Recalls of the Week

Over the past week there have been several significant recalls. Let’s jump right on into it.

1. Topical Acne Cream: A voluntary recall has been issued for all 1 ounce tubes of 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cream sold under the following names: DG Maximum Strength Acne Medicated Gel (sold at Dollar General), Kroger Acne Gel 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Medication (sold at Kroger) and Equate: Medicated Acne Gel (sold at Wal-Mart). It is being recalled because some samples of the product have been found to have a bacteria growing in them. Although the manufacturer CSI USA, Inc. has concluded the risk of illness is low, there is an increased risk of infections for individuals with cuts, scrapes or other compromised skin conditions or those with weakened immune systems. Obviously, those using this cream for acne would have a “compromised skin condition.” You should stop using the product immediately and you can get a full refund by mailing the tube or proof of purchase to CSI USA, Inc, 170 Commerce Way, Gallatin, TN 37066, Attn: ACNE CREAM RECALL. For more information, see here.
2. GE Profile Monogram and Kenmore Wall Ovens: GE is recalling about 244,000 GE Profile Monogram and Kenmore Wall Ovens because extreme heat can escape during the self-clean cycle if the wall oven door is removed and incorrectly re-attached by the consumer or installer. This can create a fire and burn hazard to consumers. The wall ovens were sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The affected ovens were sold to homebuilders between October 2002 and December 2004 for between $900 and $3600. For information regarding the models involved in this recall and photos of the ovens, see here. There is a test you can do to see if the oven door is attached properly which is shown at this site. If the door is incorrectly attached, do not use the self-clean feature and GE for a free repair. You can continue to use the normal baking and broiling function (i.e. no problem for cooking that Thanksgiving turkey…whew.) Consumer Reports addressed this recall here.
3. Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free Drops: Although it has been awhile since I had a small child, I can still remember being told that my younger son suffered from “colic” i.e. he was always miserable and we really don’t know why. In fact, my wife swears that when she discussed the issue with our then pediatrician after my son was one month old, the pediatrician told her “to put him in a closet till he’s 4 months old and then take him out and he will be fine.” Great solution. One thing we did use on a regular basis to try and help the situation was Mylicon drops. Well just last week a voluntary recall of about 12,000 units of Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free drops sold in 1 oz. plastic bottles distributed after October 5th of this year was issued. Some bottles could have metal fragments in them generated during the producing of the drops. If you have given this drops to your infant and are concerned, you are instructed to take your child to your health care provider immediately. To see a description of the specific lots involved in this recall, see the FDA’s website and Consumer Reports discussion of this recall. If you have one of the recalled bottles, you should immediately stop using them and call the company at 1-800-222-9435 or see their website at www.mylicon.com regarding how to dispose of the product and get replacement or refund. As an aside, if your child has been given Mylicon out of one of these bottles, I would take him to see your doctor and DO NOT dispose of the bottle until you confirm nothing is wrong with the child as a result. Should a problem have occurred as a result of having one of these bottles, you will need to keep the bottle and the medicine in it as potential evidence. In fact, it is your best evidence and should not be discarded and even given to the manufacturer. If you need some advice on this issue, feel free to contact me using the contact form or calling me. Please note the recall DOES NOT include Original Mylicon Gas Relief or the Mylicon Gas Relief Dye Free 1/2 oz. size.
4. Roman Blinds sold at IKEA: Just today a recall has been announced for IRIS and ALVINE Roman Blinds sold at IKEA Home Furnishings. Approximately 670,000 of these blinds have been sold. Back in April of this year, a 1 year old girl became entangled in the inner cord and strangled. (Question: Why did it take over 6 months to announce the recall???) The recall includes all sizes of these blinds and they are white. At the top edge of the blind, there is a sewn in label with the IKEA logo, and a 5 digit number, either 19799 or 21369. These blinds were sold from July 2005 though June 2008. You should immediately stop using these blinds and return them to IKEA for a full refund. For more information see the CPSC’s website or IKEA’s website.
That’s it for this week of recalls. Be careful out there. And if you need any help or advice regarding an injury due to a product, please contact me.