USA Today on chemical product safety regulation in the U.S. and E.U.:

U.S. and European Union product safety officials are hammering out ways to work more closely on toy safety issues…

U.S. rules allow five times more lead and lead paint in toys than in Europe, says Helen Kearns, a spokeswoman for Kuneva. Kuneva is urging that the U.S. bring its product safety rules up to Europe’s often-higher standards — which she says would facilitate trade and improve safety. But there are hurdles.

Europe has banned some chemical phthalates in plastic toys, and there’s legislation pending in California that would do the same. Supporters of such bans say the chemical is linked to cancer and birth defects. The CPSC isn’t convinced a ban is needed. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has until Friday to sign or veto the measure.

The full article available from USA Today.

The Washington Post on the labeling of cough medicines:

Autor said the unapproved products are made by some 100 manufacturers.

The FDA said it was particularly concerned about improper pediatric labeling of unapproved hydrocodone cough suppressants — also known as antitussives. None of the drugs that contain hydrocodone has been approved for children younger than 2 years old. “There are hydrocodone-containing products on the market that claim they are suitable for children as young as 2,” Autor said.

Also, many of the products don’t carry the proper warning label and often have similar names to other medications, creating a high risk of medication error, Autor said. “Product names are so similar that the wrong doses or wrong medication may be dispensed,” she said.

The full article is available here: FDA Cracks Down on Unapproved Cough Medicines.