IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2009

CONTACT: Meghan Scott
(202) 721-8014


WHAT ABOUT WALMART?
World's Largest Retailer Must Do Their Part to Keep Consumers Safe

Washington, DC - Today President Obama launched a new effort to protect U.S. consumers, boosting the Consumer Product Safety Commission's budget by 71 percent. In a statement President Obama said, "We must do more to protect the American public -- especially our nation's children -- from being harmed by unsafe products."

Director of WakeUpWalmart.com Meghan Scott released the following statement reminding consumers that Walmart must do more in the area of product safety:

"Seventy percent of the goods on Walmart's shelves are imported from China, and some of those imports have had high levels of lead, dangerous chemicals and other health hazards. In all, Walmart has had to recall 52 products since the beginning of 2007.

"Walmart has long had the economic power and the responsibility to demand stricter safety standards of its suppliers. Instead, it has only demanded lower costs. This emphasis on cost over safety has resulted in suppliers cutting corners and put U.S. consumers risk. It's good news that the President is boosting the Consumer Product Safety Commission budget. It's just too bad Walmart has been undermining that effort for years."

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