The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Recall of the Week: Denver Global Products multi-purpose yard vehicles due laceration, fire hazards

Denver Global Products is recalling about 11,000 multi-purpose yard vehicles.

The mower blades can detach during use or start without being activated by the operator and the vehicle can move forward unexpectedly, posing a laceration hazard, said the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition, the fuel lines can leak, posing a fire hazard.

Denver Global Products has received 82 reports of blades detaching, one of which resulted in lacerations and bruising to a bystanders legs, and three reports of mower blades starting without the operator activating them with no reported injuries. There have also been three reports of unintended vehicle movement with no reported injuries and 34 reports of fuel leaking with no reported injuries.

The recalled products are Raven multi-purpose yard vehicles manufactured between December 26, 2012 and May 7, 2013. The vehicles are gas-powered four-wheeled vehicles designed to be used as a lawn mower, garden tractor, or portable generator.

The recalled vehicles have a cargo bed and a detachable 46-inch cutting deck. The vehicles are black with red grab-rails on either side of the rear cargo bed, red center panels on the seat and hood, and red front suspension components.

The first six digits of the serial number indicate the manufacture date in a MM/DD/YY format. The serial number is on an identification plate attached to the lower right-hand chassis rail near the front wheel. “Denver Global Products Inc.,” “Model # MPV710-001,” “1-888-321-5700,” and “www.denverglobal.com” can also be found on the identification plate.

Manufactured in the United States, the yard vehicles were sold only at Lowe’s Stores nationwide between January 2013 and May 2013 for about $3,000.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles, the company and commission advise. Turn off the key switch and remove the key, apply the parking brake, and remove the green and the yellow fuses from the white plastic fuse holders on the right hand side under the seat.

Return the unit to the nearest Lowe’s store for a full refund. The firm is contacting consumers directly.

For more information, call Denver Global Products at 888-321-5700 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit www.denverglobal.com and select Partner Websites, then click on MPV-710 Refund Program, or go to www.thempv.com and click on the MPV-710 Refund Program at the bottom of the page.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor Pads due to strangulation hazard

Angelcare Monitors Inc., of Quebec, Canada, is announcing a recall to provide cord covers for 600,000 Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor Pads.

The cord attached to the baby monitor’s sensor pad is placed under the crib mattress, which poses a strangulation risk if the child pulls the cord into the crib and it becomes wrapped around the neck.

Angelcare and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have received reports of two infant cord strangulation deaths.

In November 2011, a 13-month-old female died in San Diego, Calif., and, in August 2004, an 8-month-old female died in Salem, Oregon. In both fatalities, the cord from the sensor pads was pulled into the crib by the infant.

In addition, two reports have been made of infants who became entangled in cords of Angelcare baby monitor models, which didn’t result in fatalities.

The recall involves the Movement and Sound Monitor manufactured by Angelcare. The baby monitor includes a sensor pad placed inside the crib, under the mattress, to monitor the baby’s movements. An electrical cord about 11 feet long is connected from the sensor pad to the nursery monitor unit.

The recall involves all versions of Angelcare sensor monitors including model numbers: AC1100, AC201, AC300, AC401, AC601 and 49255 that didn’t include rigid cord covers. The model number is located on the back of the nursery monitor unit. The monitors were manufactured between 1999 and 2013.

Angelcare is providing consumers with a repair kit that includes rigid protective cord covers through which the sensor pad cords can be threaded, a new, permanent electric cord warning label about the strangulation risk, and revised instructions.

The recalled baby monitors were sold at Babies R Us/Toys R Us, Burlington Coat Factory, Meijer, Sears, Walmart, Amazon.com, Target.com, Overstock.com, and nearly 70 small baby specialty stores from October 1999 through September 2013. The cost was about $100 to $300.

Consumers should immediately make sure cords are placed out of reach of the child and contact Angelcare at 855-355-2643 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.angelcarebaby.com to order the free repair kit.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Safety alert on baby monitor cords

In February 2011, the commission issued a safety alert warning consumers that seven strangulations from baby monitor cords have occurred since 2002. Since that alert, the number of death reports has risen to eight including the two involving the Angelcare monitors with sensor cords.

The commission advises parents to create a safety zone of at least three feet around a crib. See Infants Can Strangle in Baby Monitor Cords for more information.

The commission is conducting an education campaign with Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, in which Angelcare is participated, to raise awareness on the hazards associated with baby monitor cords.

Parents and caregivers can visit the commission’s Crib Information Center at www.cpsc.gov/cribs for more baby monitor cord safety information.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Ready-to-eat salads, wraps due to E. coli contamination

Glass Onion Catering of Richmond, Calif., is recalling more than 90 tons of ready-to-eat salads and wraps because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria.

The recalled items were produced between Sept. 23 and Nov. 6, 2013 and shipped to distribution centers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Texas. Retailers selling the products are Walgreens, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods.

 

Twenty-six people were identified in three states with E. coli O157:H7 from Sept. 29 to Oct. 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

The FSIS and company are concerned that some products may be in consumers’ refrigerators. The FSIS advises consumers to destroy the products.

The company said that the products are being recalled along with other foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

A full list of itemsts being recalled will be available on FDA’s website at: www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Recalls/default.htm.

Consumers with questions can contact Tom Atherstone, company president, at 510-236-8905 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrhea illness that often has bloody stools. Although most healthy adults recover in a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: One World Technologies Ryobi battery chargers due to fire and burn hazard

One World Technologies is recalling Ryobi P113 dual chemistry battery chargers – about 578,000 in the United States and 49,000 in Canada.

The chargers can malfunction, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

One World Technologies has received 25 reports of the P113 charger overheating, resulting in damage to the charger and its surroundings such as workbenches, countertops, and carpeting.

The Ryobi model P113 battery charger is designed for use with NiCd and Li-Ion portable power tool batteries.

Battery chargers included in this recall are green and grey and have “Ryobi” printed in white lettering on the front of the charger. The model number and date code can be found on the data plate on the bottom of the charger. Model P113 chargers with year/week (YY/WW) date codes between 0731-0852, without a nine-digit part number, are included in the recall. 

Made in China, the battery chargers were sold at Direct Tools Factory Outlet, The Home Depot, and other retail stores nationwide and online at Homedepot.com from September 2007 to December 2009 individually and as part of a kit for between $30 and $270.

Consumers should immediately remove any battery from the charger, stop using the recalled charger, unplug it, and contact One World Technologies for a free replacement charger, the company and commission advise. 

For more information, call One World Technologies 800-597-9624 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.ryobitools.com and click on Important Safety Information at the bottom of the page.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: HeathCo motion-activated outdoor lights due to electric shock hazard

HeathCo is recalling about 210,000 Motion-Activated Outdoor Lights in the U.S. and 13,000 in Canada.

The internal fixture wiring can energize the entire surface and fittings of the fixture, posing an electrical shock hazard, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. No injuries have been reported.

This recall includes multiple Heath/Zenith Motion Activated Outdoor Lights used for porch lighting. The lights come in 21 designs with a variety of finishes and are designed to turn on at night when motion is detected. The lights replace a standard outdoor wall-mounted light fixture.

The brand name and model number can be found on a label located on the back of the motion sensor for wall-mounted models, or underneath the motion sensor cover for ceiling-mounted models. Click here to see a list of the brand names with their model numbers included in the recall.

Consumers should immediately stop using the lights and turn off the power switch before removing the light from its mounting, the company and commission advise. Contact the company for instructions on how to return the light fixture and receive a free replacement.

Manufactured in China, the outdoor lights were sold at large home improvement retailers, lighting, electrical, and other retail stores nationwide, and online from December 2006 to July 2013 for between $50 and $120.

For more information, call HeathCo 855-704-5438 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, e-mail hzproductnotice@heathcollc.com, or visit the company’s website at www.heath-zenith.com and click on “Recall.” 

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Ready-to-eat salads with chicken due to Listeria contamination

Boston Salads and Provisions Co. Inc. is recalling about 223,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken salad products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said Thursday

The products were produced between Aug. 23 and Oct. 14 and shipped to wholesalers for distribution to retailers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Click here to see a list of the products being recalled.

Case labels or packaging may bear the sell by dates ranging from “9/13/2013” through “11/4/2013” as well as the establishment number “P-17999” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Although products included in this recall may be expired, FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen in consumer or retail freezers.

The problem was discovered when the New Hampshire Department of Public Health found that two samples tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health was alerted to the findings and tested samples of product, with two testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes. The Massachusetts department then alerted FSIS of the positive results.

The firm’s investigation has identified a likely source of the contamination. FSIS is continuing to work with federal and state public health officials on the investigation.

FSIS and the company haven’t received reports of illnesses from consumers who have eaten the products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, children, and pregnant women and their newborns. People outside these risk groups can also be affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions sometimes after people have had diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the Sales Department of Boston Salads at 617-307-6340, ext. 21.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Toyota Camry, Avalon, Venza models due to clogged air conditioning, air bag issues

Toyota is recalling more than 800,000 vehicles from model years 2012-2013.

In the Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles involved, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to pool at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The water could leak through a seam onto the air bag control module, possibly causing a short circuit.

A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy.

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge.

The manufacturer hasn’t provided a notification schedule, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331.

Owners can also contact the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Consumer Food Safety Alert: Multistate outbreak of drug resistant Salmonella Heidelberg infections linked to Foster Farms brand chicken

As of Oct. 11, 317 persons from 20 states and Puerto Rico have been infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg.

Forty-two percent people who have become ill have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of those who are ill, 73 percent, are from California.

Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials indicate that eating Foster Farms brand chicken is the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections, according to the CDC.

On Oct. 7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a Public Health Alert due to concerns that illness caused by Salmonella Heidelberg was associated with chicken products produced by Foster Farms at three facilities in California.

In the alert, the USDA-FSIS said, at this point in the investigation, it was unable to link the illnesses to a specific product and a specific production period. However, the agency did say that raw products from the plants in question bear one of the plant numbers inside a USDA mark of inspection or elsewhere on the package:

• “P6137”

• “P6137A”

• “P7632”

The products were mainly distributed to retail outlets in California, Oregon, and Washington state.

On Oct. 7, USDA-FSIS notified Foster Farms of the intent to withhold the marks of inspection and suspend the assignment of inspectors at the three plants in California unless the firm submitted plans to prevent the persistent recurrence of Salmonella contamination.

The investigation is ongoing, said the CDC, adding USDA-FSIS is prepared to take additional actions or expand the investigation based on new evidence.

The outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg are resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics, the CDC said. This antibiotic resistance may be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

Since it’s not unusual for raw poultry from any producer to have Salmonella bacteria, the CDC and USDA-FSIS recommend consumers follow food safety tips to prevent Salmonella infection from raw poultry produced by Foster Farms or any other brand.

On Oct. 10, USDA-FSIS announced that Foster Farms submitted and carried out immediate changes to their slaughter and processing to allow for continued operations.

No Foster Farms recall, but two companies recall its products

This is the second outbreak of Salmonella in Foster Farms products in a year. The company hasn’t issued a recall in either case, rather is relying on informing consumers on how to cook raw chicken so any possible pathogens are destroyed.

On Oct. 8, The Kroger Co. – including Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers/City Market, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Smith's, and QFC – responded to the USDA-FSIS public health alert on Salmonella Heidelberg by removing products from the three plants from sale. The USDA-FSIS hasn’t linked other Foster Farms facilities to the outbreak.

On Oct. 12, USDA-FSIS announced Costco’s El Camino Real store in San Francisco, Calif., is recalling 9,043 units – about 39,755 lbs. – of rotisserie chicken products that may be contaminated with a strain of Salmonella Heidelberg.

The products included in this recall are:

• 8,730 “Kirkland Signature Foster Farms” rotisserie chickens.

• 313 total units of “Kirkland Farm” rotisserie chicken soup, rotisserie chicken leg quarters, and rotisserie chicken salad.

Consumer Reports calls for recall

As part of its testing program of the safety of meat and poultry, Consumer Reports found a strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in a Foster Farms raw chicken sample that matched one of the strains associated with the current illness outbreak. 

USDA-FSIS has oversight over meat and poultry production in the United States, however, they don’t have authority to mandate a recall, except if a particular food is directly identified as making someone sick. To date, USDA-FSIS hasn’t requested a voluntary recall, and Consumer Reports, is calling on them to do so.

“It is outrageous that Foster Farms has not issued a recall in the face of so many illnesses associated with their product,” said Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., toxicologist and executive director of the Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center.

“We are calling on Foster Farms and the retail outlets that sell Foster Farms to recall the chicken processed at these plants,” Rangan said. “Foster Farms has a responsibility to public health to take this step.”

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: APC SurgeArrest surge protectors due to fire hazard

Schneider Electric IT Corp. is recalling about 15 million APC SurgeArrest surge protectors.

The surge protectors can overheat, smoke, and melt, posing a fire hazard, said the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The firm has received 700 reports of the surge protectors overheating and melting and 55 claims of property damage from smoke and fire, including $916,000 in fire damage to a home and $750,000 in fire damage to a medical facility. There are 13 reports of injuries, including smoke inhalation and contact burns from touching the overheated surge protectors.

This recall involves APC 7 and 8 series SurgeArrest surge protectors manufactured before 2003. The model and serial numbers are located on a label on the bottom of the surge protector. The two numbers that follow the first letter or letters in the serial number sequence indicate the year of manufacture.

The unit is included in the recall if the numbers are 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, or 02. APC and the words Personal, Professional, Performance, or Network are printed on the surge protectors. Click here to see the model numbers included in this recall.

Manufactured in China and the Philippines, the surge protectors were sold at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, and other stores nationwide from January 1993 through December 2002 for between $13 and $50. 

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled surge protectors, unplug them, and contact Schneider Electric for a free replacement surge protector, the company and commission advise.

For more information from Schneider Electric IT Corp., call 888-437-4007 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit http://recall.apc.com or www.apc.com and click on the Recall link to submit a claim.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Garden Fresh Foods ready-to-eat chicken and ham products due to Listeria contamination

Milwaukee-based Garden Fresh Foods is recalling about 19,000 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and ham products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service said.

These products are being recalled along with a recall by the same company of products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. See this list of recalled products on the FDA’s website.

Products regulated by FSIS have the establishment number “EST. 17256” or “Est. P-17256” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Click here for a listing.

The products were distributed to retail and food service establishments nationwide. They include several kinds of chicken and ham salads sold under the following brands: Market Pantry, Archer Farms, D'Amico and Sons, Finest Traditions, Garden Fresh, and Weis.

The FDA discovered the problem due to testing at the company’s facility.

The FDA, FSIS, and company haven’t received reports of illnesses from consumers who have eaten these products. If people have concerns, they should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the company at 800-645-3367.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist