Bottle Sipper Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) researches the safety of consumer products, ensuring each item is free from defects that cause unpredictable injuries. A recent announcement recalled 500,000 Bottle Sipper Caps because they could become a choking hazard if the pull-up valve disconnects from the cap.

What sparked the investigation and recall? One incident of a child choking on a separated pull-up valve. ONE!! Out of 500,000. In my mind, that's ridiculous. Sure, if it happens once, it could happen again, some would say. But I would wait for a trend before recalling all of the caps. Is this what America has become? I suppose product history--for all products, not just Bottle Sipper Caps--provides evidence for taking the cautious route. It's better to disallow injury by recalling "defective" products rather than wait for an injured party to sue.

On the CPSC page, they provide this information about themselves: "The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years." That is, they help keep stupid people alive. I'm not saying everyone injured by a given product is stupid, but a little common sense goes a long way.

Let me go bathe in Paint Thinner now. I'll be sure to rub some in my eyes. Don't forget gargle and swallow. See you tomorrow.