The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that up to 23 people in 14 different states suffering from salmonella may have been exposed through Malt-O-Meal cereal.
The company recalled the products earlier this month, and federal officials are encouraging consumers to throw away certain packages of Malt-O-Meal's Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereals.
Malt-O-Meal also produces cereal under supermarket and generic names, including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.
Consumers can identify potentially affected food by codes used on the packaging. The cereals have "Best If Used By" dates from April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") through March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809").
See that picture? If your child has one of these colorful little gizmos, it's time to take the item away.
The toy is called the Imaginarium Actvity Center and was sold by Toys R Us from August of last year to February.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that it has received 12 reports of those cute little sliders coming off the Activity Center and creating a choking hazard for children. Given that the item sold for between $20 and $50, this isn't simply a dollar store tossaway item, but one that is worth pursuing.
First, take the Activity Center from your child.
Once you've done that, you can return the item to your local Toys R Us store for a refund. If you still have the box, you can check to ensure your particular model is covered because the item numbers 69042 (multi-sided) and 69083 (jungle) are printed on the back of the box, near the bar code.
Consumers with questions can call Toys R Us toll-free at (800) 869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday.
Consumer Help Web warned consumers about lead in a child's bracelet nearly two years ago. One of the earliest very public recalls linked to products produced in China, toxic levels of lead in the bracelet were linked to a child's death. The bracelets were sold for two years at a price between $33 and $50.
Now the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that Reebook will pay a record $1 million penalty related to the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).
As part of the settlement, Reebok denied any wrongdoing or violating federal law despite the company's recall of 300,00 of the bracelets that the consumer watchdog group claimed had too much lead.
After the US Department of Agriculture's surprise beef recall in February, we wrote about Consumer Help Web's disapproval of the process. On February 18, we chastised the federal agency, pointing out that "consumers have no way of knowing if tainted beef is in their freezer."
To make matters worse, USDA officials have told a Congressional committee that they are not allowed to nor do they intend to disclose the names of food distributors who may have received tainted meat products from Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company.
This position did not sit well with Congressional leaders, especially after a USDA spokesperson referred to the information as "proprietary". We join our voice with Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), who candidly told USDA officials that information regarding safety hazards American consumers face are not "proprietary".
We understand the need for rules to help protect the interests of businesses and their employees (who are also consumers) when a company is under investigation. But three weeks after a so-called "recall", consumers still can't identify the products. We find that inexcusable.
The United States Department of Agriculture ratcheted up the heat on consumer safety issues by issuing a recall of 143 million pounds of beef from Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company. That organization supplies food distributors, including federal food programs, with ground beef.
As with many recalls, this one seems more about the timing than consumer safety. The USDA dumped this news on the American public during the Sunday of a 3 day holiday weekend. The agency conceded by Monday that "most" of the meat had likely already been eaten and that the meat company had voluntarily ceased operations on February 1.
Consumers don't need a sundial to know that this issue was news at least 16 days ago, and one therefore becomes concerned about the timing and any potential motivation.
Perhaps the worst part of this scare headline is that consumers have no way of knowing if tainted beef is in their freezer. We don't understand why the scare headlines were pushed out more than two weeks after the plant's closure and before a way of identifying retail purchases existed. What we do know is this that is a great tactic that buys everyone some time but still beats the wardrums of consumer safety.
Except in this case, consumers can do nothing to ensure their safety, if a threat even exists, because they can't identify any potentially contaminated food.
When news is made for the apparent sake of making news, one wonders about motivation. Wouldn't an announcement when the company voluntarily ceased operating almost three weeks ago have been appropriate? That's almost a month's worth of possible consumption allowed to go by when the company and the government knew there were potential safety issues.
We'll be addressing the issues surrounding the CPSC and Congressional attempts to legislate safety that seem oddly akin to the economic stimulus package, but for now, we'll just skip the burger for a turkey burger and wait to hear the all clear sign.
By our reckoning, that should be in May, just in time for a nice Memorial Day barbeque.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says that HSN will pay an $875,000 fine for failing to report safety issues regarding its sale of The Welbilt Electronic Pressure Cooker (pictured left)
HSN, which was known as Home Shopping Network during the 2001 to 2004 time period in which the government agency said the offenses occurred, denied any wrongdoing or liability. The law requires manufacturers and distributors to immediately report safety issues.
The company's actions were termed a penalty, rather than a fine, but the results are simple semantics. The CPSC claims that the company received more than two dozen reports of consumers who were burned when the cooker's lid allegedly opened prematurely. The agency worked with Welbilt and HSN in 2005 to recall nearly 4,000 units in 2005. Those cookers were made in Korea.
"This simply shows that even a small recall can have major repercussions," said Consumer Help Web's George Bounacos. "We have been trained to think in terms of millions or hundreds of thousands, but in this case, the reported injury rate was more than 1 out of every 170."
Bounacos' comments came during his announcement of a new recall information portal for consumers. "Too many agencies announce recalls and investigations for the average consumer to learn about them all. Even when stores do comply, the second-hand market for used goods thrives, from eBay to consignment shops. RecallRecap.com will help consumers quickly check for free whether the product they're interested in was recalled, and if so, for what reason."
Food giant Cargill has recalled one million pounds of ground beef that was shipped to 10 states, mostly in the East. The company says that the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a positive reading for E. coli contamination in meat processed October 8. The company also says no illnesses have been linked to the meat, but after the painful lesson from Topps this fall, wasted no time in recalling the meat.
The affected states are in the East, but who knows how food can travel? Better to be safe than sorry. The link above lists the ground beef recalled by brand names. The meat was sold at multiple stores including Giant, Giant Eagle and Wegmans throughout the East.
Consumers with questions about the recall should call Cargill at 1-877-455-103
This is why the federal government either needs better, faster regulatory and investigative resources or some sense of urgency. The public knew that this was an issue days ago. The medical community apparently knew months, if not years, ago. Even the companies that made the over-the-counter meds specifically for kids yanked them off the shelves before the hearings.
If an organization the size of McNeil (makers of Tylenol, St. Joseph Aspirin, Mylanta and others) can mobilize to pull medicine from retail shelves all over the country, why does it take a much smaller organization one week to pull together hearings? Why weren't there hearings the next day? What about the weekend? We work weekends sometimes. Do you? Why doesn't the FDA?
And if they do, where is the sense of urgency? We are happy to recognize the makers of the OTC medicines for children for acting fast while still wondering what they knew about this issue going into the fall of 2007. The FDA alone is not culpable. The USDA botched their recall of the tainted pot pies just weeks ago when everyone from the manufacturer to the CDC to the retailers yanked the food from the shelves.
Federal government must act faster. This is why Federal Express is used rather than the USPS when it absolutely positively has to be there overnight. This is why passport regulations are enacted and then lifted when family vacations and critical business trips were destroyed. No organization is perfect, but most private sector companies have some sort of disaster or crisis contingency plan. Our government is charged with many things and does well with some of them. Where they continue missing in the Year of the Recall is speed to take action.
Consumer safety continues to get short shrift, and that cannot continue.
Toshiba Recalls Portable DVD Power Supplies, Starbucks Pulls Kid Cups
First batteries, now power supplies. As we grow into a more wired society, those electronic components can be dangerous.
Toshiba (OTC:TOSBF) is recallingmore than 140,000 power supplies sold with its portable DVD player. The company says no consumers have injured but they have reports about two units overheating. his recall involves the AC adapter sold with the Toshiba portable DVD player Model SD-P1600. Toshiba and ADPV16 can be found on the side of the adapter. Toshiba, Model SD-P1600, and the serial number can be found on a rating label on the bottom of the cabinet for the DVD player. One guess to name the Asian country where these were made.
The electronics giant is telling consumers to contact them and stop using the unit. Call Toshiba Customer Solutions toll-free at (877) 290-6064 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for more information.
==========
More electronics recalls hit Home Depot (NYSE:HD). If you shopped there this summer for fluorescent light fixtures sold under the Lithonia name, you need to see if you have a bum product.
This recall involves the Lithonia Lighting Nickel End Wrap fluorescent ceiling light fixtures model number New 2 32 120 RE BN and date code N050807. Lithonia Lighting, the model number, and the date code can be found on the shipping box or on a label located inside the fixture, next to the fluorescent tube. To read the label on the fixture, consumers should turn the power off at the home's circuit breaker and remove the plastic cover of the light fixture. Light fixtures sold in a box marked with a round pink sticker are not included in this recall.
Home Depot is offering a full refund or exchange if you bring the unit back to them. If you don't know what you're doing and someone else installed this, please call an electrician!
==========
Aren't these cups cute? We thought so too. . But coffee retailer Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) has received 7 reports of the cup breaking and creating the potential to choke a small child. Starbucks also said they had received two such instances. Bring the cup back to the store, and Starbucks says they will provide a full refund and a free beverage (which may be more than the refund!). Need more info? Call Starbucks at (888) 288-4008 anytime.
Christmas Tree Shops is recalling nearly 10,000 candles that can cause a fire. A glitter decoration outside the candle is the culprit. The company says that consumers should stop using the candles and return them to the store for a refund. For more questions, call Christmas Tree Shops toll-free at (888) 287-3232 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Be careful with these candles. They were sold during the 2006 holiday season, and you may have packed them away for this year.
Just as we were set to warn consumers about a mid-sized food recall, Topps Meat Company today announced that their ground beef recall has affected millions of pounds of the food.
According to the company and federal government, more than 21 million pounds of ground beef are at risk for carrying a bad form of E. coli, a disease that impacts many but can cause death in children, the elderly or those with other health problems.
This ground beef already bears a U.S. Department of Agriculture brand. Do not eat this food.
The USDA division charged with monitoring this food said today that they are investigating more than two dozen illnesses in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The frozen meat was produced on various dates between Sept. 25, 2006, and Sept. 25, 2007. The food was throughout the NY area and then to states throughout the East and Midwest. Each package bears the establishment number “Est. 9748” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a sell-by date between “SEP 25 07” and “SEP 25 08.”
Brand names include Topps, West Side, Shop Rite and Roma among others.
Call toll-free to 888-734-0451 with questions about the recall.
If you have an infant or know anyone who does, you must pass this information along today. Read this short piece, and get busy. Email it to your friends, and tell them to email their friends.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and a large crib manufacturer have issued an immediate recall of 1 million cribs. Three children have died.
The cribs have the name Aspen and Graco.
The Aspen crib models are: Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1, Nursery-In-A-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1.
The Graco crib models are: Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in 1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and the Trio.
More model numbers are found on the envelope attached to the mattress or on the label on the crib's headboard. The model numbers are 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760 and 8896.
Call the manufacturer now at 888-593-9274 if you own one of these cribs.
We never condone sp@m or unsolicited email. Today we're asking you to write everyone in your address book. Send them to this story, and we'll also point them to the great non-profit KidsInDanger.org. Their press release about the recall is in a free PDF file here.
As consumer advocates, we'll work with others to deal with recriminations and blame later. Today, we make the children safe. Consumer Help Web is waiving its $29.99 fee for any person who owns one of these cribs and can not get satisfaction. Complete our order form so we have the details, and skip the payment page. Those are being redirected to a special mailbox, and we will call you if you need help, but call the manufacturer first. They will be responsive. Let us know if they are not, and we will help you for free.
Fresh veggies can't catch a break. Bagged salad mixes are back in the news after food giant Dole said that bagged salad green mixes available in the United States and Canada showed signs of E. coli contamination.
The company said that about 5,000 bags of its "Heart's Delight" salad mix was potentially at risk. The product was sold in 3 Canadian provinces and Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,and Tennessee. The Canadian government has cautioned its citizens about eating the potentially tainted food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in talks with the company to determine a course of action.
The "Hearts Delight" mix that is affected has a "best if used by" date of September 19. In a written statement, Dole asked consumers not to eat the product and reminded them that produce should not be eaten beyond the "best date"; in other words, tomorrow.
More information is available from Dole at toll-free at 800-356-3111.
Another month, another Mattel recall. And what a surprise. This one also has addresses safety issues with toys manufactured in China.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said that that Mattel claimed no reports of injuries had occurred, but that parents and caregivers should immediately take the toys from children and contact Mattel for a replacement. The company has set up a toll-free hotline staffed around the clock at (888) 496-8330.
As the eBay season ramps up again, parents are especially cautioned to beware of toys being auctioned. A Forbes report claimed that the business magazine had found recalled toys for sale without warnings on the popular auction site.
The toys affected by this recall are shown below.
Product
Product Number
Date Code Number
Product Photo
Barbie® Dream Puppy House™ (lead paint on dog)
J9485
286-6JX through 365-6JX or 001-7JX through 232-7JX
(product number and date code are marked on the bottom of the house)
Barbie® Dream Kitty Condo™ Playset (lead paint on cat)
J9486
286-6JX through 365-6JX or 001-7JX through 232-7JX
(product number and date code are marked on the bottom of the house)
Barbie® Table and Chairs Kitchen Playset (lead paint on dog, chip platter, dinner plates)
K8606
All
(product number is marked under the table)
Barbie® Bathtub and Toilet Playset (lead point on cat)
K8607
All
(product number is marked under the tub)
Barbie® Futon and Table Living Room Playset (lead paint on cat)
K8608
All
(product number is marked on the cushion label)
Barbie® Desk and Chair Bedroom Playset (lead paint on dog)
K8609
All
(product number is marked under the desk)
Barbie® Couch & Table Living Room Playset (lead paint on purse)
Gerber Legendary Blades is recalling 154,000 knives made in...wait for it....China.
The company, a division of scissors maker Fiskars that is not affiliated with the baby food company, says that its Exchange-A-Blade pocket knives have a manufacturing defect. The back of the blade can slide past the support, according to the company, and cut a consumer. Gerber reported that the company was aware of eight such incidents, including several where the consumer needed medical attention and stitches.
The recall involves Gerber EAB Pocket Knives, model numbers 22-41548, 22-41548CDIP, 22-01548W and 22-41548W. Consumer should stop using the knife immediately and contact Gerber for a new knife. Calls are toll free at (877) 204-5510 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
Full page, color ads in major newspapers are showing up regarding the GE dishwasher recall. We reported on the details months ago when they became public, but there is apparently still not enough compliance.
Please do not use affected dishwashers until they are repaired or replaced. The details of the machines are in the link above and cover brand names Kenmore and Hotpoint, in addition to GE. The company is offering a free repair or a rebate amount of varying amounts on a new purchase. All of the affected units are more than five years old.
Consumers need to know that using the dishwasher with a liquid rinse can cause an electrical short-circuit, overheating and even fire.
On the heels of a huge recall of Thomas Railroad toys thought to contain lead-based paint, toy giant Fisher-Price is recalling nearly a million units for the same reason.
The New York based company said it had not received reports of injuries, but a chance existed that excessive lead based paint was used for toys based on popular children's characters. Those characters are from series such as Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and Sponge Bob Squarepants among others.
The recalled involves various figures and toys that were manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 and were sold alone or as part of sets. The model names and product numbers for the recalled toys, which are all marked with “Fisher-Price,” are listed below. The toys may have a date code between 109-7LF and 187-7LF marked on the product or packaging.
The toymaker also issued a large recall earlier this year for its "Little People Animal Sounds Farm". That toy had a loose fastener that injured at least one child that resulted in surgery. As part of that recall, Fisher-Price agreed to pay a civil penalty of nearly one million dollars. Another choking hazard in a Fisher-Price toy was also found earlier this year when 500,000 "Laugh and Learn Bunny Toys" were recalled. The recalls follow a relatively quiet 2006 that was marred only by a recall of 600,000 musical toy chairs that the Consumer Product Safety Commission said could trap a small child and lead to strangulation.
Fisher-Price is a unit of Mattel and conceded that the affected toys were made in China. The company instructed parents and caregivers to take the affected toys away from children immediately. Fisher-Price will issue a voucher for a replacement toy. Consumers can call toll-free (800) 916-4498 anytime for more information.
A recal that has nothing to do with China is newsworthy in and of itself, but this important recall focuses on baby food.
Gerber, now part of Nestle after being sold by huge European conglomerate Novartis, is recalling a half million units of baby food. The company said its oatmeal and rice products may not properly dissolve in water or milk and could pose a choking hazard by "clumping".
The company has recalled pacifiers, rattles and bottles this summer.
More than a million toys based on a popular kid series have been recalled after the company and Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that the exteriors were decorated with lead-based paint.
RC2 Corporation reported no children were injured after playing with the toys made in China. The company said the recall could cost up to $8 million and pledged to implement strict quality control measures.
The recall involves wooden vehicles, buildings and other train set components for young children listed in the chart below. The front of the packaging has the logo “Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway” on the upper left-hand corner. A manufacturing code may be located on the bottom of the product or inside the battery cover. Toys marked with codes containing “WJ” or “AZ” are not included in this recall.
Consumers who have one of the affected toys can call RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT Friday.
Lasko, a ceramic heater manufacturer, has recalled more than one million units after it disclosed to the government that the heater's electric cord can overheat and cause a fire.
The company said that it had received 28 reports of failed power cords and several reports of "minor property damage", but no consumers have been injured.
The heaters involved in this recall were all manufactured in 2005. Model numbers included in the recall are: 5132, 5345, 5362, 5364, 5420, 5532, 5534 and 5566. Model numbers are located on the bottom of the unit or at the rear of the base of the heaters.
Stop using the heater and contact Lasko toll-fee at 800-984-3311 with questions.
Following on the heels of its May recall of glassware, Pier 1 Imports is recalling more glassware. The retailer and the United States Consumer Product Safety Safety Commission say its Blue/Green Dual Glassware can unexpectedly break. The company said that it had received 21 reports of injures and broadened the recall as a result.
Consumers can return the glassware to the nearest retail location or call toll-free (800) 245-4595.
This is the second major recall for Pier 1 in less than a year. In fall 2006, the company recalled several thousand television stands after it said it learned of the death of a Canadian child who apparently was hit by a television that fell from one of the stands.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today confirmed that a strain of Salmonella Wandsworth bacteria found in Veggie Booty snack food is responsible for the disease outbreak that occurred between March and June 2007.
Veggie Booty is marketed by Robert’s American Gourmet, of Sea Cliff, N.Y.
FDA continues to advise consumers not to eat any Veggie Booty and to throw away product they have. FDA also advises consumers not to eat Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks, and to throw out any supplies they have, because this product also may be contaminated.
No illnesses have been associated with any other Robert's American Gourmet products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 60 children from 19 states who have become ill. Six children were hospitalized. There are no reported deaths. States reporting illnesses include: California (seven cases), Colorado (five), Connecticut (two), Georgia (one), Illinois (one), Indiana (one), Massachusetts (four), Minnesota (two), New Hampshire (two), New Jersey (two), New York (15), Oregon (one), Pennsylvania (four), Tennessee (one), Texas (two), Virginia (one), Vermont (three), Washington (four), and Wisconsin (two).
FDA, the States, and CDC are continuing the investigation. Preliminary testing suggests that the seasoning mix used in Veggie Booty may be the source of the contamination.
Veggie Booty is sold in a flexible plastic foil bag in four ounce, one ounce and one-half ounce packages. Some gift baskets available for purchase on the internet include Veggie Booty or Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks.
Robert’s American Gourmet ceased distributing Veggie Booty and began recalling the product on June 28. The company has also voluntarily recalled all lots and sizes of Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks snack food because the same potentially contaminated seasoning may have been used in making that product, too. In addition, the manufacturer of Veggie Booty and other products for Robert’s has ceased production until this investigation is complete.
Officials, retailers and manufacturer's reps continue to acknowledge that counterfeit versions of Colgate toothpaste continue to be found on North American retail shelves.
The company's officials say that consumers should be on the lookout for misspelled words on the labeling, as well as the area of origin. The counterfeit toothpaste comes from South Africa, rather than labeled as coming from New York, the company official said.
Officials appear to be battling two issues: bacteria in some toothpaste that apparently originated in Africa and the presence of a poisonous chemical in other toothpaste that has been found in several states, including Virginia and Michigan.
The FDA is cautioning all consumers to read the labeling carefully. Colgate-Palmolive has published an image of what properly labeled toothpaste should look like. The company also said consumers could identify safe toothpaste in these ways:
* The words “Distr. by Colgate-Palmolive, New York, NY 10022” appear in the lower right-hand corner of a panel on the box. * In the white box that contains the UPC bar code, genuine Colgate products for sale in the U.S. begin with the code number 35000.
Safety will take some vigilance, but there appears to be no reason for consumers who use Colgate to stop doing so provided they take proper precautions
Almost a year after Sony batteries in laptops sold by Apple and Dell made international headlines when more than four million were recalled, Gateway has a little battery problem of its own.
The company had its own version of a recall last year, but now is recalling 14,000 batteries shipped as the primary or spare battery pack for some Gateway 400VTX and 450ROG series notebooks, The batteries, manufactured in China and imported by Gateway in 2003, are identified by part numbers: 6500760 or 6500761. The part number and “made by SMP” are printed on a label on the underside of the battery pack.
According to the federal agency, consumers should stop using these recalled batteries immediately and contact Gateway to receive a replacement battery. Consumers can continue to use the notebook computers safely by turning the system off, removing the battery pack, and using the AC adapter and power cord to power the system until the replacement battery is received.
Gateway can be called at (800) 292-6813 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT seven days a week.
Approximately 2.5 million GE dishwashers have been recalled by the company and the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The machines can cause a fire hazard, according to the government agency, which said that GE has received 191 complaints about fires, including 12 that spread beyond the unit itself.
Brands included in the recall were sold for a four year period beginning in 1997. GE branded dishwashers are not the only ones recalled. Those branded Hotpoint or Sears Kenmore may also be impacted. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers and contact General Electric for a free repair, a $150 rebate towards the purchase of a new GE dishwasher, or a $300 rebate towards the purchase of a new GE Profile or GE Monogram dishwasher toll-free at (877) 607-6395 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday. Below is a list of the models involved in this recall:
Brand
Model Numbers Must Begin With
Serial Numbers Must Begin With
Eterna
EDW20, EDW30
SS, TS, VS, ZS, AT, DT, FT, GT, HT, LT, MT, RT, ST, TT, VT, ZT, AV, DV, FV, GV, HV, LV, MV, RV, SV, TV, VV, ZV, AZ, DZ, FZ, GZ, HZ, LZ, MZ, RZ, SZ, TZ, VZ, ZZ, AA, DA, FA, GA, HA, LA, MA, RA, SA, TA, VA, ZA
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging consumers to check their refrigerators for Ole Mexican Foods’ Verole Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese and Ole Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese. The two products may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.
The potential for this contamination was determined after random testing performed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services revealed the presence of E.coli bacteria in samples of both of the cheeses.
“The discovery of this problem demonstrates the importance of an integrated pro-active food safety program, where products from stores and food processors are not only inspected but tested in our labs, as well,” Bronson said.
Department inspectors are working with Florida grocery chains to remove any of the potentially tainted cheese from those stores and are checking warehouses in Florida from which the products were distributed. Bronson said his agency has also notified the U.S. Food Drug Administration, which is responsible for the products in other states.
The affected code for Verole Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese Net Wt. 15 oz. is V7&8 052 47193 SELL BY: 05/31/07; the affected code for Ole Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese Net Wt. 12 oz. is V5&6 051 47193 SELL BY: 05/30/07. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. Menu Foods is now expanding the recall to include cuts and gravy and select other products which do not include ChemNutra wheat gluten but which were manufactured at any of Menu Foods’ plants during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used at that plant, to the extent they have not already been subject to a recall, due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received a report from a customer and has received study results, both of which indicate cross-contamination.
As a result, Menu advises the public:
* Additional items in the United States and Canada have been added to the recall list as shown below. A further two varieties for Europe have been added to the recall list. * The recall dates of those products previously recalled have been modified to include all dates during the period that ChemNutra wheat gluten was used in the applicable Menu plant. All of these products, including the expanded dates, have previously been withdrawn from the market and should already be off the retailer shelves.
Menu estimates that this additional recall represents less than 5% of the products that have already been recalled or withdrawn.
Revised May 3, 2007
Cat Food
Look For a Date on The Bottom of Can or Back of Pouch That Falls Within The Below Date Range
Product Description
Size
UPC
Can / Pouch
Americas Choice, Preferred Pet
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Heart/Liver 24x3oz
3oz
54807-59117
Can
Best Choice
Updated May, 3 2007
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken 24x3oz
3oz
70038-59960
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
70038-36329
Can
Cats Choice
Updated May, 3 2007
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 12x5.5oz
5.5oz
81131-69858
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Variety Pack (S/T/C) 12x5.5oz
5.5oz
81131-69861
Can
Companion
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Turkey/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
88267-00287
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Heart/Liver 24x3oz
3oz
88267-00288
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
88267-00283
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Variety Pack (Sliced) 24x3oz
3oz
88267-03352
Can
Compliments
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Chicken Cuts/Gravy 12x374g
374g
55742-35303
Can
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Beef Cuts/Gravy 12x374g
374g
55742-35301
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef Platter 24x85g
85g
55742-35279
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Trout Platter 24x85g
85g
55742-35285
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna Platter 24x85g
85g
55742-35283
Can
Co-Op Gold
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Chicken/Gravy 24x156g
156g
57316-01070
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Beef/Gravy 24x156g
156g
57316-01068
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x85g
85g
57316-01064
Can
Demoulas/Market Basket
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Trout 24x3oz
3oz
49705-15361
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x3oz
3oz
49705-15356
Can
Drs Foster & Smith
Updated May, 3 2007
Dec/11/08 to Mar/07/09
Chicken/Potato/Carrot/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
25141-25280
Can
Fame
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
45400-27074
Can
Feline Classic
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna/Sauce 24x85g
85g
150808
Can
Feline Cuisine
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna/Sauce 24x85g
85g
014820
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x85g
85g
014790
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x85g
85g
014740
Can
Food Lion
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna Dinner 24x3oz
3oz
35826-05986
Can
Giant Companion
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x3oz
3oz
88267-00286
Can
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 12x13.2oz
13.2oz
88267-00334
Can
Giant Eagle
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x3oz
3oz
30034-02323
Can
Hannaford
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
41268-12463
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Trout 24x3oz
3oz
41268-13537
Can
Hill Country Fare
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
41220-63411
Can
Hy Vee
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
75450-05639
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
75450-05640
Can
La Griffe
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x156g
156g
59749-39750
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x85g
85g
59749-39670
Can
Laura Lynn
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Chicken/Tuna 24x3oz
3oz
86854-03790
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Salmon/Whitefish 24x3oz
3oz
86854-03886
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Trout Dinner 24x3oz
3oz
86854-03788
Can
Master Choice
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 12x374g
374g
69200-45121
Can
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 12x374g
374g
69200-45122
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x85g
85g
69200-45083
Can
Meijer's Main Choice
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
VP (Sliced B/C/T) 24x3oz.
3oz
19283-41177
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
19283-41174
Can
Natural Ultramix
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Adult Salmon/Vegetable/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
80872-07953
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Adult Turkey/Vegetable/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
80872-07955
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Indoor Chicken/Vegetable/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
80872-07961
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Adult Chicken/Vegetable/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
80872-07951
Can
Nu Pet
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Tuna 24x3oz
3oz
71754-41291
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
71754-41121
Can
Nutriplan
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna Dinner 24x3oz
3oz
41130-06811
Can
Nutro
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Kitten Beef/Chicken 24x3oz
3oz
79105-35203
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Kitten Chicken/Oceanfish 24x3oz
3oz
79105-38101
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Kitten Tuna/Chicken 24x3oz
3oz
79105-35204
Can
Paws
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Heart/Liver 24x3oz
3oz
36800-08691
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
36800-08248
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x3oz
3oz
36800-08251
Can
Performatrin Ultra
Updated May, 3 2007
Dec/06/08 to Jan/24/09
Chicken Stew Flaked 24x156g
156g
15180
Can
Pet Pride
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Heart/Liver 24x3oz
3oz
11110-86261
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Variety Pack 24x3oz
3oz
11110-86003
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Shredded Turkey/Cheese 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
11110-84878
Can
Presidents Choice
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x156g
156g
60383-65882
Can
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Chicken Cuts/Gravy 12x374g
374g
60383-65965
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Turkey 24x85g
85g
60383-67291
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x85g
85g
60383-37159
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Turkey/Gravy 24x85g
85g
60383-37158
Can
Price Chopper
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna Dinner 24x3oz
3oz
41735-12826
Can
Priority Canada
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x85g
85g
21130-41398
Can
Priority US
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Chunky Chicken 24x3oz
3oz
21130-41293
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Variety Pack (S/T/T) 24x3oz
3oz
21130-41397
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Tuna Feast 24x3oz
3oz
21130-41344
Can
Roche Brothers
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
39639-09711
Can
Roundy's
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Fish/Shrimp 24x3oz
3oz
11150-78478
Can
Schnucks
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Tuna/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
41318-07087
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
41318-07102
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
41318-07099
Can
Sophistacat
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Beef Cuts/Gravy 12x13.2oz
13.2oz
37257-01328
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Chicken Cuts/Gravy 12x13.2oz
13.2oz
37257-01327
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Flaked Tuna/Egg/Sauce 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-41106
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Flaked Tuna/Sauce 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-41107
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-01311
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Salmon/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-01316
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced SD Chicken/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-01309
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Turkey/Liver/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-01313
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Whitefish/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-01314
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-01312
Can
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Tuna/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
37257-01315
Can
Special Kitty Canada
Dec/11/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Chicken/Grvy 24x156g
156g
78742-64597
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x156g
156g
78742-64598
Can
Springfield Prize
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
41380-13806
Can
Triumph
Nov/08/08 to Mar/07/09
Pouch Turkey/Giblets 24x3oz
3oz
73657-00332
Pouch
Nov/08/08 to Mar/07/09
Pouch Mixed Grill 24x3oz
3oz
73657-00334
Pouch
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
73657-00167
Can
Wegmans
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Beef/Gravy 24x3oz
3oz
77890-76381
Can
Western Family Canada
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x85g
85g
62639-81183
Can
White Rose
Nov/08/09 to Mar/07/10
Shredded Turkey/Cheese 24x5.5oz
5.5oz
74807-34377
Can
Winn Dixie
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x3oz
85g
21140-18632
Can
Your Pet
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Flaked Tuna 24x3oz
3oz
72036-40010
Can
Dec/06/09 to Jan/24/10
Sliced Chicken/Heart/Liver 24x3oz
3oz
72036-29028
Can
Dog Food
Look For a Date on The Bottom of Can or Back of Pouch That Falls Within The Below Date Range
Consumers may think of children's toys with detachable magnets as a choking hazard, but in the case of Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets, the issues have become far more serious.
Working with the manufacturer, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of 4 million units of the toy. The government agency has discovered at least two dozen cases of children ingesting the magnet. One of the children died and nearly all required surgery.
This is the second recall for the toy and by far the most sweeping. The toy contains more than 100 detachable pieces, some of which can cause serious injuries to a child's digestive system or even be aspirated into a lung. What makes this issue so unusual is the age of the children involved. Although the hazard was initially thought to be a problem primarily for children younger than six, it has since been learned that at least ten injuries involved children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old.
“CPSC is deeply concerned about the dangers that small, powerful magnets can pose to children if swallowed,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “In order for any product recall to be effective in protecting consumers, we must significantly reduce incidents and injuries from occurring after the recall is announced.” Mega Brands has been cooperative in this expanded recall, according to the CPSC.
Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy. If consumers are uncertain as to whether their product is being recalled, they can contact Mega Brands at (800) 779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
The CPSC is also asking consumers to immediately report any incidents of loose magnets to the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or to the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Reports are coming in that Richwood Meat Company is recalling over a third of a million pounds of ground beef because of E.coli contamination fears. The meat was sold in large Western and Mid-Atlantic states, including California, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Included in the recall is 107,000 pounds of meat sold in the Western states by Richwood Meat under a variety of names. According to the USDA, consumers with questions should call (209) 722-8171, extension 14, if they have questions about the recall.
McNEIL-PPC, Inc. has voluntarily recaled all lots of the GLACIER MINT™ and BUBBLE BLAST™ flavors of LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE™ Plaque-Detecting Rinse after the Company determined that the preservative system is not adequate against certain microorganisms. The Company is recalling all bottles of AGENT COOL BLUE™ Plaque-Detecting Rinse, an estimated 4 million, from both retailers and consumers.
The Company conducted a thorough assessment and concluded that the risk of illness in healthy individuals following use of this product is very low. However, there could be a significant health risk to individuals with weakened or suppressed immune systems. To date, there have been no consumer adverse health events reported that are related to this issue.
The recall affects all existing bottles of AGENT COOL BLUE™ Plaque-Detecting Rinse. Consumers should discontinue using and properly discard the product, and may obtain a full refund through calling the Company's toll free consumer line 1-888-222-0249 and mailing in the back label, including the UPC code.
Consumers can readily distinguish this product by the cartoon character on the front of the bottle. Only AGENT COOL BLUE™ Plaque-Detecting Rinse products are affected by this action. No other LISTERINE® branded products are affected and they remain safe and effective for use as directed.
AGENT COOL BLUE™ Plaque-Detecting Rinse has been sold to consumers through supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchants and other retail outlets, and is sold to dental professionals' offices nationwide. The Company is contacting dental professionals and retailers directly as part of their recall notification process.
FDA is advising pet owners that recalled pet food may still be on the shelves in some retail establishments. FDA urges retailers across the country to be vigilant in removing all products associated with the pet food recall, which began on March 16, 2007.
To verify the effectiveness of the recall, FDA has conducted approximately 400 checks of retail stores across the country. Based on the checks, FDA believes most companies have removed the recalled product; however, some have not. FDA will continue to monitor retailers’ efforts to remove these items from the shelves.
“FDA’s priority is to make sure that cats and dogs have safe food to eat, said Stephen Sundlof, D.V.M., director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.” Many of us are pet owners and animal lovers, and we want pet owners to feel assured that we are doing everything we can to make sure that all contaminated food is off the shelves.”
In related news, Menu Foods, Inc., a private label manufacturer based in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada, expanded its recall on Tuesday, April 10, to cat food not previously subject to the recall. The varieties of cat food in the United States and Canada now being recalled are included in the list below. A complete list of Menu Foods' recalled products, including the new items, can be reviewed at www.menufoods.com.
The company acted after receiving information from FDA, which had confirmed test results it received from a laboratory at University of California, Davis. The UC-Davis lab found that canned cat food which had not been included in Menu Food’s earlier recalls tested positive for melamine, a chemical used as a fertilizer and in the manufacture of cutlery and kitchenware.
The company informed FDA that it had shipped wheat gluten purchased from China and contaminated with melamine from its Emporia, Kansas plant to its plant in Streetsville. Some of the products produced with the contaminated wheat gluten also were shipped to the United States. FDA investigators and officials with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency were in the Ontario facility on April 11.
Since March 16, recalls of pet food products, including certain varieties of dog food, have been conducted by Menu Foods, Inc., Hill’s Pet Nutrition, P&G Pet Care, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Del Monte Pet Products, and Sunshine Mills, Inc. Extensive information about the current pet food situation can be found at the FDA Web site, www.fda.gov. There is now a single list of all recalled pet food located at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fed_state/recalls/Recall.xls which will be updated with any new recall information when announced.
LIST OF NEWLY RECALLED PRODUCTS:
Cat Food
Brand
Look For This Date on The Bottom of Can or Back of Pouch
Sears and the United States Product Safety Commission have issued a hazard warning for the company's well known circular saw.
The company says the logo (pictured left) can partially detach and expose a portion of the blade. Sears reported that they knew of two such incidents, one of which caused an injury requiring 12 stitches.
The recall involves a 7-1/4-inch circular saw. The model numbers included are: 172.108550, 172.108560, 172.108650, and 172.108660. The model number is located on the circular saw's upper motor housing. Model numbers 172.108560 and 172.108650 have a gray body housing and a gray blade guard. Model numbers 172.108550 and 172.108660 have a black body housing and a gray blade guard. "Craftsman" is written on the label on the upper blade guard.
The organizations said that consumers should immediately remove the Craftsman label from the upper blade guard. For additional information, call Sears at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Menu Foods Pet Food Recall Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is being recalled?
On March 16, Menu Foods, Inc. of Streetsville, Ontario, Canada initiated a voluntary recall involving a large number of both dog and cat foods produced at its facilities in Emporia, Kansas and Pennsauken, N.J. between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold by many different distributors under a number of different brand names. At present, Menu Foods is recalling dog food products marketed by about 50 firms and cat food products marketed by about 40 firms. A full listing of all the recalled products can be found at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/. The affected products are moist (packaged in pouches) and canned diets. The products have been described as “cuts and gravy” style pet foods. Please see http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html
Q: What prompted the recall?
Menu Foods, Inc. initiated the voluntary recall after conducting routine tasting trials in which some animals developed kidney failure after eating the product being tested. The company had also received consumer complaints, some of which apparently involved kidney failure. The firm has undertaken extensive testing of the pet food products in question, but has not yet been able to find the source of the problem.
Q: When did Menu Foods first notify FDA of the problem and a possible recall?
On Thursday, March 15, 2007.
Q: What is wrong with the pet foods?
It is unclear what is causing the adverse effects reported by Menu Foods and pet owners. FDA is working with Menu Foods, pet owners, pet food companies, local veterinarians, and diagnostic laboratories to identify the source of the problem.
Q: Are only dog and cat foods involved in the recall?
Yes. The recall is only confined to pet food intended for dogs and cats. The affected products are moist (packaged in pouches) and canned diets. The products have been described as “cuts and gravy” style pet foods.
Q: What should I do if I have cat or dog food at home?
Please check the Menu Foods Recall Information at http://www.menufoods.com/recall/ to see if your pet food is involved in the recall.
If your pet food is not listed, the pet food is not affected by the recall and you can continue to feed it to your pets.
If the pet food is one of those being recalled, do NOT feed it to your animals. Feed your pets another pet food that is not included in the recall.
Q: Is dry dog or cat food affected by the recall?
At this time, no dry dog or cat food has been implicated in pet injury or death. The recall is confined to the list of products found at: http://www.menufoods.com/recall/.
Q: What should I do if I have cat and/or dog food included in the recall?
Do NOT feed the pet food to your animals. Return the pet food to the store where you purchased it and ask for a refund. Stores generally have a return and refund policy when a company has announced a recall of its products. If you cannot return the pet food immediately, store the food in a secure place where pets and children cannot get to it.
Q: What if my pet ate one of the dog and cat foods being recalled?
Monitor your pet. If your pet shows signs of illness (such as loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting), you should consult with your veterinarian immediately. If your pet is diagnosed with renal failure, we suggest you hold onto the food if the brand and lot numbers match the recall.
Q: If my dog or cat ate some of the recalled food, how soon after would I see any symptoms?
It’s difficult to say for sure, but usually within a couple of days. The important thing is to monitor your pet closely for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting. If your pet shows any of these signs, please consult your veterinarian.
Q: What if I took my dog or cat to the vet as a result of the recall and I want to be reimbursed for my vet bills?
The FDA recognizes that there may be financial costs associated with any veterinarian visit; however, reimbursement for veterinary care does not fall under FDA’s regulatory authority.
Q: What is FDA doing about the recall?
FDA is conducting an investigation and working with Menu Foods and affected pet food companies to ensure that the recall is effective, and to identify the source of the contaminant. FDA is continuing to collect and analyze product samples in an attempt to identify the source(s) of the contaminant. FDA will continue to release additional information as it becomes available.
Q: How many confirmed pet illnesses and deaths have been reported to the FDA?
It is difficult to determine confirmed illnesses and deaths associated with the recall. Since the recall was announced, FDA has received many complaints and we are following up. The FDA’s primary concern is in identifying the source of the contaminant, assuring that the recall is effective and providing information to the public.
Q: What if I need more information about the recall?
Consumers with questions may contact Menu Foods at 1-866-895-2708. Some of the other affected pet food companies whose products are included in the recall may also have consumer question lines. Check the product label of the pet food. Some firms have also notified FDA that they have issued press releases; links to these press releases are available on the FDA internet page, Pet Food Recall, at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html.
Q: What if I want to report an adverse action about a pet food? Consumers and veterinarians who wish to report adverse reactions or other problems can go to the FDA internet page at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to obtain contact information for the FDA complaint coordinator in their state. When reporting an adverse event or complaint, please try to have the following information:
Brand name and lot numbers for the pet food fed to your dog or cat when it was ill
If your pet received treatment by a veterinarian, the name, address, and telephone number of attending veterinarian
Date illness first noticed
Signs displayed
Any veterinary reports available
Q: What advice do you have for veterinarians concerned about this pet food recall?
Veterinarians who have case files and post mortem results relative to cases where renal failure is involved and the clients were feeding food involved in the recall are encouraged to contact FDA through the complaint coordinator in their state http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. FDA is gathering as much information as possible to identify the nature and the extent of the problem.
Q: I understand Menu Foods, Inc. is focusing on wheat gluten as the possible source of contaminant? Is this true?
Menu Foods, Inc. suspects that wheat gluten might be the source of contamination; however, as part of the ongoing investigation, FDA is looking at all ingredients.
Q: What is wheat gluten and how is it used in pet foods?
Wheat gluten is a mixture of two proteins obtained when flour of wheat is washed to remove the starch. One use of wheat gluten is as a filler and binder in wet-style, cuts-and-gravy-type pet food. It provides a gelatinous consistency and is used to thicken pet food "gravy." It also has uses in human food products as a stabilizer or thickener. It is not generally associated with food contamination; however, it could possibly become contaminated by a toxic mold or other substance.
Q: How does FDA regulate pet food?
The FDA's regulation of pet food is similar to that for other animal feeds. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) requires that pet foods, like human foods, be pure and wholesome, safe to eat, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and be truthfully labeled. In addition, canned pet foods must be processed in conformance with the low acid canned food regulations to ensure the pet food is free of viable microorganisms (see Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 113). There is no requirement that pet food products have premarket approval by FDA. However, FDA ensures that the ingredients used in pet food are safe and have an appropriate function in the pet food. Many ingredients such as meat, poultry, grains, and their byproducts are considered safe “foods” and do not require premarket approval. Other substances such as mineral and vitamin sources, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives may be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or must have approval as food additives. (See Title 21 CFR, Parts 73, 74, 81, 573 and 582). For more information about pet foods and marketing a pet food, see FDA’s Regulation of Pet Food and Information on Marketing A Pet Food Product.
Q: What are the labeling requirements for pet foods?
The FDA regulations require proper identification of the product, net quantity statement, name and place of business of the manufacturer or distributor, and a proper listing of all the ingredients in order from most to least, based on weight. Some states also enforce their own labeling regulations. Many of these regulations are based on a model provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). For more information about AAFCO, please visit its website. There are two documents on CVM’s web site that provide more details about labeling requirements: Interpreting Pet Food Labels and Interpreting Pet Food Labels -- Special Use Foods.
Q: Have there been other recalls involving pet foods?
Infantino and the United States Product Safety Commission have recalled the company's SlingRider Infant Carriers. According to the agency, plastic sliders on the unit can break and cause the child to fall. There have been ten reports of the slider breaking, resulting in multiple babies falling from the unit. In at least one case, a baby's skull was fractured. Consumers should stop using these carriers immediately and contact Infantino to return them and receive a free replacement product. Infantino's telephone number is (888) 808-3111 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. pacific time Monday through Friday.
This recall involves the Infantino SlingRider™ carriers with item numbers: 141-210; 151-210; 151-528; and 151-534. The SlingRider™ consists of a fabric carrier with a strap attached that is worn by the user to carry an infant up to 20 pounds. The carriers are sold in black or khaki. “Infantino” is printed on the plastic slider located on the strap. The item number is printed on a label inside the SlingRider.™ Products labeled “Made in Thailand” or “New 2007 Design” are not included in the recall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Fisher-Price Inc., has agreed to pay a $975,000 civil penalty. The penalty, which the Commission has provisionally accepted, settles allegations that the company failed to report to the government that a nail fastener in the Little People® Animal Sounds Farm could separate from the toy and pose a serious choking or aspiration hazard to young children.
About 67,000 Little People® Animal Sounds Farms were sold nationwide by Fisher-Price from June 2002 through July 2002. In September 2002, the company received its first report of a nail fastener coming loose from one of the toy barn’s stall doors. Over the next two months, Fisher-Price received nine additional reports, including one case of a child placing the nail fastener in her mouth.
By February 2003, Fisher-Price had received two reports of parents concerned that this problem posed a choking hazard to children and a report of a December 30, 2002 incident in which a 14-month old child aspirated a nail fastener into his lung. The child was taken to the hospital and underwent an emergency surgical procedure to have the metal nail fastener removed.
It was not until March 2003 that the company reported the safety hazard with the Little People® Animal Farm to the Commission. By that time, Fisher-Price was aware of at least 33 reports in which the nail fastener came loose from the stall doors. These included four reports of children who put the metal nail fastener in their mouths and the one case of the child who aspirated the nail fastener.
Federal law requires firms to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial risk of injury to the public, presents an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates a federal safety standard.
In April 2003, CPSC and Fisher-Price announced the recall of the Little People® Animal Sounds Farms and recommended that consumers take the toy away from young children immediately and contact the company to receive a free repair kit. Consumers can still call Fisher-Price anytime at (866) 259-7873 or order the repair kit online at www.service.mattel.com
In agreeing to settle the matter, Fisher-Price Inc. denies CPSC’s allegations that the company knowingly violated the law.
Prior to the loss of quorum, the Commission delegated authority to the Office of Compliance and Field Operations to settle this matter with Fisher-Price before March 1, 2007.
Volkswagen and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are recalling nearly 800,000 vehicles, dating back to model year 1999, because the brake lights might not function properly. A similar recall occurred in Europe last year and brings the total number of vehicles recalled over one million.
The company said that dealers would repair the problem now, but it would be at least one month before notifications were sent to customers, prompting them to visit a dealership to have the car repaired.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Fisher-Price have combined to announce a voluntary recall of 500,000 "Laugh and Learn Bunny Toys" because of a choking hazard.
The government agency reported that no injuries had occurred yet, but the toy company reacted quickly after learning that the nose could detach and pose a choking hazard.
This recall involves the Laugh and Learn Learning Bunny that measures about 10-inches tall. The yellow bunny with one green and one orange ear has musical and counting sound effects. The words, "Laugh and Learn" are printed on the bunny's shirt. Product numbers involved in the recall are: K0468, K2960, K2961, K2962, K2963, K2964, K2965, K3440, K6898, K7884, L0327, and K5862. The product numbers are located on the fabric tag sewn to the body of the bunny. Only bunnies with three dimensional pompom noses are included in this recall. Bunnies with flat or embroidered noses are not subject to this recall.
Again to its credit, the company has asked consumers to take the toy from a child and contact Fisher-Price to arrange a replacement toy of the consumer's choice. That is a classy way to end what could have been public relations nightmare.
For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (866) 447-5003 anytime.
Millions of household name products have been recalled this week by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The venerable Easy-Bake Oven, a childhood institution manufactured by Hasbro pictured right, has been blamed for injuring several dozen children whose hands were caught in the toy. An additional 5 children were treated for burns. As a result, the agency and company issued a statement that the toy should not be used by anyone under the age of eight years old.
The affected units have the number 65805 and Hasbro stamped into the plastic at the rear of the oven. Any unit sold before May 2006 is not included in this recall.
Consumers should contact Easy-Bake at (800) 601-8418 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. eastern time during any day to receive a free kit to repair the oven.
The company says that almost one million units are involved in the recall.
Another company recalling units is Maytag, the manufacturer of Maytag and Jenn-Air dishwashers. The company recalled 2.3 million units after receiving reports of 135 fires in the dishwasher.
Maytag says that liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher's internal warning and cause a fire. Units affected include Maytag and Jenn-Air under counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers with black, white, almond, bisque or stainless steel front panels.
The CPSC suggests consumers contact Maytag toll-free at (800) 675-0535 anytime to determine if their dishwasher is one of the units manufactured in a 4 year period that is covered by the recall.
e recall involves Maytag® and Jenn-Air® under counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers. The dishwashers have black, white, almond, bisque and stainless steel front panels. The following model and serial numbers are printed on a label located on the dishwasher�s plastic frame on top of or to the left of the door opening. Consumers should contact Maytag to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recall
