposed Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) would also prohibit the manufacture, import, advertisement or sale of any consumer products that pose an unreasonable danger to health or safety.

Under proposed mandatory reporting requirements, businesses would be obligated to notify Health Canada of serious incidents or defects involving their products. Businesses also would be required to provide product test results upon request, and retain documents to help trace products through the supply chain.

Finally, the proposed law would prohibit false or deceptive health or safety claims on product packages or labels. 

Press Release. (Health Canada)