The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to Farm Rich brand frozen food

Twenty four people infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 have been reported from 15 states.

• 78 percent are 21 years of age or younger.

• 33 percent have been hospitalized. One person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state public health officials are interviewing those infected to obtain information about foods they might have eaten and other exposures in the week before illness.

The information available indicates that eating Farm Rich brand frozen food products is one likely source of infection for the ill people in this outbreak, the CDC said.

Testing conducted by the New York State Department of Health identified the outbreak strain of STEC O121 in an open package of Farm Rich brand frozen chicken quesadillas from an ill person’s home.

On March 28, Rich Products Corporation recalled about 196,000 pounds of Farm Rich brand frozen chicken quesadillas and several other frozen mini meals and snack items because they might be contaminated with E. coli O121. The recall is nationwide.

Consumers should check their freezers for recalled Farm Rich brand frozen food products. They shouldn’t eat the recalled frozen food products and should dispose of any remaining products, the CDC advises.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company's consumer line at 888-220-5955 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or visit the company website at www.farmrich.com.

Farm Rich said on its website it will provide consumers with a refund or replacement.

The 24 infected people live in these states. Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are also currently conducting investigations to determine the source of infections in this outbreak.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Lighting Science Group LED light bulbs due to fire hazard

Lighting Science Group is recalling about 554,000 LED light bulbs.

The bulbs can overheat during use, posing a fire hazard, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

Lighting Science Group is aware of 68 incidents of product failures, eight of which were accompanied by visible smoke or fire conditions. The incidents include damage to light sockets, melted fixtures, burned rugs/carpet/ floors, and damage to a circuit and lamp. There have been no reports of personal injuries.

The 120-volt LED bulbs, sold as 6-, 8-, and 9-watt bulbs (equivalent to 40 or 50 watts), were marketed under the brand names Definity, EcoSmart, Sylvania, and Westinghouse.

The model numbers A19, G25, and R20/PAR20 are found on the packaging and on the light-colored circular neck above the base of the bulb where the date code is also printed.

The date code has the week and year of manufacture: for example, date code L4010 was produced during the 40th week of 2010. The date codes may have the letters "CH " or "MX " at the end. For example, date code L4010 can also appear as L4010CH or L4010MX. Click here to see the date codes of the recalled light bulbs.

Manufactured in China, with a small number of products having final assembly in Florida or Mexico, the light bulbs were sold at various retailers including hardware, lighting, and electrical supply stores.

Consumers should immediately remove the bulbs from sockets and lamps and contact Light Science Group for replacement bulbs, the company and commission advise.

For further information, call Lighting Science Group at 855-574-2533 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.lsgc.com/recall.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: White House | Black Market women’s shoes due to fall hazard

White House | Black Market is recalling 13,500 pairs of high heel shoes.

The heels on the shoes can become unstable, posing a fall hazard, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Versailles model (570053826) and Lourdes model (570053756) women's high-heeled shoes. The shoes have four-inch heels.

The Versailles is cream, black, and brown-colored faux snakeskin. The Lourdes is black-colored faux snakeskin with a white t-strap and trim.

The model name is stamped inside the shoes and on the shoebox. The model number is printed on the shoebox.

Manufactured in China, the recalled shoes were sold only at White House | Black Market stores nationwide or online at whitehouseblackmarket.com from August 2012 through October 2012. The cost was about $120.

Consumers should immediately stop wearing the recalled shoes and return them to a White House | Black Market store to receive a merchandise card for the full purchase price of the shoes, or contact White House | Black Market to receive instructions for returning the shoes by mail, the company and commission advise.

For more information, call White House | Black Market at 877-948-2525 anytime, e-mail customerservice@whitehouseblackmarket.com, or go to www.whitehouseblackmarket.com and click on the Recall tab at the bottom of the page.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: The Pampered Chef garlic slicers due to laceration hazard

The Pampered Chef is recalling about 286,000 garlic slicers.

A blade on the garlic slicer can unexpectedly dislodge during use, posing a laceration hazard to the consumer, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

The Pampered Chef has received 23 reports of blades detaching during use including one report of a consumer who cut her finger.

This recall involves The Pampered Chef garlic slicers sold individually and with a garlic peeler. The garlic slicers were sold under product number 1113 for the individual slicers and 2578 for the sets.

The two-piece white plastic, tube shaped slicer measures 2 ¼ inches by 3 ½ inches and has two blades on the end. “The Pampered Chef” is engraved on the top cover.

Manufactured in China, the garlic slicers were sold at The Pampered Chef independent consultants nationwide and online at www.pamperedchef.com from January 2009 through July 2011 for about $14 for the individual garlic slicer and $20 for the set.

Consumers should stop using the recalled garlic slicers and contact The Pampered Chef for a replacement product, the company and commission advise.

For more information, e-mail The Pampered Chef at productalert@pamperedchef.com or call 877-917-2433 anytime. To speak with an operator, consumers can call between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT on Saturday. Consumers can also visit the company’s website at www.pamperedchef.com and click on the “Product Alert” tab for more information.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Six ways to be a better shopper

It’s National Consumer Protection Week.

Government agencies, consumer organizations, and advocacy groups are joining forces March 3 to 9 with shopping strategies and consumer tips to empower you to make better buying decisions and protect your rights in the marketplace.

Sales pitches and financial advice come at you from every direction – by phone, by mail, and every time you read an ad, go online, or turn on your TV.

Here are six tips from the USA.gov blog to help you sort through all the pitches:

• A free mobile app can help you check any product or vehicle, new or used, to see if it’s been recalled or has safety complaints. Keep up with recent recalls of things you may have around the house or check on that great thrift shop bargain before you buy. Use the Recalls.gov app and mobile site to search by product type and brand name

• When your wallet is lost or stolen, there are eight steps you need to take right away. A thief won’t waste time trying to cash in on your loss. Learn now so you’ll be ready to protect your identity and your credit as soon as your wallet goes missing.

• A new federal agency is working to eliminate deceptive and unfair lending practices. Established in 2010, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau works to make sure providers of mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and banking services market their products honestly, clearly, and legally. Learn more about their work, and their simple tips for protecting yourself.

• Scammers see tough economic times as an opportunity. Job scams are abundant, as swindlers “guarantee” you an unadvertised job, try to get you to pay for their placement services, or tell you that you can get rich by working from home. Learn more about financial scams and saving money at the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer.gov.

• There’s a formula for complaining effectively. If you’re not satisfied with a product or service, use the Consumer Action Handbook’s sample complaint letter to let the company know where they went wrong and how you want them to fix it. To get the free Handbook or its Spanish counterpart, la Guía del Consumidor, visit the consumer protection sections of USA.gov or GobiernoUSA.gov.

You can get consumer questions answered during a special National Consumer Protection Week online Q&A session.

USA.gov will connect you with government resources to answer your questions during a live event on Wednesday, March 6 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST. You can find out about the latest scams, how to protect your family from identity theft, and more. 

To participate, submit your questions during the event on Twitter using the hashtag #NCPW.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: One World Technologies’ Ryobi Lithium 18 V 4Ah battery packs due to fire and burn hazards

One World Technologies is recalling about 54,200 Ryobi Lithium 18 V 4Ah battery packs in the United States and 2,200 in Canada

The battery pack can overheat and burst while on a charger, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

One World Technologies has received four reports of battery packs overheating, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Ryobi brand, Lithium 18 V 4Ah battery packs, with model P108 and part number 130429028. The battery pack is green, silver and black. "Ryobi" and "Lithium+18V" are printed in white lettering on both sides of the battery pack. The model and part number can be found on the data plate located on the bottom of the battery pack.

Manufactured in China by Techtronic Industries (Dongguan) Co. Ltd. of China, the battery packs were sold at Home Depot stores nationwide and in Canada, online at Homedepot.com, and at other retailers from September 2012 to December 2012 for about $99.

Consumers should immediately remove the battery from the charger, stop using the recalled battery pack, and contact One World Technologies for instructions on the free shipping and repair of the recalled product.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Taylor Farms organic spinach

Taylor Farms Retail Inc. is recalling some of its Organic Baby Spinach products with the potential to be contaminated with Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli.

No illnesses linked to this recall have been reported, the company said in a statement.

However, Taylor Farms advises consumers that if they have eaten its spinach and experienced any symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately.

The brands involved are: Central Market Organics, Full Circle Organic, Marketside Organic, Simple Truth Organic, and Taylor Farms Organic. All brands are marked to be sold by Feb. 24. Click here to see the size of the packages of the brands sold and their UPC number.

The spinach was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

If you have any questions about this recall, call 855-293-9811, or fill out an online form and a Taylor Farms representative will contact you.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Ski-Doo snowmobiles due to fire hazard

BRP is recalling about 10,200 Ski-Doo snowmobiles.

The fuel pump inlet fitting can come into contact with the oil tank and break, leading to a fuel to leak that poses a fire hazard, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

The firm has received three reports of fires. No injuries have been reported.

The snowmobile has the model name printed on the vehicle’s side panel.

Manufactured in Canada, the snowmobiles were sold at Ski-Doo dealers nationwide from March 2012 through January 2013 from about $8,000 to $12,000.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a BRP dealer to schedule a free repair, the company and commission advise. BRP has notified registered consumers directly about this recall.

For more information, call BRP at 888-638-5397 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit www.ski-doo.com and click on Recall Information under the Owner Center.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: More Sportspower Trampolines due to fall hazard

Sportspower Ltd. is recalling about 120,000 BouncePro 14’ Trampolines; 92,000 units were recalled in May 2012.

The enclosure netting surrounding these trampolines can break, allowing children to fall through the netting and be injured, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a joint statement.

Sportspower has received an additional nine reports of the enclosure netting breaking since the May 2012 recall. There have been five reports of injuries including broken bones, back and neck injuries, and contusions.

This recall is an expansion of the May 2012 recall of brown tetlon netting to now include black tetlon netting. This involves the Sportspower BouncePro 14' Trampolines with model TR-1686-TPR.

UPC code 687064045552 or 687064042100 is printed on the product’s box. Sportspower BouncePro 14’ is printed on a plate on the leg of the trampoline frame.

The trampolines are surrounded by enclosure netting on the perimeter of the trampoline measuring about 6 feet high. The netting is designed to contain individuals bouncing on the trampoline.

Manufactured in China, the trampolines were sold only at Walmart stores nationwide from February 2009 through March 2011 for about $300.

Consumers should immediately stop using the trampolines and contact Sportspower to receive replacement enclosure netting, the company and commission advise.

For more information, call Sportspower at 888-965-0565, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit www.sportspowerltd.net and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page, or e-mail customerservice@sportspowerltd.net.

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

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Recall of the Week: Implus Footcare Perfect Resistance Bands for exercising due to injury hazard

Implus Footcare is recalling 75,600 Perfect Resistance Bands used for exercising.

The bands can detach from the mesh cloth loops posing an injury hazard to the user and those in the vicinity, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

The Perfect Bands are rubber tubes connected through a hole and secured by grommets to cloth sewn into loops. The bands can be used alone or with optional handles, which are sold separately.  

The bands are about 40 inches long and are used for exercises described on the product packaging card and in a Workout Chart available online on the product website.  “Perfect Fitness” is printed on a tag on the cloth loop. UPC codes can be found on the package. The recalled bands are:

• Perfect Bands Heavy 25 lb. capacity with UPC Code 096506310354, color purple.

• Perfect Bands Very Heavy 30 lb. capacity, UPC Code 096506310361, color gray.

• Perfect Bands Ultra Heavy 40 lb. capacity, UPC Code 096506310378, color black.

Twelve incidents were reported, 11 to the firm and one to the commission, including injuries to the back, hand, and eye. None of the injuries were serious and one required medical attention.

Manufactured in China by Dalps & Leisure Products Supply Corp. No. 5, the bands were sold at WalMart, and online at www.perfectonline.com for about $13 to $17.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Implus Footcare for a refund or replacement, the company and commission advise.

For more information, call Implus Footcare at 800-446-7587 and select option 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday; e-mail recall@4implus.com; or visit www.perfectonline.com/recalls.

For details on other recalls, see http://www.cpsc.gov/en/.

Copyright 2013, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist