Major online retailers under investigation for selling 'deadly' baby products

Major online retailers Shein and Temu are back in the spotlight amid calls for them to be investigated for selling 'deadly baby and toddler products.'  

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed on Tuesday that both Shein and Temu 'raise specific concerns' about quality control.

'We are aware of recent media reports that deadly baby and toddler products are easy to find on these platforms,' Commissioners Peter A. Feldman and Douglas Dziak said in a joint statement.

'As the Commission sets its priorities for next year, we expect agency staff to investigate the companies' safety and compliance controls; relationships with third-party sellers and consumers; and any representations they make when products are imported. 

'This form of commerce can benefit consumers and sellers in many ways, but CPSC must make clear its expectations regarding these platforms' responsibilities to ensure safety.'

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed on Tuesday that both Shein and Temu 'raise specific concerns' about quality control

Major online retailers Shein and Temu are back in the spotlight amid calls for them to be investigated for selling 'deadly baby and toddler products'

Both Shein and Temu have become hugely popular for selling cheap merchandise and shipping it around the world from China.

Critics say the low costs are only possible due to child labor and not paying fair wages.

Back in October 2022, an explosive report emerged from Channel 4 in the UK which claimed that Shein workers got as little as four cents for each item they made, and that they were often forced to work 18-hour shifts, seven days a week, with only one day off per month.

Swiss watchdog Public Eye also reported a month later that the brand was running 'informal factories' set up in residential buildings and didn't provide employees with any contracts, which is against Chinese labor laws.

'We are aware of recent media reports that deadly baby and toddler products are easy to find on these platforms,' Commissioners Peter A. Feldman and Douglas Dziak said in a joint statement

Both Shein and Temu have become hugely popular for selling cheap merchandise and shipping it around the world from China

It's also been reported that some of Shein's factories lacked important safety infrastructures - like fire exits - and that there were bars on its windows.

In December 2022, Shein announced that it would be investing $15 million into improving standards in its factories.

At the time, the retailer said in a statement: 'We know we have a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of workers in our supply chain.

'In light of the recent report in the news, we launched an investigation into the claim that two of our suppliers had unacceptable working conditions at their facilities.'