Recalls of the Week

Time once again for the weekly wrap-up of significant recalls of products. Its been somewhat of a busy week, so let’s get to it:
1. Recall of Peanut Butter by Peanut Corporation: This has been highlighted in the news over the last couple days. The Peanut Corporation is recalling a large amount of peanut butter produced at its plant in Blakely, GA due to potential for it being contaminated with Salmonella. Of most significance is that this peanut butter is sold in bulk to the institutional and food service industry and not to consumers directly. Thus, it is used typically in schools, nursing homes, restaurants and hospitals. The Salmonella outbreak has been linked to 400 people getting sick in 43 states. Apparently the illnesses began September 15, 2008, with most of the people getting sick after October 1st. Why does it take so long to impose the recall? This issue was addressed in Consumer Reports recently. Bottom line, if you or anyone you know goes to any hospital, restaurant, senior’s home and most importantly schools, tell them not to eat the peanut butter they serve for at least the next month or so, till this recall gets completely clarified. For more information from the FDA about this recall, see here.
2. Stork Craft Baby Cribs: Last week I told you about Jardine recalling 50,000 more cribs. Now, Stork Craft is recalling over 500,000…yes half a million…..of its Baby Cribs because the support brackets that support the mattress can break, causing the mattress to collapse, permitting the baby to get caught in the gap between the mattress and the crib rails which can lead to serious injury. All the affected cribs were manufactured between May 2000 and November 2008. The firm’s name, Stork Craft, is on the assembly instructions and the firm’s insignia, “Storkcraft baby” is inscribed on the dropside teething rail of some of the cribs. These cribs were sold at J.C. Penny, Walmart, Kmart and online at Amazon, Costco, Sears and Babiesrus.com between May 2000 and January 2009. If you have one of these cribs, you should stop using it immediately, find a safe sleeping environment for your child, and contact Stork Craft to get a free replacement kit with new support brackets. For more information, see here.
3. ’08-’09 Dodge Ram 2500 & 3500: Chrysler is recalling approximately 32,000 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500, model years 2008 and 2009 for a problem with the steering linkage. It is reported that if the problem occurs, it could result in a loss of steering control and restrict the ability to turn the vehicle. Obviously, very dangerous consequences. The recall is to start this month. If you are concerned, call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. The plan is for the dealership to replace the problematic component in the steering linkage. For more details on this recall, see here.
4. Fisher-Price Simplicity’s Rainforest Portable Play Yards: This recall was just issued this morning. There are about 200,000 of these Play Yards on the market, which can only be described as an updated version of a playpen. The CPSC reports that the actual manufacturer of these Play Yards, Simplicity Inc. and SFCA Inc. have not been responding to the CPSC’s request to recall these products nor have they responded to consumer complaints. The problem with these Play Yards is that the rails can collapse, posing a potential for a fall or entrapment of the young child in the Play Yard. CPSC has received 1,350 reports of these rails collapsing. There have been reports of a broken nose, broken wrist, concussion and chipped tooth so the injuries can be significant. The products have a Rainforest patterned fabric and artwork, have the “Fisher-Price” logo, and are model number 5310RNF, 5310RNFC, and 5310RNFW. The model number is on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the Play Yard. This product was sold at retailers nationwide from January 2007 through January 2009 for about $100. You should stop using this Play Yard immediately and although it did not manufacture the product, Fisher-Price has agreed to assist consumers who own the product. You should contact Fisher-Price should you have one of these products at 800-432-5437. For more information, see here and for information from Fisher-Price on the recall, see here.
That’s what I have for you this week. If you have questions regarding the recall of any of these products, or injuries caused by these products, please feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to do what I can to assist you. Until next week, be careful out there.