Recalls of the Week
Some important issues have arisen in recalls over the past week, so let's get to it.
1. Hydroxycut Products: Last week I wrote this post on the day many of Hydroxycut's products were withdrawn from the market. There is an indication that ingestion of various of the Hydroxycut products can lead to kidney and liver damage. It can also cause a condition called rhabdomyolysis. I am familiar with this condition because it was a condition caused by another drug pulled off the market in 2001, Baycol, a statin, anti-cholesterol drug. If not caught early on, this condition, which starts with muscle ache and pain, and can later cause one to have cola colored urine, can shut down the kidneys and ultimately lead to death. These are serious consequences which can occur as a result of taking this over the counter "supplement". Here is a link to the FDA's Q & A page on the recall of Hydroxycut, as well as an article explaining about the FDA's lack of oversight of the supplement world from BNET Pharma website. .
2. Defective Chinese Drywall: Although not the subject of an actual recall, I have had several posts addressing this problem and just wanted to provide a brief update. According to the Sarasota Herald Tribune, earlier this week, on both the House and Senate side, requests were made to provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission $2 million for it to move forward on testing of Chinese Drywall, as well as providing of public information. This continues to be a significant safety issue and although not the subject of a recall as of yet, that appears to be where this is heading. Additionally, Consumer Reports indicates that the Florida Attorney General has become aware of scams which have arisen as a result of the defective Chinese drywall. These include companies promoting bogus tests to determine if you have the product, as well as quick cure remedies that falsely claim to get rid of the problems with the drywall. Leave it to the scam artists to take advantage of people who are already facing serious problems with their greatest financial investment....their home.
3. Jardine Cribs: Its happening again. Jardine cribs have been the subject of two prior recalls. Now a third recall of about 96,000 cribs that have been sold in places such as Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us and KidsWorld. It is reported that the side slats on the crib can break, which can cause a gap that can allow a baby to get his or her head stuck and may lead to strangulation. There have been 31 reports of the slats breaking, including 2 reports of children getting stuck in the gap caused by the broken slat. 7 models are included in this recall and are shown on this page from the CPSC. If you do have one of these recalled cribs, you should stop using it immediately and call Jardine and you will receive full credit toward the purchase of another crib.
4. Under Armour Athletic Cups: On this one, as a guy, all I can say is "OUCH"! Under Armour is recalling over 200,000 of its Athletic Cups as they can break when hit, posing a risk of serious injury to the guy wearing it. Bottom line, it doesn't' do what it is suppose to do....protect the "family jewels" as my junior high gym teacher use to say. This recall involves all athletic cups that have the Under Armour logo, including youth and teen sizes. These cups were sold between January 2006 and March 2009. If you have one of these cups, stop using it immediately and contact Under Armour and they will provide you a $20 voucher for use online or at its stores. For more information, see Under Armour's website here.
5. Haier Toaster Oven/Broilers: The Haier Toaster Oven/Broiler is being recalled because of problematic electrical connections which can come loose and cause electrical shock and burns. There have been over 100,000 of these Toaster Ovens sold between September 2006 through January 2009. The model number that is a problem is RTO1400SS. For a picture of the Toaster Oven in question, see here. If you have one of these Toaster Ovens, stop using it immediately and contact Haier to get a free replacement.
That's all I have for you this week. Please be careful out there. If you have had any issues with the products talked about above, or any other products, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss it with you. I will help in anyway I can.
