Amidst reports of batteries exploding and catching fire, Samsung officially stopped sales of its latest flagship Galaxy Note 7 last week and announced a recall of millions of Note 7 devices worldwide. However, consumer rights organization Consumer Reports has today strongly criticized the manner in which the recall is being handled by the South Korean company, saying that it should have worked with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US (via CNET).
Consumer Reports said it found Note 7s on sale even after the official recall announcement, suggesting that Samsung has disregarded the potential issues with the phone which came under provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act.
The report adds that this gives government the authority to pursue measures that ensure consumer safety. It further says that there should be clear guidelines for consumers on what the precise next steps in the recall should be.
In the case of the Note 7, says Consumer Reports, the act’s provisions with respect to both a “substantial product hazard” and “an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death” would necessitate immediate reporting by Samsung to the CPSC.
It added that if an official recall, which would involve the CPSC, had been enacted, anyone still selling a Note 7 would be committing an illegal act. Samsung’s current statement on the recall says the company will “voluntarily replace” all devices.
Neither Samsung nor the CPSC have yet issued a statement in response.
