Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has sent letters to e-commerce platforms and retailers, calling on them to prominently display the country of origin for all goods sold online. In his letters, Senator Scott emphasizes the importance of providing American consumers with the information they need to make informed choices and protect themselves against purchasing faulty and dangerous goods. He states that displaying the country of origin is crucial, especially for goods like foods, food containers, personal hygiene products, and cosmetics, which directly impact consumers' health and well-being.

Senator Scott has been advocating for this requirement for several years, and he believes that now is the time for e-commerce platforms and retailers to take the lead in implementing it. He points out that brick and mortar storefronts already provide country of origin information to their customers, empowering them with greater choice, accountability, and consumer freedom. Online retailers and e-commerce platforms should do the same, ensuring transparency in the digital era where access to retailers is readily available from home, office, and handheld devices.

The senator acknowledges that simply listing "imported" as the product's origin is not sufficient. He argues that consumers need more transparency and information to make informed purchasing decisions and protect their finances. Senator Scott cites a recent recall of Cupkin stainless steel cups for children, which were manufactured in Communist China and contained lead. He emphasizes that no level of lead is acceptable, especially for children, and that it is vital to prevent unsafe products from entering the market.

Senator Scott also highlights other examples of unsafe goods, such as sewage garlic, spices, toothpaste, and pet food, which have raised public concerns. He asserts that it is crucial to identify the offending manufacturers and provide consumers with transparency to avoid purchasing goods from those manufacturers in the future. Senator Scott believes that better standards and certifications for product safety are necessary to address these issues comprehensively. However, until that happens, retailers and e-commerce sites must do more to provide customers with the information they need to make informed purchasing choices.

The senator emphasizes that buying products "Made in America" is the best way for American families to ensure greater safety assurances and support American jobs, manufacturers, and innovation. However, he acknowledges that there are cases when shoppers need to source products from outside the United States and online, where they cannot physically inspect product labels. In such instances, Senator Scott asserts that consumers have the right to know where the products they buy are made, and he urges e-commerce platforms and retailers to take a leadership role in providing this information.

In conclusion, Senator Rick Scott is urging e-commerce platforms and retailers to prominently display the country of origin for all goods sold online. He believes that this transparency is essential for consumers to make informed choices and protect themselves against purchasing faulty and dangerous goods. Senator Scott's calls for country of origin labeling are driven by the need to ensure food safety, personal hygiene, and overall consumer well-being. With the online consumer spending during the holidays soaring to over $200 billion year-over-year, the senator emphasizes that now is the time for e-commerce platforms and retailers to prioritize consumer safety and provide the transparency necessary for informed purchasing decisions.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/sen-rick-scott-to-e-commerce-platforms-retailers-share-country-of-origin-to-protect-consumers