Meijer Part of Investigation into Resale of Recalled Products

Meijer is part of an investigation by the federal government for the resale of recalled items. Meijer could face steep fines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Meijer pulled recalled items from its shelves and somehow those items have turned up in dollar stores, thrift stores, and flea markets nationwide. The CPSC says many of the products pose a safety risk to kids.

The government says the items resold include the "Slingrider" baby slings sold by Infantino. They were recalled in March of 2010. Animated marine and safari lamps were also recalled in February of 2010 because they could catch fire.

Other products that were recalled but turned up for resale are the Ocean Wonders Kick and Crawl Aquarium, a Little People's Wheelies Stand and Play Rampway, the Fisher Price Barbie tough trikes, and the Sassy infant teething rings.


The CPSC says it is illegal to resell a recalled product. It's now trying to figure out how the Meijer products wound up in the hands of discount retailers. The investigation focuses on liquidation businesses who received the products from Meijer but didn't properly dispose of them.

This isn't the first time Meijer has been busted by the CPSC for selling recalled items. The retail chain was cited last year for reselling hazardous window shades to third party retailers. New consumer protection laws were passed a few years ago, increasing penalties in cases like this, and government officials say Meijer could face fines totaling either thousands or millions of dollars.