Well the top of the recall news for several weeks now has been one thing...PEANUTS and PEANUT BUTTER. Everyday for weeks now I have received information indicating additional recall of consumer food products as a result of this absolute careless disregard for human life by the Peanut Corporation of America. I previously posted about the background regarding this recall, including a link to an up to date listing by the FDA of all food products pulled from the shelves as a result of this recall. To top things off, it is reported in today's Washington Post that a second peanut processing plant in Texas owned by this same company has been closed down after bacteria was found in products at that plant. To date, this salmonella outbreak has killed 8 people and sickened over 600 more in 44 states. The Texas state health officials (not the FDA) requested the Texas plant be shut down after lab tests indicated salmonella in roasted peanuts, peanut meal and granulated peanuts. I would expect many more recalls since the source has now been expanded. Even more interesting, until recently, government regulators, including FDA and the State of Texas, knew nothing about this plant in Texas because it had never been registered. As a result, this plant, which has been operating since 2005, has never been inspected by health officials until now. 
Consumer Reports indicates today that a ninth death has been linked to this recall. Moreover, the owner of the Peanut Corporation of America was suppose to testify before a congressional committee, but now is refusing to, as he is concerned of incriminating himself. The hearing, which took place without the owner's testimony, turned up information that the owner had urged his workers at the plant to ship products found to have salmonella, indicating he should be able to "turn the raw peanuts on the floor into money". The more we learn of this story, the more appalling and sickening it becomes.
This most recent investigation sheds clear light on the fact that the FDA is so understaffed and underfunded that it cannot properly protect our food supply. It appears that the only time they call into action is when the cat is out of the bag. Very rarely do they catch the problem before it has infected our food supply. Another significant problem to lay on the lap of our new administration. Now for a couple other significant recalls which have occurred over this past week:
1. KTM ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles): Yesterday KTM recalled approximately 2700 of its ATVs because the rear brake caliper support can crack, causing loss of pressure in front brakes, posing a risk of the rider losing braking and steering control. The model years involved are 2008 and 2009 and were sold at KTM dealers between August 2007 and January 2009. If you have one of these vehicle, you should stop using it immediately and schedule an appointment at the KTM dealer for a free repair. For more information, see here.
2. Safety 1st SmartLight Safety Gates: 100,000 Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gates are being recalled because the hinges that hold the Stair Gate in place can break. If the Stair Gate is at the top of the stairs, a child could fall down the stairs. The model number at issue is 42111, which is printed on a sticker under the handle panel. The Gates were sold at Babies R Us and Wal-mart from January 2005-December 2007. If you have one of these gates, you should stop using it immediately and call the company to get a free repair kit. For more information on this recall, see here.
3. Jetboil Outdoor Stoves: Jetboil is recalling 15,000 Outdoor Stoves and Cooking Systems sold between July 2008 and November 2008. A valve attached to the fuel source can allow a gas link, posing a fire risk. Five reports of fires have been recieved to date. For a listing of the specific models involved, see here. If you have one of these stoves, stop using it immediately and contact Jetboil for a repair or replacement.
That's all the significant recalls I have for you this week. I will be sure to post any further significant updates regarding the Peanut Butter recall. As I suggested in my earlier post on this recall, for now, I would avoid using any products with peanuts in it until this issue is cleared up and the extent of this problem is fully understood. If you have any questions or thoughts on any of these recalls, contact me by either calling or emailing me through the contact form on this site. Until next time, be careful out there.
