Vlaw Legal and Consumer News

The salmonella-infected egg recall continues to expand. The eggs, which have sickened more than 1,000 consumers since at least May are thought to be infected with salmonella contacted by laying hens from rodent droppings. The salmonella exists inside the egg itself, not just on the shell. The number of illnesses is expected to continue to increase.

Iowa has been the epicenter of the outbreak, and the investigation recently widened from one to two farms, increasing the number of eggs recalled from 380 million at Wright Country Egg to 550 million in one fell swoop with the addition of Hillandale Farms. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of salmonella in eggs at both of the farms involved in the recall, as well as confirming tainted eggs from both farms include the same strain of salmonella: salmonella enteritidis. Read full entry and feel free to comment »

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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) study on the relationship between cell phone use and rates of cancer failed to establish any definitive link. The inconclusive results detail no risk increase for glioma or meningioma (head and neck tumors) through the use of cell phones. While the highest exposure levels suggested a link, weak statistics prevented any causal interpretation. More investigation into the matter is needed.

While the director of the IARC warned that the suggestion of a link at the highest levels of exposure as well as ever-increasing patterns of cell phone use warrant further study, the cell phone industry spread the word about what it considers reassurance about the safety of cell phone use.

It’s not over yet

The debate over the radio-wave exposure of cell phone use causing tumors has raged for years. This study will not be putting it to rest, as researchers identified several shortcoming in the study, including self-reports usage statistics.

In 2009, one meta-analysis (an analysis of previous studies) found “possible evidence” linking cell phone usage and tumors.

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Iowa’s Attorney General is taking action against Smart Automotive Group of Louisiana for “false-premise” used car sales promotions in Iowa. Most consumers will recognize such promotions as “emergency liquidation.” The suit claims that often these tactics are fictional, merely gimmicks to get customers onto the lot.

The suit claims that sale ads used by Smart Automotive trick customers into thinking that vehicles are being offered at special prices, when they are, in fact, part of the dealer’s used vehicle inventory. Terms like “Seized and Repossessed Vehicles,” “Emergency Disposal,” are used falsely and deceptively to mislead consumers. Read full entry and feel free to comment »

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The General Motors Company has announced the recall of 1.5 million vehicles. The company identified a potentially fire-starting problem with the heated wiper fluid system for the windshield. This is the second time this issue has caused a recall in the last two years.

They have also announced a voluntary payment of $100 to each owner affected. Read full entry and feel free to comment »

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Despite its reputation as a relaxing, leisurely activity, gardening can be physical, a truth already known to avid and casual gardeners across the country. Squatting, kneeling, twisting, stretching, lifting, digging—all of these can tax the body. In response to the demands, ergonomic gardening tools have appeared on the market, touting designs that help minimize aches and pains.

Ergonomic gardening tools, just like ergonomic office equipment, are designed “around” the user, striking a balance between the utility of the tool and the need to minimize discomfort, fatigue, and injury in the user. This can lead to tools that with radically different design and appearance. However, experts caution that ergonomics is ultimately about the fit between tool and user: it’s imperative to shop smart and “test drive” tools.

While only your body and experience can tell you if a tool is truly ergonomic for you, here are some things to look for:

1) Spring Action—scissor-type tools, such as pruners, clippers and shears, should include a spring which provides a “self-opening” feature in which effort closes the blades and releasing the efforts opens them. This can help prevent muscle and joint strain. Maintenance is also crucial: keep such items well-oiled and clean.

2) Garden Caddies—“caddies” can be multi-functional and protect the knees and back from all sorts of strain. These devices often include knee-pads, a sitting platform, and an easy means to transport tools, plants, rocks, heavy items, etc. This last attribute both eases the stress of carrying and minimizes the number of trips when moving things around the garden.

3) Single-Piece Construction—hand tools made from a single piece of metal (or, in some cases, plastic) maximize strength and stability and minimize the chances of breakage. Look for trowels, cultivators, and weeders with this design.

4) Handles—the grip and handle of a tool can make all the difference. Extendable handles require less reaching and straining, and can accommodate various heights. Pistol-grip and telescoping handles are more efficient and encourage proper body alignment. Wider handles and those with pads and/or no-slip, textured grips make holding tight under damp conditions manageable.

5) Shafts—like ergonomically-designed snow-shovels, hoes, rakes, and forks with a bend in the shaft cause the upper half of the handle to work more horizontally. This allows the user to work while keeping the posture upright (better for the body). Many of these tools also include a more comfortable “fist grip” as well.

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Pampers introduced its new product “Dry Max,” said to be lighter and more absorbent than predecessors, in “Swaddlers” and “Cruisers” lines in March. Since that time, parents worldwide have made claims of sores and rashes on their children, and many parents are convinced that the diapers are the source of the problems.

Typically, complaints describe severe diaper rash, in some cases with open sores and even “burns.” Parents report doctor visits, prescription creams, and even x-rays, diet changes, and allergy testing all in an effort to pinpoint the source of the skin problems. Parents state that none of these measures helped, only changing diapers did.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) told the Star Tribune it was investigating more than a dozen complaints about Dry Max. Health Canada is also investigating parental gripes, the agency said.

Meanwhile, Pampers, which is owned by Procter & Gamble, denies that it’s diapers cause rashes, burns, or any other problems. It states that it tested Dry Max for six years in order to ensure its safety, monitoring close to half-a-million diaper changes. However, the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) is reportedly investigating complaints about Dry Max. Similar investigations are taking place in Canada.

Protest via Social Networking.

Parents’ efforts to publicize their complaints gained traction through Facebook. Thousands singed up as friends when one parent launched a page specifically about problems with new Dry Max diapers.

Also through social networking efforts, the warnings about the diapers are reaching around the world. Recently some European parents have complained about Dry Max. It remains to be seen what, if any, problems with the diapers will be substantiated by investigation.

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McDonald’s “Shrek” children’s drinking glasses are the target of a voluntary recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC). Some twelve million glasses are subject to recall due to being tainted by the chemical cadmium.

Still, as large as this recall and story is, even more important may be the questions raised about the cheap drinking glass industry in general. The company responsible for the manufacture of the “Shrek” glasses, Arc International, has been making similar products for McDonald’s for 15 years, and the use of such promotional glassware is widespread in the US. Officials at Arc International state that their materials and production process are no different from any other glass company: how much of the promotional glassware in American homes may be tainted?

Statements from McDonald’s and CSPC officials are in conflict, with McDonald’s stating that the “Shrek” glasses meet US cadmium guidelines and the CSPC stating that the glasses are too toxic. Part of the conflict may be the evolving nature of cadmium standards, which are currently under development at the CSPC. Regardless, McDonald’s is fully cooperating with the CSPC’s recall, backing up the CSPC’s warning for consumers to immediate cease using McDonald’s promotional “Shrek Forever After” glasses.

Though McDonald’s officials continue to state publicly their belief that the “Shrek” glassware is safe for use, they are also adamant about cooperating with the recall, which is effective immediately. Consumers should call 1 800 244 6227 or visit http://mcdonalds.com/glasses to find out how to request refunds and return glasses. Consumers should note that the recall is limited to glassware; other promotional material and toys are not involved. Read full entry and feel free to comment »

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The latest legislative move in food safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act, is enjoying support on both sides of the aisle and includes provisions in several areas of food safety. Due several to food-borne illness outbreaks in the last few years, lawmakers, the food industry, and the general public have been supportive of the bill overall.

However, one recent change to the bill, an amendment to outlaw the chemical BPA from plastic food containers, has caused some food industry officials to withdraw support for the bill.

Lawmakers proposing the BPA amendment state that there is ample evidence of BPA’s negative effects, from the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program and many scientific research papers. BPA is suspected of a host of effects in humans: Read full entry and feel free to comment »

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With warm weather melting the winter chill, many homeowners are lining up home improvement projects and setting up the contractors to do the work. Too often well-intended projects to secure, beautify, or refurbish homes end in disaster. How can you protect yourself and your home?

Start with planning. Good and thorough planning is the most essential step in any project on your home. Planning includes budgeting, outcomes (what you want done), and finding the right contractor. Read full entry and feel free to comment »

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The FDA has approved Victoza (liraglutide) a daily injection treatment for type-2 diabetes. Combined with diet, exercise, and potentially with other diabetes medicines, Victoza intends to lower blood sugar levels. It is meant as a supplemental medication, to assist patients already doing fairly well with diet and other measures.  Some studies show that it might work better than Byetta.

Type-2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to make and use insulin, a hormone that processes blood sugar. Victoza (like many other Type-2 Diabetes medications) boosts the body’s ability to make insulin.

Victoza has potential side effects, the most dramatic of which is “tumor creation.” Clinical trials of Victoza showed a tendency toward pancreas inflammation in users. For this reason, officials state that the presence of severe abdominal pain, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting and/or nausea, should be investigated by a medical profession. In the event of Read full entry and feel free to comment »

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