May 6, 2009

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 Hydroxycut Products: Last week I wrote this post on the day many of Hydroxycut’s products were withdrawn from the market.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.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Consumer Products, Drywall, Hydroxycut, Other Products, Recalls, Recalls of the Week
May 1, 2009

FDA Warns Hydroxycut Associated with Liver Injury; Manufacturer Recalls Hydroxycut Products from the Market

The FDA Issued a warning this morning to advise consumers of Hydroxycut products to stop using the products IMMEDIATELY as there is indication some of the Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. The Wall Street Journal reports that the FDA has received 23 serious reports of health problems with Hydroxycut products, such as jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, to liver damage requiring a liver transplant, as well as one death of a 19 year old male due to liver failure. Other health issues reported while taking the supplements include seizures, heart problems, and rhabdomyolysis, a muscle damage condition that can cause kidney failure. Symptoms of liver damage as reported by the FDA include jaundice, brown urine, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, itching and loss of appetite. The products are generally marketed as “fat burners” and “energy enhancers”. 1159094_body_building.jpg
Apparently as a result of the issuance of this warning by the FDA, the manufacturer of Hydroxycut products has agreed to voluntarily recall 14 of its products including Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, Hardcore Liquid Caplets, Max Liquid Caplets, Regular Drink Packets and Max Drink Packets. For a complete listing of all Hydroxycut products being recalled, see the FDA’s website. The Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia products are not being recalled because they do not contain the same type of ingredients as the products which have been shown to be problematic.
It is important to understand that unlike pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements such as the Hydroxycut products do not need to prove to the FDA that the products are safe and effective before they are marketed. The FDA can only look at the effects of the product once it is being sold and relies on voluntary reports of problems. The manufacturer is not required to advise of potential problems they have been told about with the supplement.
At this point it is still unclear what substance in the Hydroxycut products being recalled is associated with causing the liver damage. The L.A. Times reports that a medical journal last month raised questions about an ingredient in the products called hydroxycitric acid, which is derived from tropical fruit. The article indicated that this ingredient could damage the liver.
Over the past 10-15 years, as I have focused more on my own fitness and health, I have from time to time tried various supplements. Although I have never used any Hydroxycut products, I have used others and there are two things I learned; yes they do work sometimes, and just because they are referred to as “dietary supplements”, does not mean they are safe. As indicated above, the safety testing the FDA requires before marketing for pharmaceutical drugs is not required, thus leaving open the real risk that a supplement can cause a serious adverse effect such as being described with Hydroxycut. Bottom line when considering whether to take a supplement, do all your homework, including investigating what information may be available online, before you take the plunge.
If you have any thoughts or concerns regarding this recall, including issues of potential injury from taking one of the recalled Hydroxycut products, please contact me.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Consumer Products, Hydroxycut, Recalls
April 20, 2009

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. 927345_pistachio_nuts.jpg
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.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Drywall, Other Products, Recalls, Recalls of the Week, Solo Practice University
March 31, 2009

The Toxic Chinese Drywall Drama Continues to Expand

All signs indicate that we are only on the cutting edge of the extent of the problems caused by Toxic Chinese Drywall. Last week, I wrote my first post addressing the status of this problem. Just yesterday, it was reported that Senator Bill Nelson of Florida and Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana introduced legislation in the Senate requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall the Chinese Drywall, increase its investigation into this problem and stop further importation of drywall and other building products from China until further safety standards can be developed. The Senators are also asking that mortgage relief and other types of relief be provided to those homeowners affected by the toxic Chinese Drywall.
The Herald Tribune of Sarasota did an analysis and determined that enough Chinese Drywall entered this country to build over 60,000 homes. The analysis went on to determine that enough of this toxic drywall was off loaded in Florida alone to build at least 36,000 homes. Senator Landrieu is quoted as saying

“This Chinese drywall represents an attack on our homeowners, a defrauding of our home builders and another obstacle on our road to recovery…We also need to help our struggling homeowners with the repair costs that will be necessary to rid their homes of this toxic product.

An article issued by a consumer watchdog group, America’s Watchdog’s Homeowners Consumer Center, sets forth in detail the indications that the home may be one with this toxic Chinese Drywall. They include the following:
1. Homes/Condos built between 2003 and 2007;
2. Occupants may experience upper respiratory or sinus problems headaches, nose bleeds, coughs and rashes;
3. Continuous failure of AC coils or HVAC units beyond normal. The coils will have turned black or grayish black;
4. Corroded or black wiring in the walls;
5. Oven, stove or refrigerator coils failing a number of times.
This is a serious issue from all indications at this time. Not only are we looking at significant physical problems caused to occupants of the affected homes, but complete reconstruction of these homes from the foundation up. I will continue to follow this significant problem so check back often for updates. Also, if you have any questions about how to proceed if you have one of these affected homes, you are welcome to contact me to discuss your concerns.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Drywall
March 27, 2009

Recalls of the Week

Some significant recalls this week. I hope you are finding some value in these weekly (I try) posts advising you of the most significant recalls over the last week. Would love to hear your thoughts about this weekly post and and suggestions or recommendations to make it better. Now, on with the countdown (yeah, quoting Kasey Kassem):
1. Electrolux Cordless Stick Vacuums: About 320,000 of these vacuums are being recalled because the battery can expand and burst, which could injure the user or bystanders. Electrolux has received 34 reports of this problem occurring with damage to surrounding property. These vacuums are 2-in-1 cordless stick vacuums with detachable hand vacuum. The units have 9.6 volts printed on the serial plate. The vacuums were sold between November 2007 and March 2009 at major retailers. For more information, see here. If you have one of these vacuums, stop using it immediately and call Electrolux for a free replacement of the handheld portion which contains the battery. You can also go to the following website: www.stickvacrecall.com for more information.
2. Fisher-Price 3-in1 High Chairs:I try and always post about any recalls which could effect children given their frailty and lack of knowledge. These 3-in-1 high chairs are being recalled by Fisher-Price because the seat can fall backwards from the high chair frame if the booster seat is unlatched while the child is in the seat. The seat back can also detach if not fully snapped in place. Both pose significant risk of falling to small children. It is reported that the manufacturer is aware of one report of child falling as a result of this problem and fracturing his skull. The product number is P5369 and is printed on the side of the seat and on a label on the seat pad. The high chair was sold at Target from December 2008 through March 2009. If you have one of these chairs, stop using it immediately and contact Fisher-Price for a free repair kit. For information on this recall, see here.
3. Aviva Sports Recalls Trampolines: Two trampolines manufactured by Aviva Sports; the Leaps and Bounds Folding Trampolines with Safety Pad and the Private Jump ‘N Play Trampolines, are being recalled because the metal legs can bend or break and the bungee cords that secure the mat to the frame of the trampoline can fray or break. Both of these situations can pose a fall hazard to the user. The model numbers involved are 12731 (printed on the pad that goes around the frame of the product) and 0840525 (printed on the enclosure). The products were sold by sports equipment e-retailers and catalogs between September 2006 and January 2009. For more information and pictures of the trampolines involved see here. If you have one of these trampolines, stop using it immediately and contact Aviva to find out how to return the trampoline and get a full refund.
4. Baby Necessities Pacifiers: About 2900 of these pacifiers have been sold at Dollar and discount stores between August of 2007 through January 2009. However, they have been banned by federal law because the nipples separate from the base, posing a risk of choking. The pacifiers have a blue heart-shaped mouth guard and were sold in pack of 4. For more information, see here. You should immediately stop using these pacifiers and contact OKK Trading, the importer, for refund or exchange.
5. Zebco Children’s Fishing Poles: About 2700 of these fishing poles have been sold between August 2007 through December 2008. The recall involves the Zebco Advanced Youth Fishing Rod & Reel combo sets which are painted orange and have the words “Zebco” and “ZAVS” printed on the reel handle. The paint on the reels have excessive amounts of lead and yes, it is made in China. If you have one of these fishing poles, you should immediately take it from your child and then contact Zebco about getting a refund. For more information about this recall, see here.
Those are the biggies coming up this week. Again, please let me know your thoughts and comments about how I can make these weekly posts better and of use to you in the future. Until next time, be careful out there.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Consumer Products, Recalls, Recalls of the Week
March 25, 2009

Drywall Manufactured in China Maybe Toxic

Sounds like another problem is brewing in the home construction world similar to what we saw over the last several years with the Dryvit product, a synthetic stucco material applied to the surface of many homes built in the south. Recently, starting in Florida, there have been many reported instances of “toxic” drywall being used in the construction of homes which have lead to several class actions being filed in Florida and several other southern states. Time Magazine reports that toxic levels of chemical pollutants such as sulfur are being emitted from the contaminated drywall which was made in factories in China. During the recent building boom starting in about 2005 and continuing up to last year, there was a shortage of drywall so builders looked to Chinese companies and it is estimated this drywall has been used to build about 60,000 homes in at least 12 states. It is reported a good portion of these homes were built in Florida. 185314_drywall_mess.jpg
The problems reported by the owners of homes built with this drywall include a strong smell of “rotten eggs” in the home, nosebleeds, headaches, sore throats new air-conditioner systems having their copper-coils corroded in short time, wires in outlets, appliances and lamps going bad, as well as wood products. Cnn.com reports that the Florida Department of Health is evaluating and testing for this issue and has yet to reach final conclusions. The initial testing has indicated trace levels of sulfur based material which is not in the U.S. manufactured drywall. There is some indication that the combination of heat and humidity that is seen in places like South Florida where many of these homes are located, is bringing these problems to the surface. The Consumer Products Safety Commission is beginning its own analysis of this potential problem.
I will continue to post updates on this issue. If you have any information on this problem please forward it to me and I will try and address or post it here for others to address.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Drywall, Other Products
March 17, 2009

Recalls of the Week

Been busy here at work so haven’t had time the last week or so to update on recalls. Here are some of the more significant ones over the last 2 weeks.53849_in_the_gym_2.jpg
1.Valero Energy Corp recalls Propane Tanks: Almost 1,000,000 barrels of propane (LP) gas is being recalled because the propane may not have enough of the odorant added to it so people can smell a leaking gas situation. Failure to detect the leak can lead to a fire, explosion or thermal burn hazard. If you live in Alabama (where I am), Arkansas, California, Mississippi or Tennessee and brought propane gas between January and October 2008, you need to go here and see if your retailer is on this list. If so, you should immediately contact your supplier so they can test and see if you have enough odorant.
2. Kidde Fire Extinguishers: Approximately 167,000 of the Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers sold at various department, home and hardware stores between October 2007 and April 2008 are being recalled because it can lose pressure so that if you have to use it, it could fail and be useless. For information regarding the specific models involved see here. If you have one of these extinguishers, you should inspect it immediately and if the pressure gauge is in the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement.
3. Maytag Refrigerators: This is a big recall. About 1.6 million Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag brand fridges are being recalled as an electrical failure in the component that turns on the compressor can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard. So far, Maytag has received 41 reports of ignition. It includes both side by side and top freezer refrigerators. Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in the recall. For the affected models and serial numbers, see here. The products were sold in Department and appliance stores between January 2001 through January 2004. If you have one of the refrigerators, you need to contact Maytag immediately to schedule an in-home repair.
4. Bowflex Home Gyms: This is something near and dear to my heart since I am a big promoter and believer in physical fitness i.e. working out, and although I do mine at the local Y, I have always been impressed with the infomercials about the Bowflex. If I ever was going to do the home gym thing, it would probably be up there as a product to consider. Well the Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym is being recalled because the seat that stays latched in a vertical position for storage, if not properly latched, can fall on a bystander. So far, the manufacturer has received 18 reports of related injuries including head and shoulder lacerations. The problem gyms were sold between June 2005 and January 2009. Registered owners are being sent a repair kit and if you don’t receive the kit by March 10, you should contact Nautilus, the manufacturer. For more information on this recall, see here.
5. Nordstrom’s Girl’s Shoes: I put this one in as it is further evidence how the lead paint issue goes way beyond paint and toys. Now we have it in our shoes. Just today, Nordstrom issued a recall of about 31,000 of its Nordstrom brand girl’s shoes. They include the “Clarice-Fab”, the “Eva-Fab”, the “Fern-Fab”, the Lilly-Fab”, the “Rita-Fab” and the “Viva-Fab”. All shoes have the “NORDSTROM” name printed on the insole. The surface paint on the outer sole of these shoes contain excessive level of lead. The shoes were sold at Nordstrom from September 2006 through February 2009. For more specific information regarding the styles and colors involved in the recall, see here. If you have one of these pairs of shoes, you should immediately take them away from your children and return them to Nordstrom for a refund or exchange. Tell them…”I’ll have mine without the lead please”.
These are some of the more significant recalls over the past week or so. You are welcome to contact me with any questions or thoughts. In the meantime, be careful out there.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | 1 Comment

Related Topics: Recalls of the Week
February 27, 2009

AstraZeneca Hid Bad Studies on Seroquel; Agrees to Increase Warnings

On Thursday, AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Seroquel, a drug used to treat certain psychological conditions, agreed as part of court proceedings on the drug, to unseal and release certain documents to the public. Bloomberg News reports that these documents indicate AstraZeneca “buried” studies which were unfavorable about the drug. More than 15,000 people treated with Seroquel are suing the company claiming it withheld information regarding the relationship between Seroquel and diabetes from physicians and patients. There are also claims that Seroquel was promoted by AstraZeneca for uses that were not approved by the FDA. With regard to the suppression of these studies, one of AstraZeneca’s management is quoted as saying in an email that “The larger issue is how we face the outside world when they begin to criticize us for suppressing data.” seroquel.jpg
Bloomberg News further reports that one of the unsealed documents indicated that company officials felt one of the “buried” studies was a problem because it indicated weight gain while taking the drug. Gaining weight is known to be a factor in developing diabetes. The article goes on to discuss in detail several examples of AstraZeneca either hiding important study information from the FDA or working on how to “spin” information to avoid the negative implications. Where are the ethics? These are individuals bodies and health you are dealing with. Unfortunately, more indication that too many times its about the dollars and not about providing a safe and effective medication to the public.
At this same court proceeding, Bloomberg News also reports that lawyers for AstraZeneca indicated that it had agreed to strengthen the warning regarding Seroquel’s relationship to diabetes by moving it into the warnings and precautions section of the label, indicating there is a stronger link between the drug and diabetes. The litigation regarding this drug is continuing and I expect there will be further reports regarding some of the “confidential” documents which are now being made public. I will be sure to update if there is anything of significant interest.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Drugs, Seroquel
February 24, 2009

Raptiva, Drug to treat Psoriasis, Linked to Rare Brain Infection

The FDA reported late last week that the psoriasis drug Raptiva may be linked to a rare, often fatal, brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. According to the FDA, it has received reports of 3 confirmed cases and one possible case of PML in patients being treated with Raptiva for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Two of these patients who were confirmed with PML have died and the the one possible PML also died. All of the patients had been taking the drug continuously for 3 years. There is no known treatment for PML.
In October of last year a black box warning (the most significant warning that can be given to a drug) was added addressing the risk of contracting certain life-threatening infections while taking Raptiva, including PML. The FDA indicates it is reviewing this latest information to determine if the risks of this drug outweigh its benefits. At the same time, the European Union’s equivalent of the FDA, the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), has recommended that the drug be withdrawn from the European market. The EMEA has already determined that the risks of this drug outweigh its benefits. In Europe, the European Commission must approve the EMEA recommendations, but it typically does.
The FDA strongly recommends that doctors closely monitor their patients taking Raptiva, as well as those who have taken the drug in the past. Symptoms of the infection indicated by the FDA are weakness, blurred vision and difficulty speaking.
If you are presently taking this drug, or have in the past, you might want to consider contacting your treating physician and discussing this issue with him. I will say its curious that the EMEA immediately jumped on removing the drug from the market, while the FDA still needs to continue to look at this issue. There are other treatments on the market for psoriasis, so the delay by the FDA raises the issue again of the tail wagging the dog i.e. is Big Pharma again calling the shots.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Drugs, Raptiva
February 19, 2009

Recalls of the Week

Time for the Recalls of the Week. Other than peanut butter, not alot has been going on in this arena these past few weeks. That’s a good thing actually. Anyway, although short and sweet, here’s what we got:
1. Peanut Butter update:As you know I have previously posted about the peanut butter recall here and here. Companies throughout the country continue to recall products daily on the concern they may have had product from The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). Make sure you review the FDA’s site providing up to date information regarding products which have been recalled. PCA has now closed all its plants and a total of 9 people are reported to have died from salmonella related to its products. Last Friday, PCA filed for bankruptcy. It should be noted that national brands of jarred peanut butter have not been implicated in this recall. Both the New York Times and Washington Post wrote editorials last week addressing how this recall should be a loud call to the Obama administration that we need to do things to sure up our food supply. The FDA, due to its lack of money and size, cannot do it and we as Americans deserve a safe food supply. We cannot count on Corporate America to be good corporate citizens who will follow the rules of safe manufacturing and processing. We have seen too many times that left to its own devices, many companies will cut corners in an effort to maximize their profit at the cost of consumer safety. Now is the time!.
2. Evenflo Activity Centers: Evenflo is recalling over 200,000 Activity Centers which is a product made for infants and young children. When used as an activity table, cap on one end of the product can come off, posing a risk of falling for a young child. The recall includes Evenflo ExerSaucer Triple Fun stationary activity centers made between October 2006 through February 2009. If you have one of these, you should stop using it immediately and call Evenflo for a free replacement cap. For more information, see here.
3. True Value Wheelbarrows: True Value is recalling about 17,000 Green Thumb Twin Wheelbarrows it has sold in its stores from September 2008 through October 2008. Over-inflating of the tires could cause the wheel’s plastic rim to break, posing risk of injury to the user. There have been two reports of the plastic rims breaking. If you have one of these, you should stop using it immediately and return it to any True Value store for a full refund. For more information, see here.
That’s all we have for this week. Tune in next week for another installment of Recalls of the Week. If you have any questions or issues regarding a recalled product, please feel free to contact me.

Posted by Craig P. Niedenthal | Permalink | Email This Post | Leave a comment

Related Topics: Consumer Products, Peanut Butter Recall, Recalls, Recalls of the Week