Web goods can pose health risk
The National Retail Federation is expected to issue a warning today about stolen infant formula and over-the-counter medicines popping up on Internet auction sites.
Some of the products pose a risk to consumers because they must be stored at a certain temperature, typically 68 to 77 degrees, to avoid spoiling. Thieves aren't likely to be cautious about things like temperature, the National Retail Federation (NRF) cautions.
Organized thieves, many of whom operate large-scale operations, sell their stolen goods on Web sites as if they were obtained legally. Pricey items such as infant formula, eye drops and over-the-counter medicines are frequent-theft targets, according to the NRF, a Washington trade group.
By Jen Haberkorn
20 February 2008