FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 29, 2003

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Genene Morris (973)504-6327

NEWARK - Governor James E. McGreevey has proclaimed today Recall Round-Up Day in New Jersey to bring attention to potentially dangerous consumer products that could be present in residents' homes.

"New Jersey, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as well as state and local governments and community organizations throughout the nation are launching "Recall Round-Up Day" - a national safety campaign to round up unsafe products," Governor McGreevey said. "New Jersey is committed to helping consumers identify and avoid many of the defective and potentially dangerous products that may be in their homes and that could cause them harm."

In fiscal year 2002, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC") negotiated 387 recalls involving more than 50 million consumer products that presented significant risk of injury to the public. It was also involved in the seizure of 210 shipments representing 3.6 million units at various ports of entry. However, despite its efforts, many hazardous products still wind up in people's homes, flea markets, consignment, or thrift stores presenting a serious risk to consumers.

This is the seventh year the CPSC has spearheaded Recall Round-Up Day programs. This year's events ask senior citizens to serve as spokespersons by networking with their organizations, peers, adult children and grandchildren about recalled products.

"Citizens can protect themselves and their families by familiarizing themselves with recalled items to ensure they are not present in their homes," Acting Attorney General Peter C. Harvey said. "They should also search for and remove other hazardous products from their homes, such as old extension cords, halogen lamps without guards, old power tools, in-wall electric heaters, hair dryers without built-in shock protection and old cribs."

In recognition of the day, Consumer Affairs Director Reni Erdos today will take part in Recall Round-Up events in Trenton and Somerville to present Governor McGreevey's proclamation and to highlight the importance of being vigilant in identifying and removing dangerous products from homes.

"As many of us embark on our Spring-cleaning projects, now is as good a time as any to be on the look-out for hazardous products that could cause death or injury and to rid homes of them," Director Erdos said.

The Trenton event, sponsored by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, will be held at 10:30 a.m. at 244 Perry St. The Somerville event is sponsored by the Somerset County Consumer Affairs' Office and will begin at 1 p.m. It will be held in the lobby of the county Consumer Affairs office at 20 Grove St.

For information about recalled products, log onto the CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov or call the CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772.