Archive for the ‘Product Recalls’ Category

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. (more…)

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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. (more…)

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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. (more…)

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23 states, including Illinois, are subject to a recall of romaine lettuce products originating with Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio. The company fears a connection with an outbreak of foodborne disease involving cases in Michigan, Ohio, and New York.

Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio is recalling some of its romaine lettuce products because of the possible connection to an outbreak of foodborne disease. The recalled products have a “best if used by” date of May 12 or earlier. All such products should not be used and should be thrown out immediately.

Shredded romaine lettuce from Freshway Foods with “use by” dates after May 12 are not involved in this voluntary recall, the FDA said. Romaine lettuce and other types of lettuce and leafy greens from other producers are also not affected by this recall. Consumers should note that Freshway Foods products with “use by” (different than “best if used by”) dates of May 12 or earlier are not affected by this recall and are safe.

So far 19 cases of E. coli have been confirmed in connection with these products. Of these cases, 12 individuals have been hospitalized and three developed potentially life-threatening complications.

The evidence includes preliminary results of product traceback investigations that indicate the shredded romaine lettuce consumed by ill persons in three states originated from one processing facility and recovery of E. coli O145 from an unopened package of shredded romaine lettuce from the same processing facility that was obtained from a food service entity associated with the outbreak.

Investigation is ongoing to confirm the link between Freshway Foods products and the outbreak, but preliminary evidence is strong, including recovery of E. coli from an unopened package of shredded romaine lettuce. More information will be made public as it becomes available.

E. coli infection can be very serious. Symptoms include mild to severe, including bloody, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. These early symptoms may give way to serious complications, including kidney damage. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop these symptoms.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recently announced that the True Value Company is recalling about 17,000 Green Thumb Twin Wheelbarrows, due to a potential hazard in over-inflating the wheel. Such over-inflation can cause the wheel’s rim to break, posing risk of potential injury to the user. The products are manufactured by Qingdao Huatian Hand Truck Co. Ltd., of China.

The Green Thumb Twin Wheelbarrow, which was sold nationwide in True Value stores between September and October of 2008, is recognizable by its plastic tan wheel rims, a black plastic tray, and steel axle and handles. Owners of this product are advised to stop using it immediately. A full refund is available at any True Value store.

For additional information contact True Value at (800) 621-6025 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT, M-F), or visit www.truevalue.com.

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Accessory bags for children’s cosmetics have been recalled due to the presence of high levels of lead in the bag’s handle clasps.  These clasps pose a poisoning risk if swallowed.  It is reported that just under one million units (about 945,000) are part of this recall.  The bags were sold under the Bonne Bell name at retail stores nationwide and at Bonne Bell’s website from September 2007 through August 2008 for about $9.

Consumers can recognize the products by the name Bonne Bell Children’s Cosmetics Accessory Bags, as well as through the description below.  Please note that the cosmetic products sold inside of the bag are not part of this recall.  The products were originally manufactured in China.  To date, there have been no reports of injuries or incidents.  This is a voluntary recall.  Please refer to the following information for positive identification of these products: (more…)

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A voluntary recall has been issued for 12-cup Kenmore coffee makers, model numbers 100.80006, 100.81006, and 100.82006. Kenmore Elite models 100.90007 and 100.90006 are also included in the recall. This recall has been reported by the CPSC. Consumers are instructed to stop using these hazardous products immediately due to overheating risks and fire hazards. Products should be (more…)

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11,000 children’s swing sets, sold nationwide at Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us, have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The swing set negligent design recall has been prompted by more than 100 reports of parts breaking, putting a serious risk to the safety of children using the toy. The hazardous product recall was issued by Backyard Leisure LLC.

The wooden swing sets, which come in four different styles, come with a variety of swings, slides, and gliders for children to play on. In each of the reports, customers say that the hangers supporting glider chains have broken due to negligent design. This can cause a child to fall off the moving glider, and the chain may strike the child in the head after breaking from its hanger.

Faulty design or manufacture of the Chinese-produced swing sets put the safety of children at risk, particularly because gliders are elevated and often in motion at the time the defect causes a problem. Backyard Leisure is instructing consumers to remove the glider from the swing set so it cannot be used. The company is offering free replacement glider hangers, as well as instructions on how to repair the product. The four styles included in the recall are the pathfinder, Conqueror, Cedar Ridge and Windsor styles. For more information, read the original press release.

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Yet another set of children’s jewelry is being recalled due to high levels of lead paint. This time, the products are Makit & Bakit Jewelry Sets and Suncatcher Sets. More than 70,000 pieces were sold nationwide that are now included in the recall. Read on for specific product numbers.

The manufacturer, based in Michigan, is QuinCrafts. The following jewelry sets sold from August 2007 to March of this year for approximately $2:

For photos of the recalled toys and information on what to do, visit the official Consumer Product Safety Commission press release.

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