The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Recall of the Week: Fairbank Farms beef recalled due to E. coli outbreak; 28 illnesses, two deaths reported

Fairbank Farms, of Ashville, N.Y., is recalling about 546,00 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.


FSIS became aware of the problem during an investigation of a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. Working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health and agriculture departments, FSIS determined that there is an association between the fresh ground beef products subject to recall and illnesses.

The cluster includes 28 persons from 12 states infected with matching strains of E. coli O157:H7, reports the CDC.  

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: California – one; Connecticut – four; Massachusetts – eight; Maryland – one; Maine – two; Minnesota – one; New Hampshire – four; New Jersey – one; New York – one; Pennsylvania – two; South Dakota – two; Vermont – one.

States where persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 live, from Aug. 21, 2009, to Nov. 2, 2009

The first reported illness began on Aug. 18, 2009, and the last began on Oct. 10, 2009, according to the CDC. However, all but two patients reported becoming ill between Sept. 17 and Oct. 10, 2009.

Sixteen patients are reported to have been hospitalized, and three developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. Two deaths have been reported, according to the CDC. Sixty-seven percent of patients are male and 43 percent are less than 18 years old.

Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a physician.



Among the stores that sold the recalled products are Trader Joes, Price Chopper, Lancaster and Wild Harvest, Shaw's, BJ's, Ford Brothers, and Giant. See the FSIS announcement for a list of the products recalled.

Most of the beef packages in the recall bear the establishment number "Est. 492" inside the USDA mark of inspection and have identifying package dates of "091509" or "091609."

Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for beef products produced by this firm and purchased on or after Sept. 15, 2009. They should discard or return the recalled beef products to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers with questions about the source of a package of beef should contact the grocery store, club store, or meat market where they purchased it, advises the CDC.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors, and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.


FSIS and the CDC advise consumers to safely prepare raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a temperature of 160° F.

The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature.

See “Is It Done Yet?” for details and food safety resources.


Consmers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov.

A toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Halloween flashlights sold at Target recalled due to burn hazard

About 610,000 flashlights sold at Target are being recalled because the flashlights can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to consumers, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Manufactured by DGI LLC, of Warren, N.J., and Tien Hsing, of Wanchai, Hong Kong and imported by Target, of Minneapolis, Minn., the flashlights have been the subject of eight reports of overheating and melting, including one report of burns to the hand.

The recall involves two types of Halloween-themed flashlights: the mini flashlights and flashlights sold with stencils.

Mini Flashlights – The mini flashlights have a key ring extending from the bottom and were sold in a pack of three colors: orange, green, and black. The orange and purple packaging has “Mini Flashlights (3 Pack)” printed on the front and “DGI,” “Made in China,” and “DPCI# 234-02-1813” printed on the back.

Standard Size Flashlights – Also included in the recall are standard-sized flashlights with a black handle and an orange top. The flashlights were sold with six stencils in various colors and images: a pumpkin, ghost, spider, cat, witch, and skull & cross-bones. “Flashlight with Stencil” is printed on the front and “Tien Hsing,” “Made in China,” and ”234 02 1838” is printed on the back of the packaging.

The flashlights were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide from August 2009 through September 2009 for $1 for the mini flashlights and $2.50 for the flashlights with stencils.

Consumer should immediately stop using the flashlights and return the product to any Target store for a full refund, advises the commission.

For additional information, contact Target at 800-440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Ford vehicles due to fire danger

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is alerting owners of Ford vehicles about a fire hazard involving an additional 4.5 million vehicles in the latest in a series of related recalls.

Including the latest announcement, there has been a total of eight safety recalls involving approximately 16 million Ford vehicles equipped with a faulty cruise control deactivation switch manufactured by Texas Instruments.

The switch can leak hydraulic fluid, overheat and then burn, potentially causing vehicle fires even with the ignition turned off and the vehicles parked and unattended, reports the administration.

Visit www.SaferCar.gov for more information on the previous recalls.

“These hazardous cruise control switches pose a safety risk even while the cruise control is not in use and vehicles are turned off or unattended,” cautioned U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in an advisory about the recall. “I urge consumers to pay attention to this warning and bring the affected models in to have them repaired as soon as possible.”

Today’s recall involves a total of approximately 4.5 million vehicles, including:

•    1995-2003 model year Ford Windstars
•    2000-2003 model year Ford Excursion diesels
•    1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty diesels
•    1992-2003 Ford Econolines
•    1995-2002 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers
•    1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Rangers
•    1994 Ford F53 motorhomes

The safety agency warned consumers to be on the look out for certain warnings of possible imminent fires, including cruise control systems that stop working or can’t be activated, brake lights that stop working, brake lights and ABS warning lights illuminating on the dash board, or not being able to get the vehicle out of park.

All owners of recalled Ford vehicles should immediately make appointments with their dealers and not park their vehicles in garages or near homes until repairs are made, the administration recommends.

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ConsumerAffairs.com has been following the fire hazard issue with Ford vehicles for years and calls the recall “the latest in a series of too-little, too-late recalls” in the article “Ford Recalls Millions of Vehicles to Fix Fire Danger.”

See the article “Ford F150 Engine Fires,” also by ConsumerAffairs.com, to read accounts from consumers whose vehicles have caught on fire.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Trudeau garlic duo slicers

  

About 22,000 Trudeau garlic duo slicers manufactured by the Trudeau Corporation, of Canada, are being recalled.

The garlic duo’s slicer blades can break during use, posing a laceration hazard to users, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The firm has received four reports of the product’s slicer blades breaking. No injuries were reported.

Manufactured in China sold at department and retail stores nationwide for about $20, the product is a combination garlic press and slicer.

Recalled model numbers 998009, 998010, or 998010CB were printed on the product’s packing card, hang tag, or UPC label, but not on the product. The units have "Trudeau" embossed on the handle.

Consumers should stop using the recalled garlic duo immediately, the commission advises, and contact Trudeau for directions on how to return the recalled product. Consumers will receive a free replacement garlic press and a complimentary set of three flipper measuring spoons.

For additional information, contact Trudeau toll-free at 888-887-8332 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday to Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.trudeaucorp.com.

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

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Office Max task chairs

About 216,000 Office Max task chairs imported by OfficeMax Inc., of Naperville, Ill., are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The back and the base post of the chair can break while in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers, according to the commission.

OfficeMax has received about 35 reports of the chair backs or posts breaking, including 15 reports of injuries involving lacerations, muscle strains, contusions, and concussions.

The recall involves OfficeMax task chairs with model numbers OM182 and OM96614. The model number is located under the chair’s seat on a white UPC label.

The chairs are charcoal or dark charcoal in color and have black plastic arms and a rolling plastic and metal base.

Manufactured in China, the chairs were sold at OfficeMax stores nationwide, on the firm’s Web site www.officemax.com, in OfficeMax catalogs, and through direct commercial sales to businesses from September 2003 through July 2008 for between $40 and $65.

Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and return them to any OfficeMax store for a full refund or a $55 gift card if the consumer doesn’t have a receipt, advises the commission.

For additional information, contact OfficeMax at 800-283-7674 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.officemax.com.

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

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Frigidaire and Kenmore elite smoothtop electric ranges

 

About 200,000 Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite smoothtop electric ranges are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Manufactured by Frigidaire, a division of Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Augusta, Ga., the surface heating elements can:

• Turn on spontaneously without being switched on.

• Fail to turn off after being switched off.

• Heat to different temperatures than selected.

These failures pose a fire and burn hazard to consumers, according to the commission.

Frigidaire has received 126 reports of incidents, including four reports of minor burns and two reports of minor property damage.

The recall involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional, and Kenmore Elite smoothtop electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. See the commission’s news release for the model and serial numbers that are included in the recall.

The model and serial number can be found by opening the range drawer at the base of the unit.

Manufactured in the United States, the ranges were sold at Sears and other national chain and independent retailers nationwide from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

Consumers should stop using the recalled ranges immediately and contact Frigidaire or Sears to schedule a free repair, the commission advises.

For additional information, contact Frigidaire at 800-449-9812 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday or visit the firm’s recall Web site at www.smoothtoprangerecall.com.

Consumers who purchased their products at Sears should call Sears at 800-449-9810 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.

To find out about other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Blinds and shades being recalled due to risks of strangulation

About 15,400 horizontal, 16,400 vertical, and 800 cellular shades by Vertical Land Inc., of Panama City Beach, Fla., are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The hazards are:

Horizontal blinds – The blinds don’t have inner cord stop devices to prevent the accessible inner cords from being pulled out. If an inner cord is pulled out, a child can become entangled in the loop and strangle.

Vertical blinds – Strangulations can occur if a child’s neck becomes entangled on the freestanding loop formed by the bead chain or by the cord with a weighted device.

Cellular shades – Strangulations can occur if a child’s neck becomes entangled on the shade’s freestanding looped cord.

In May 2006, the commission received a report of a 4-year-old girl from Pensacola, Fla., who strangled in the loop of a vertical blind cord that wasn’t attached to the wall or floor.

The recall involves all Vertical Land custom-made vertical and cellular window coverings that don’t have a cord tensioning device and horizontal blinds that don’t have inner cord stop devices.

A sticker identification label can be found on the head rail of some of the window coverings, which lists the company’s name, address, and telephone number.

Vertical Land stores in Panama City and Pensacola, Fla., sold the blinds and shades from January 1992 through December 2006 for between $60 and $200, depending on the size of the blind.

Consumers should immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Vertical Land to receive a free retrofit kit, the commission advises.

Call Vertical Land at 800-423-8653 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to obtain the retrofit kit or obtain other information.

Other recalls for shades and blinds are:

Roller shades by Lurton Electronics Co. Inc., of Coopersburg, Pa.

Thermal sailcloth and matchstick bamboo Roman shades sold at Target.

Roman shades distributed by Pottery Barn Kids/Williams-Sonoma, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif.

MELINA Roman blinds by IKEA Home Furnishings.

Oval roll-up blinds and Woolrich Roman shades sold at Target.

To find out about other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Durabrand DVD players sold by Wal-Mart

About 1.5 million Durabrand DVD players are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Manufactured in China and imported by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark., the DVD players can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers, according to the commission.

Wal-Mart has received 12 reports of DVD players overheating, five of which have resulted in fires that caused property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves a single DVD player with a remote control. The device is silver colored and has a U-shaped opening at the top to insert the DVD.

The DVD players were sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from January 2006 through July 2009 for about $29.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the nearest Wal-Mart for a full refund, the commission recommends.

For additional information, contact Wal-Mart Stores at 800-925-6278 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.walmartstores.com.

For more information on recalled consumer products, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Psyclone Essentials and React Wii™ 4-dock battery recharge stations

About 220,000 Psyclone Essentials and React Wii™ 4-dock battery recharge stations are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Manufactured in China and distributed by Griffin International Cos. Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., the battery pack can overheat, posing a burn or fire hazard to the consumer, according to the commission.

Six incidents of overheating have been reported to the firm. Two consumers reported minor burns to the hand.

The Wii 4-dock recharge station includes a white docking station with four recharge stations and a four rechargeable battery pack.

Brand names are on the front of the packaging and the model numbers, Psyclone (PSE6501) and React (RT530), can be found on the bottom side of the product.

The Psyclone Essentials brand was sold at Target, Toys R Us, and Amazon.com nationwide. React was sold at Best Buy stores nationwide.

Both were sold from January 2008 through July 2009 for about $50.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recharge stations and contact Griffin International to obtain information on how to return the product and receive a free replacement, the commission advises.

For additional information, contact Griffin International toll free at 888-344-4702 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, e-mail productsafety@psyclonegamer.com, or visit www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock.

For more information on recalled products, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat, and White-Westinghouse clothes washers

About 35,000 Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat, and White-Westinghouse clothes washers are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Manufactured in the United States and distributed by Frigidaire, of Cleveland, Ohio, the washer’s pump has an internal defect that can cause heat to build up, posing a fire hazard to the consumer.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Crosley, Frigidaire, Kelvinator, Kenmore, Wascomat, and White-Westinghouse top load washers, 3.1 cubic foot front-load washers and laundry centers.

Click here for information on model and serial numbers.

Model and serial numbers can be located as follows:

Top load washer: open the product’s lid, and the model and serial number are located inside the product’s lid, on the top, right hand corner.

Front-load washer: open the door, and the model and serial number are located with other information at the top, center.

Laundry center: open the door to the dryer, and the model and serial number are located on the outer edge of the door nearest the door’s handle.

The washers and laundry centers were sold at Sears and other retailers nationwide from February 2009 through May 2009 for between $300 and $1,100.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the machine, advises the commission. Consumers should contact Frigidaire or Sears – if unit was purchased there – to schedule a free repair.

For additional information, contact Frigidaire at 800-734-4519 between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.laundrypumprecall.com.

For consumers who purchased their product at Sears, call Sears’ toll free at 888-549-5870 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, or visit Sears’ Web site at www.sears.com.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist