Consumer Protection in the United States

Introduction to Protecting Consumers Agencies

At the state and local levels, government agencies are involved with consumer protection. People who perform certain services, such as hairstylists, manicurists, and electricians, must be licensed. Local zoning laws about where homes, businesses, and farms can be located protect real estate investments and quality of life for residents. Health departments inspect restaurants and other food-handling businesses to protect consumers. If a business fails these inspections, it is cited and required to correct the problems identified. Failure to do so can result in closure of the business.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are two federal agencies that protect consumers:

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the labeling and safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics sold in the United States. (see below)
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) overseeing the safety of products such as toys, electronics, and household furniture. (see below)

About other Consumer legal subject in general, see the U.S. consumer topics for information (other than Consumer Protection).

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA approves new products and reviews products already on the market. For example, in 2004 the FDA banned a dietary supplement, ephedra, because of health risks associated with products that contain that ingredient. The government first issued a warning telling consumers to stop taking ephedra products immediately and asking companies to voluntarily stop selling products that contained ephedra and ephedrine alkaloids. The actual ban became effective 60 days after issuance. Obviously, this ruling had a negative impact on manufacturers of products that contained ephedra.

The FDA also responds to petitions for action. For example, the Grocery Manufacturers of America asked the FDA to provide definitions for low-carb food items.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission covers many areas. It also enforces the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, and the Refrigerator Safety Act. Of prime concern with all these acts is the safety of children. It is a good idea for businesses to test their products before marketing them to the public. Businesses should also keep up with new guidelines in the labeling of their products, especially with regard to directions for their safe use.

The CPSC is not responsible for oversight of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, tobacco products, firearms and ammunition, motor vehicles, pesticides, aircraft, boats, and fixed site amusement rides. The CPSC was established under the Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972. That act gives the commission the authority to set standards for products that are considered hazardous and to recall dangerous products.

Consumer Protection in relation to Local Government Regulatory Functions

Find out in this American legal Encyclopedia the information on Consumer Protection in relation to Local Government Regulatory Power and Function (and in the context of local government law).

Resouces

See Also

• Local Goverment Regulation
• Local Law Regulation
• Local Government Power

Consumer Protection (Antitrust, Trade Law)

This section introduces, discusses and describes the basics of consumer protection. Then, cross references and a brief overview about Antitrust, Trade Lawin relation to consumer protection is provided. Note that a list of bibliography resources and other aids appears at the end of this entry.

Consumer Protection (Banking Law)

This section introduces, discusses and describes the basics of consumer protection. Then, cross references and a brief overview about Banking Lawin relation to consumer protection is provided. Note that a list of bibliography resources and other aids appears at the end of this entry.

Resources

Further Reading

• Information about Consumer Protection in the Gale Encyclopedia of American Law.