OECD boosts product safety

New online portal gives easy access to information on recalled products

The OECD has launched an online Global portal on product recalls to give consumers, businesses and governments quick and easy access to the latest information on products recalled from the market in Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States.

Consumers will be able to check whether a product they plan to buy in a store or online, such as a baby bottle or a bicycle, has been taken off shelves in another country. Businesses, such as importers or retailers, will be able to react quickly and pull products as soon as concerns arise.

The portal will also help improve co-ordination among regulators and governments so that dangerous products can be removed from sale and enforcement stepped up.