Sure, but having that information is not the same as being able to utilize it. I can't look up everything I buy every day, nor would I really want to. It makes things easier if I can basically trust that people aren't trying to rip me off. I think in most markets, it's in the interests of the vendors to not attempt that, but still, it's an interesting question, and I'm suspicious of all-or-nothing answers on any side (the market/government should take care of everything).
We likely have more information about product quality than at any time in history through the Internet. This is also an argument for allowing legal action like the class action lawsuit to discourage faulty and negligent craftsmanship. Although, if that is an argument for or against market forces I'm not sure.