Tory bill proposes greater product-safety recall powers

The Conservative government plans to introduce a bill Tuesday toughening product-safety laws after some high-profile recalls last year of imported toys, foods and drugs.

A spokeswoman for Health Minister Tony Clement confirmed the Tories expect to table the bill Tuesday in the House of Commons.

Laryssa Waler wouldn't reveal the bill's content, but she says it will resemble the government's Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan.

That plan would allow the health minister to:

• Invoke mandatory product recalls.
• Raise fines under the Food and Drug Act.
• Force companies to report injuries, illnesses and defects stemming from their products.

The Tory bill comes after the number of product recalls rose significantly in 2007 from the previous year.

Mattel — the world's largest toy maker — recalled more than 21 million toys last summer because of dangers to children from lead paint or from tiny magnets that could be harmful if swallowed.