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The House and Commerce Committee addressed letters to Amazon, eBay, Meta, Walmart, and other online shopping portals, raising queries about their approaches to recalled products and seeking information regarding their efforts to prevent these platforms from selling banned and recalled goods.
The committee specifically expressed concern about Meta, alleging that it had not stopped sales of two recalled child products—the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play sleeper and Boppy Newborn Lounger—on Facebook Marketplace.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) had recalled the Rock ‘n Play in 2019 and the Newborn Lounger in 2021. However, the CPSC reports that the rate of takedown requests (averaging 1,000 per month) has not decreased, and the companies have not taken “proactive measures” to prohibit sales.
Notably, the Rock ‘n Play has links to nearly 100 infant deaths. Committee members, including Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, expressed concern that inadequate prevention of such sales on online marketplaces might endanger the safety of children and users.
House of representatives plans
House representatives asked all companies for comprehensive reports detailing their current actions to block the sale of recalled products, with a focus on designated staff. They also sought information about the companies’ future plans and any legal uncertainties they encounter when addressing the issue. Furthermore, the letters inquired whether the companies are willing to collaborate with the committee to find solutions. The companies must respond by August 31st.
In response to these inquiries, a spokesperson from Meta stated that the sale of recalled items is not unique to Facebook Marketplace. The company asserted its serious approach and its removal of listings that violate its rules. Similarly, eBay emphasized its seriousness in dealing with recalls, using a combination of AI and investigators to identify potentially hazardous listings. The company expressed interest in cooperating with the House committee on these matters.
This scrutiny emerges as Amazon potentially faces an antitrust lawsuit over its sales practices, and as efforts increase to scrutinize the behavior of tech giants. Additionally, Meta is scaling back some shopping features, including shutting down live shopping on Facebook and Instagram. These actions aim to reduce costs but also leave the company’s remaining commerce initiatives in a fragile position.
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