Investigation Launched into Alleged Sale of Recalled Products by Amazon, Meta and Others
Online retailers are facing scrutiny regarding their handling of recalled items, as the House Energy and Commerce Committee has reached out to Amazon, Ebay, Meta, Walmart, and other e-commerce platforms to inquire about their measures to prevent the sale of banned and recalled products. Of particular concern is Meta’s alleged failure to prevent the sale of two recalled child products, namely the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper and Boppy Newborn Lounger, on Facebook Marketplace.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled the Rock ‘n Play in 2019 and the Newborn Lounger in 2021. However, it says the number of removal requests (averaging 1,000 per month) has not slowed and that there have been. there were no “proactive measures” to prevent the sale. Rock ‘n Play has been linked to approximately 100 infant deaths. Members of Congress, including committee chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, are concerned that online marketplaces may be putting children and all users at risk by doing too little to stop these sales.
Representatives of the House of Representatives are asking all companies to clarify their current efforts to prevent the sale of the recalled products, including the presence of committed personnel. Politicians also want to know what companies will do in the future and whether there is legal uncertainty in solving problems. The letters ask if the companies are willing to work with the committee to resolve the issue. Companies have been urged to respond by August 31 at the latest.
We’ve reached out to Amazon, Ebay and Walmart for comment. In a statement to ReturnByte, Meta’s spokesperson says that the sale of recalled goods is not unique to Facebook Marketplace. A representative says Meta takes the matter “seriously” and pulls listings that violate its rules.
The inquiries come as Amazon faces a potential antitrust lawsuit over its sales practices, and amid scrutiny of the tech giant’s conduct. Meta has also scaled back some of its shopping features, including Facebook and Instagram live shopping. The closures are cost-cutting, but they also leave the company’s remaining commercial initiatives in a weaker position.
