A more recent development in consumer product safety regulation is a requirement on suppliers to notify the regulators about serious productrelated accidents or deaths. Better flow of information flows to government through such a mechanism is essential to evidence-based ‘responsive regulation’ in the event of serious product failures, including more serious measures such as mandatory recalls, bans or the development of minimum safety standards.
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Furthermore, if supplier reports are publically available, even without identifying specific manufacturers or products, then consumers and others can become more aware of the potential health risks associated with particular products or types of products.