For your professional kitchen Toll Free (800) 300-4640
1111 Grand Ave | San Marcos, CA 92078
facebook twitter
Home / Blog / E.R.E.S. News / Complying with New Standards on Safety Regulation of High Chairs

Complying with New Standards on Safety Regulation of High Chairs

A new federal standard (ASTM F404-18) has been developed by ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to improve the safety of high chairs in the United States. This regulation is in effect on all high chairs manufactured or imported after June 19, 2019.

The new mandatory standard ensures that high chairs meet requirements for stability and restraint systems, as well as include warning statements printed on high chairs about how to avoid fall hazards.

Changes to the standards:

  • Rearward stability (to prevent the chair from tipping over backwards)
  • Better warning labels about tipping hazards
  • Requirements for a passive crotch restraint
  • Requirements for an active three-point restraint system
  • Product registration for potential recall notifications

The standards apply to high chairs manufactured both in the US and those imported from abroad. Any high chair manufactured or imported after June 19, 2019 that does not comply with ASTM F404-18 will be against regulation.

How will the regulation be enforced and what are repercussions of not complying?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has jurisdiction over the enforcement of any violations of the new high chair regulation. Fines can range from $8,000 to $100,000 per violation (per chair), with a maximum for a series of violations ranging from $1.8M to $15M, based on seriousness.

Top foodservice equipment manufacturers and distributors are aware of the new regulations and are ready to help foodservice operators comply with new regulations and continue to succeed in business.

Rubbermaid’s Microban Sturdy Chair has a sleek look with a variety of colors available. They are easy to clean, Microban protected from bacteria, and comply with FDA and ASTM F404-18 standards.

G.E.T. declares their new high chairs “The Safest Seat in the House”, and the new design includes a 3-point strap harness, recessed warning label, permanent center T-bar, extra secure bolt point on back, reinforced side bar, upgraded hardware, and sturdy anti-tip leg base.

Adcraft made changes to their high chair design. The changes they made comply with the new safety regulations with active 3-point restraint, permanent T-bar, warning labels, and rearward stability.

These are just a few examples of manufacturers that can help foodservice professionals with high chair safety issues and new requirements and regulations. Contact your dealer consultant for assistance.

« return to the blog