Recalls of the Week

I know, I know, its been a couple weeks since I have posted. Crazy couple of weeks with new cases coming in and cases to be filed. Also, posted first class on products liability litigation at Solo Practice University if you want to take a look see around. Anyway, here’s what’s been going on in the world of recalls the last couple weeks:
1. Toxic Chinese Drywall: Although officially not recalled, there has been so much going on with this drywall which was made in China and has shown up in homes throughout the nation, I felt it necessary to give you a quick update. My previous posts on the Chinese Drywall by Knauf can be found here and here. The Wall Street Journal published an article this past Friday, summarizing the status of the investigation. This includes 2 U.S. Senators proposing a temporary ban on certain Chinese manufactured drywall and an investigation ongoing in China itself about this problem. There is evidence that sulfur-based gasses are coming from the drywall which may make existing sinus conditions worse and cause upper respiratory problems. The article indicates that at this point it appears that about 309 million square feet of drywall from China was imported between 2004 and 2007. This is enough to build about 35,000 homes, but more than that could be involved given that some homes could have been built with a mixture of both domestic based and Chinese drywall. Please be sure to check out the comments to the Wall Street Journal article. It provides some good insight in to the issue. Here is a link to a website (www.helpchinesedrywall.com.)created to give up to the minute info on the status of the investigation. If you have any questions or issues about your legal rights relating to the issue, please feel free to contact me. I am in the process of reviewing and evaluating potential claims and lawsuits related to this problem.
2. Pistachio Nut Containing Products: This recall has been going on for several weeks now. Although not as extensive as the peanut recall, many pistachio containing products have been pulled from the market. In summary, the FDA and the California Dept of Public Health are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio and pistachio containing products put out by Setton Pistachio in Terra Bella, CA. All lots of roasted in-shell pistachios and roasted shelled pistachios produced from nuts harvested in 2008 are being recalled. For a discussion of overall status of the investigation, see here. For an updated listing of all the pistachio containing products presently involved in this recall, see here. My advice, for what its worth, to the extent you can avoid it, hold off eating pistachios and products containing the nut until this is cleared up.
3. Senseo One-Cup Coffeemakers: Philips’ Senseo One-cup Coffeemakers are being recalled because they have an electrical fault which interacts with the build-up of calcium from hard and medium water used in the unit. It can cause the boiler to burst, potentially leading to a burn hazard to the user. This involves a recall of about 155,000 units. The models include HD7810, 7811, 7815, 7820, 7832 and 7890. For more specific information about which models and units are included, see here. The coffee makers were sold at Wal-Mart, Target and Safeway stores between July 2006 through March 2009. You should immediately stop using the unit and contact Phillips for a free replacement unit.
4. Fitness Balls: This is one near and dear to my heart as I use these fitness balls in the gym about 3 times a week and love working with them. Approximately 3 million…that’s right MILLION of these balls under the names Bally Total Fitness, or Everlast, or Valeo or Body Fit, are being recalled because if overinflated, they can burst and the user can fall to the floor….OUCH! The recall indicates the manufacturer, EB Brands, has received about 47 reports of the balls bursting leading to fractures and bruises. According to the report, the balls involved are the 55, 65 and 75 cm diameter sizes. If you have one of these balls, and you may want to mention to your local gym, you need to contact EB Brands to get a copy of updated instructions on how to safely inflate the balls. See EB’s website for a description of how to properly inflate the balls. Maybe take a copy over to your local gym to help them out.
5. GM recalling 1.5 million Mid-Sized Cars: GM did not need this in the process of trying to bail out water (pardon the pun) as it struggles to stay alive. Although, these types of issues, i.e. massive recalls, help to lead to people looking at other manufacturers for more reliable vehicles. Involved in this recall are the 97-2003 Buick Regal; 98-2003 Chevy Lumina, Monte Carlo and Impala; 98-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue; and 97-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. The recall has to do with heating of the manifold and can lead to an engine compartment fire. For more specific information, see NHTSA’s website. You are instructed to contact a dealer (if your dealer hasn’t gone out of business already) who will remove the spark plug retention channel in front of the engine and install 2 new spark plug wire retainers at no charge. However, the recall doesn’t begin till May, but try calling now to set that appointment.
That’s what I have for you this week. If you need any guidance or further information on any of these recall, or any other products you are having problems with, feel free to contact me. Until next time, be careful out there.