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May 15, 2008 8:28 pm US/Central
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Mothers Sue Infant Product Makers Over Lead
CHICAGO (STNG) ―
Three women have filed a class action complaint Thursday against four makers of infant products claiming deceptive practices and negligence after an investigation revealed the vinyl-based products contained dangerous amounts of lead.
Dina Scalia of Massachusetts, Jennifer Suarez of New York and Marissa Lopez of California have filed the complaint against Playtex, Inc., Oakbrook-based RC2 Corporation, Oak Brook-based Learning Curve Brands, Inc., and McHenry-based Medela, Inc., according to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court Thursday.
The complaint claims vinyl plastic baby products which contained lead where imported and distributed by the four companies. The products include a vinyl cooler for storing breast milk made by Medela, a carrying case for a First Years Natural Transitions breast pump made by RC2 and a Playtex Fridge-to-Go vinyl baby bottle cooler, the complaint said.
High lead levels were found in the products by a California-based environmental group, the Center for Environmental Health, which spread the word about lead in vinyl baby bibs, lunchboxes and other children's products, according to the complaint.
The study found despite the dangers of lead contamination in infants, none of the companies named as defendants have issued a product recall, the complaint said.
The four-count complaint claims unfair and deceptive acts and practices, breach of implied warranty, negligence and unjust enrichment.
The complaint seeks class action status, restitution for unjust enrichment, compensatory and punitive damages, costs of the suit and additional relief.
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2006. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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