The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Recall of the Week: Slim-Fast canned shakes recalled due to possible health risk

All Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans are being recalled due to the possibility of bacterial contamination.

Unilever United States Inc. said the products may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a microorganism that may cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

The recall involves all Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products in cans, regardless of flavor, Best-By date, lot code, or UPC number.

No other Slim-Fast products – such as powdered shakes, meal bars, or snack bars – are part of the recall.

See the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announcement for details, which includes a link that lists all ready-to-drink recalled products.

The company is in the process of identifying and correcting the production issue, and will resume production and shipment of the product when the issue has been addressed and corrected.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged to discard them immediately.

Call Unilever at 800-896-9479 for information or details on how to obtain a refund. The Consumer Services Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

To learn about other recalls, see www.recalls.gov for details.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Airlines slapped with precedent-setting fines for tarmac delay

Continental Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines have been fined $100,000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation for their roles in causing the passengers on board Continental Express flight 2816 to remain on the aircraft at Rochester (Minn.) International Airport for an unreasonable period of time on Aug. 8, 2009.

Continental also provided a refund to each passenger and offered additional compensation to acknowledge his or her time and discomfort. In addition, the department assessed a civil penalty of $75,000 against Mesaba Airlines, which provided ground handling for the flight, for its role in the incident.

These precedent-setting enforcement actions are the first enforcement orders punishing carriers for extended tarmac delays, as well as the first time a carrier acting as a ground handler for another airline has been punished for failing to properly help passengers leave an aircraft during an unreasonably long tarmac delay.

“I hope that this sends a signal to the rest of the airline industry that we expect airlines to respect the rights of air travelers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We will also use what we have learned from this investigation to strengthen protections for airline passengers subjected to long tarmac delays.”

The Aviation Enforcement Office’s investigation found that all three carriers violated the law that prohibits unfair and deceptive practices in air transportation for their respective roles in the incident, in which a Continental Express flight from Houston to Minneapolis/St. Paul operated by ExpressJet was diverted to Rochester due to bad weather in Minneapolis.
 
The aircraft reached Rochester about 12:30 a.m. and the passengers were stranded aboard the aircraft until approximately 6:15 a.m. when they were finally deplaned into the terminal.

In November 2008, the department proposed a rule to enhance airline passenger protections, including a provision that would require airlines to adopt contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays and incorporate them in their contracts of carriage.  A final rule is expected by the end of this calendar year.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Stork Craft drop-side cribs that can entrap and suffocate infants

More than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs, including about 147,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo, are being recalled by Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc., of British Columbia.

The recall involves about 1.2 million cribs distributed in the United States and nearly 1 million in Canada.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges parents, grandparents, and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and don’t attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.

Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side, the commission advises.

The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break or deform, or parts can fall off. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts.

All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When detached, a space is created between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to suffocation.

Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.

The commission, Health Canada, and Stork Craft are aware of 110 incidents of drop-side detachment; 67 incidents occurred in the U.S. and 43 in Canada. The incidents include 15 entrapments; 12 in the U.S. and three in Canada. Four of the entrapments resulted in death.

Included in these incidents are 20 falls from cribs; 12 in the U.S. and eight in Canada. Fall injuries ranged from concussion to bumps and bruises.

The recall involves drop-side cribs with plastic hardware, but doesn’t include cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware.

See the commission’s announcement for information on how to identify the recalled cribs.

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Major retailers in the U.S. and Canada sold the recalled cribs including BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com. The cribs were sold from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.

For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at 877-274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, or log on to www.storkcraft.com.

Class action lawsuits are being filed in Canada against Stork Craft Manufacturing, ConsumerAffairs.com reports in its article “Stork Craft Facing Wave of Lawsuits.” The article also discusses flaws in Canadian consumer protection laws exposed by the crib recall.

To learn about other recalls, visit www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Top 10 worst toys of 2009

W.A.T.C.H., World Against Toys Causing Harm, has announced its 2009 10 Worst Toys list. It includes:

1. Disney-Pixar Wall-E Foam Rocket Launcher
2. Moon Board Pogo Board
3. Curious Baby Curious George Counting – My First Book of Numbers
4. The Dark Knight Batman Figure
5. X-Men Origins Slashin' Action Wolverine
6. Lots to Love Babies – “Mini Nursery”
7. Just Kidz Junior Musical Instruments
8. Cat “Rugged Mini”
9. Pucci Pups Maltese
10. Spy Gear Viper-Blaster

See “2009 '10 Worst Toys’ List” for details on why these toys were selected and what W.A.T.C.H. thinks needs to be done to improve toy safety.

W.A.T.C.H. is a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation founded by Edward M. Swartz, a trial lawyer and child safety advocate. W.A.T.C.H. has been issuing its worst toy list since 1973.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Watch your wallet on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

"Black Friday is soooo close. It’s my favorite holiday!!!"

"Debating whether or not to enjoy Black Friday shopping. Nothing really needed, just enjoy the thrill of the hunt."

"Old Navy started their Black Friday sales this morning [Tuesday]!"

That’s what three consumers writing on Twitter said about Black Friday, the big shopping day after Thanksgiving that got its name because it was the day that retailers started making money after being in the "red."

Black Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will attract up to 134 million shoppers this year, up from 128 million last year. According to the National Retail Federation, 57 million people say they will definitely hit the stores while another 77 million are waiting to see what retailers are planning before heading out the door.

Cyber Monday is a term coined by Shop.org in 2005, when retailers noticed a large increase of people shopping online on the Monday after Thanksgiving.

But don’t be stampeded into spending a lot of money this weekend or on Cyber Monday just because of all the news in the media about Black Friday and "how important it is to give the economy a much-needed boost."

The article "Dirty Secrets of Black Friday" describes these problems shoppers may run into on the big shopping day:

• Limited quantities.

• Derivatives offered, models that have a few less features than a standard model in that product line.

• No information on what Black Friday sales are offered online.

• Online deals that don’t get shipped.

• Rain checks that don’t result in the cheap Black Friday deal.

Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy organization, urges consumers to not get wound up in the hype about Black Friday:

So let me get this straight. One year after the financial sector took our economy to the brink of collapse, we’re rooting for Wall Street’s success, which depends on the willingness of consumers to spend as much as they can – most likely more than they can afford, since that’s how the financial sector makes its money– during the worst economy in 26 years and while 10.2 percent are unemployed? Sounds like some seriously misplaced priorities.

So make a plan for your holiday gift giving and spend only what you can afford. It will reduce your holiday stress and make for a happier new year.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Giving to others on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a time of love and joy, when we gather with family and friends to give thanks for our many blessings.

Although you may be busy with holiday preparations and money is tight for most of us, it’s a good time to remember, for those who are able, those who are less fortunate.

Here are some ideas for giving to others on Thanksgiving:

• Donate a Thanksgiving meal or food items to your local food bank.

• Visit older relatives or friends who are in nursing homes. If your relatives are far away, call a local nursing home and ask about residents who would be cheered by visitors.

• Make a donation to your local women’s shelter.

• Find out if you have any farms nearby that have community supported agriculture programs and join one. Consumers buy shares in the farm and in return receive boxes of produce during the growing season.

• Volunteer at a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and others in need in your community.

• Volunteer your time and vehicle to deliver meals or to drive people to community Thanksgiving dinners.

• Donate items or money to second-hand stores.

• Do research and find out ways you can help Native Americans in need.

• Organize a fund-raising effort at work to help those in need on Thanksgiving or donate if a program or project already is in place.

• Invite extra guests to your Thanksgiving dinner, people who are alone or neighbors who may have lost their jobs.

• Be sure to check out any organization you’re considering donating to at the Better Business Bureau Web site and the agency in your state that registers charities.

Have a joyous Thanksgiving Day and holiday.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Gas grills being recalled due to fire and burn hazards

Perfect Flame SLG Series Gas Grills, about 663,000 in the United States and about 1,700 in Canada, are being recalled due to possible burn hazards to consumers.

Manufactured in China by Lucas Innovation Inc. and imported by L G Sourcing Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C., the grill’s burners can deteriorate causing irregular flames and the lids of some models can catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to the consumer, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The firm has received about 40 reports of fires from the burners deteriorating and about 23 reports of the lids catching fire. The firm is aware of one report of an eye injury requiring surgery and 21 incidents of minor burns to the hands, arms, or face, according to the commission.

The recalled grills are SLG series "Perfect Flame" brand outdoor propane or natural gas grills. The grills are stainless steel and painted black or gray metal.

See the commission’s announcement for the model numbers involved in the recall. The model number can be found in the compartment under the cooking chamber. No other Perfect Flame model numbers are included in this recall.

The grills were sold at Lowe’s retail outlets nationwide from September 2005 through May 2009 for between $200 and $550 (U.S.) and in Canada from December 2007 through May 2009 for between $200 and $250 (Canada).

Consumers should immediately stop using the grills and contact L G Sourcing to receive free replacement burners and, depending on the model of the grill owned, a free replacement lid, the commission advises.

For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at 888-840-9590 anytime or visit www.lowes.com.

To learn about other consumer products that are being recalled, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How to choose a facility for your mammogram screening

Years ago, when I wrote about the possible dangers of radiation doses from mammograms, I followed the consumer recommendations to call facilities that offer mammograms and ask about the age of their equipment, equipment certification, and technician training.

In recent years, I’ve been lax about this important consumer research.

However yesterday, when listening to reports on National Public Radio about the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, I heard a doctor talk about the importance of selecting the best facility to do your mammogram.

The quality of mammography screening varies widely across the country. It’s important for baby boomer women to call the facilities they’re considering and ask questions.

To make a list of facilities, you can get information about local Food and Drug Administration-certified mammography facilities at the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service line at 800–4–CANCER or 800–422–6237. Also, a list of these facilities is on the FDA’s Web site at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMQSA/mqsa.cfm.

Here are questions to ask the facilities on your list:

• When did you purchase your equipment? Does the FDA certify it? When was the last inspection? Tell me about your maintenance program. Does the equipment produce digital or film images? Digital technology is newer, but it isn’t known yet whether is produces better results than film.

• How skilled are your technicians? Where were they trained and how long was the training? Do your technicians update their training?

• What's the expertise of the radiologist who interprets the films? Where was he or she trained? Do you have a radiologist that spends more than 50 percent of the time working in breast imaging?

• Does your facility specialize in mammograms? How many mammograms do you do a day?

• Does your facility do audit reviews at least twice a year, and is the radiologist routinely given the results of these reviews? Audit reviews are a form of quality control. The facility should compare the mammogram interpretations with the results of the breast biopsies in order to regularly test the accuracy of the radiologists’ decisions.

• What dose of radiation does your equipment emit for a mammogram?

When you get to the facility for your mammogram, ask to see the MQSA certificate and check its expiration date. MQSA means the Mammogram Quality Standards Act. MQSA regulations also require mammography facilities to give patients an easy-to-read report on the results of their mammogram.

If you are satisfied that the facility is of high quality, continue to go there on a regular basis so that your mammograms can be compared from year to year.

For more information, see “Choosing a Mammogram Facility” and “How to Select a Mammography Facility.”

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Maclaren strollers recalled after 12 fingertips severed

About one million strollers, distributed by Maclaren USA Inc., of South Norwalk, Conn., are being recalled.

The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

The firm has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller.

The models included in the recall are Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller.

Manufactured in China, the strollers were sold at Babies “R” Us, Target, and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit, the commission advises.

For additional information, contact Maclaren USA toll-free at 877-688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall.

Maclaren’s Web site went down when the recall was announced last week due to thousands of consumers trying to get information about the recall, according to an article on The Consumerist Web. It’s back up now and functioning for consumer use.

The Consumerist also reports that Maclaren was aware fingers could be amputated its strollers’ hinge mechanism. See the article “Stroller Company Maclaren Knew About Amputation Risk Five Years Ago.”

To learn more about recalls of consumer products, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What are the most dangerous times to drive?

More than 40,000 people are killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes every year. That’s about 110 people daily throughout the nation.

Motor vehicle traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for all Americans between 2 and 34 years of age, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What times are the worst for traffic accidents?

Forbes magazine calculated the most dangerous times to drive using crash reports from the administration, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Study. Its researchers also examined studies from the University of California at Berkeley’s Traffic Safety Center.

Knowing when the most fatal traffic collisions occur can help consumers make decisions on when to stay off the roads.

Time of day also is important when considering traffic safety because other dangerous factors increase at night: drunk driving, speeding, and driving without a seat belt, the Forbes article reports.

Most dangerous times to drive:

• Daytime hours. An average of 6.6 people are killed between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., with another 6.6 killed between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. These are the highest daytime rates.

• At night. Midnight to 4 a.m. have the highest number of fatalities when calculated as a percentage of the amount of people on the road; 5.87 per 100 million people.

• Day of the Week. Saturday has the highest total number of fatalities, with an average of 158 each Saturday.

• Month. August had the most total deaths on the road in 2008 with a total of 3,612.

• Day of the year. July 4, Independence Day, is the most dangerous day of the year to drive. In 2007, 926 people were killed in auto accidents on July 4.

• Holiday weekend. Thanksgiving is the deadliest holiday weekend on the road, when daily totals are averaged over a several-day period around the holiday.

Other activities that can increase your risk of having a fatal traffic crash:

• Cell phone usage. Using a cell phone while driving nearly quadruples the risk of crashing.

• Speeding. In 2006, 32 percent of fatalities were directly related to speeding.

• Seatbelt unbuckled. Fifty-five percent of traffic fatalities in 2006 didn’t wear a seatbelt. Seventy-one percent of those fatalities occurred between midnight and 3 a.m.

• Driving drunk. More than 12,995 people died in alcohol-related crashes in 2007. Alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was four times higher at night than during the day – 36 percent versus 9 percent.

• First day after a snowstorm. The first snowy day of the year is more dangerous for drivers than other snow days in terms of fatalities. Fatal accidents were 14 percent more likely on the first snowy day of the season compared with later ones.

Drive safely, especially with winter weather beginning to descend upon us.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Journalist