Thursday, October 10, 2013

ACC Calls on Procter & Gamble and Dopps to Strengthen Safety Features of Tide Pods

The American Consumer Council (ACC) has called upon its members to contact The Procter & Gamble Company and Dopps, the seller and manufacturer of Tide Pods, and demand they strengthen the safety features of this product. 

According to complaints from ACC members and a recent ABC News report, to some kids, the bright colors and bite-size packaging of single-doss packets of laundry detergent look too much like candy. A large number of young children have consumed the Tide Pods and suffered serious repercussions including severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.


Thomas Hinton, president of the American Consumer Council, said, “While Dopps has taken several steps to address product safety concerns, it’s not enough. Too many children are still accessing this product and suffering serious physical consequences.  We’re asking P&G and Dopps to re-examine their packaging and hamper the product's ease-of-access so children cannot open it so quickly.”  

Hinton added, “It resembles a candy jar and that attracts youngsters to  eat it. P&G and Dopps need to move quickly to change the features and safety packaging of Tide Pods .”

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

American Consumer Council Applauds Credit Unions for Helping Federal Employees

The American Consumer Council (ACC) is giving kudos to credit unions across the nation for their support of furloughed federal employees during the government shutdown.

ACC specifically recognized credit unions such as Fort Knox Federal Credit Union for offering financial assistance to local military, Department of Defense employees and contractors directly affected by the federal government shutdown. Fort Knox FCU is offering to cover their lost pay through an interest free loan. 

ACC's president Thomas Hinton stated, "At a time when so many consumers are negatively affected by the irresponsible actions of the Congress, it's good to know that credit unions are stepping up to help their members through tough times and save the day!"


ACC Meets NCUA Requirements for Association SEGs

The American Consumer Council (ACC) has received an independent legal opinion stating that ACC meets the National Credit Union Administration's (NCUA) "totality of circumstances" test which is required in order to be approved as an associational SEG (Select Employer Group).

The independent legal opinion was requested by a large federally-chartered credit union and rendered by the San Diego law firm of Selzter Caplan McMahon Vitek on October 1st.

In essence, the Legal Opinion states that ACC meets the seven criteria set forth in the Federal Credit Union Act, Section 109(b) that pertains to associations and the requirements necessary to affiliate with a federally-chartered credit union. 

Copies of the Legal Opinion may be obtained by contacting ACC's media office at: info@americanconsumercouncil.org