Woolworths home-brand products under scrutiny in safety crackdown

Natasha Bita
SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
THE AUSTRALIAN
SUPERMARKET giant Woolworths is being prosecuted for allegedly failing to withdraw dangerous products from its shelves.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today instituted proceedings in the Federal Court alleging that Woolworths made “false or misleading representations’’ about the safety of several home-brand products.
The ACCC alleges that Woolworths failed to file mandatory safety reports, even after it became aware the products may have caused “serious injury or illness’’.
The products — which have now been recalled — were the Abode brand three-litre stainless steel deep fryer, the one-litre pack of Woolworths Select drain cleaner, and Homebrand Safety Matches.
The ACCC alleges Woolworths “continued to sell them once it was aware these products may have caused serious injury’’.
It also alleges that Woolworths made false or misleading representations about the weight capacity of a chair and a stepping stool.
The ACCC is seeking fines, injunctions and a court order that Woolworths raise consumer awareness about product safety.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims said companies should have effective quality control in place to prevent unsafe products reaching their shelves.
“This is particularly the case where companies look to reduce costs on their supply chain by directly sourcing home-brand products from overseas manufacturers,’’ he said.
Comment has been sought from Woolworths.