The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

FDA adopts new rules to improve egg safety and reduce Salmonella illness as part of overhaul of food system

As one of the Obama administration’s first sweeping reforms to improve food safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced yesterday new rules on egg production.

The rules are expected to prevent 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths each year caused by eating eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis.

The rule requires measures to prevent contamination of eggs in poultry houses and requires refrigeration of eggs during storage and transportation.

Egg-associated illness caused by Salmonella is a serious public health problem, the FDA reported in its announcement about the new rule.

Infected individuals may suffer mild to severe gastrointestinal illness, short-term or chronic arthritis, or even death, according to the FDA. Carrying out the preventive measures would reduce the number of Salmonella enteritidis infections from eggs by nearly 60 percent.

Salmonella enteritidis can be found inside eggs that look normal. If the eggs are eaten raw or undercooked, the bacterium can cause illness. Eggs in the shell become contaminated on the farm, primarily because of infection in the laying hens.

See the announcement for what the new rules require of egg producers.

The FDA estimates that the egg rule would provide $1.4 billion in annual public health benefits, at an annual cost of $81 million to the egg industry, or less than 1 cent per dozen eggs produced in the United States.

Consumer groups and the industry support the new rule, but expressed concerns that it took federal agencies more than 20 years to adopt the procedures.

Even when research showed that chickens chronically infected with salmonella laid eggs laced with the bacteria, which does no harm to the birds but can sicken and kill humans, government agencies debated which agency should take the lead in regulatory action, reports the article “U.S. Moves to Improve Safety of Eggs and Other Foods” on stltoday.com.

The Obama administration proposes to overhaul of the food system to ensure the safety of other problem foods – spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, melons, beef, and chicken, the article also states.

Proposals include:

• U.S. Department of Agriculture – Development of new standards to reduce Salmonella levels in chickens and turkeys.

• Food and Drug Administration – Advice for the food industry on how to prevent contamination of tomatoes, melons, spinach, and lettuce.

• Food and Drug Administration – Advice about how farmers, wholesalers, and retailers can build systems to trace contaminated foods quickly from shelf to field.

Although food safety is a priority for the Obama administration and American consumers, it’s likely to take years to develop this new regulatory structure.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Beware of offers for a free home alarm system

In the last two weeks, I’ve received two offers for a free home alarm system.

The first one came after I filled out a form to win a drawing at a community celebration. I received a call saying I’d “won” a home alarm system. I’d only need to pay $1 a day to have it hooked up to a company that would respond when the alarm went off.

I asked the caller if he would send me information about the deal in the mail so I could mull it over. He said he couldn’t do that. Instead, he kept saying I needed to set up an appointment with a representative of the company. A big red flag. I told him I wasn’t interested if I couldn’t study the proposal.

The company called later and left me a message, but I didn’t call back.

Then on the Fourth of July, I heard a knock at the door. The salesman said he’d like to offer me a “free” home alarm system if I’d put his company’s sign in my yard so my neighbors would know I was a customer.

More knowledgeable now, I asked if I’d have to pay $1 a day for it.

I kept saying no. He kept talking. Finally, I closed the door.

One consumer rip-off that shows no sign of abating is the annual invasion of door-to-door salespeople who use dubious and intrusive tactics to sell burglar-alarm systems to unwary homeowners, according the article “Avoid Summer-Time Burglar Alarm Scams” on the ConsumerReports.org blog.

Consumer protection officials advise consumers to be sure that they verify everything the company says and do comparison shopping with firms that don't sell door-to-door.

They warn consumers to be suspicious of any alarm salesperson who:

• Attempts to upset you by telling about an upswing of burglaries in their neighborhoods.

• Claims to represent or wear clothing with logos from major alarm manufacturers such as GE and Honeywell, firms that don’t sell directly to consumers.

• Tries to gain entrance into your home.

• Offers a free system, because "free" systems usually come with higher monthly service fees and may be cheaply made.

• Says the company is ready to install your system right away.

• Claims your current alarm company is no longer in business.

Consumers need to focus on the quality of the equipment and service, the article advises. Also, look at the length of the agreement and determine if there are any early-termination fees.

Other tips include:

• Make sure that you deal only with well-established companies.

• Check out any company you may buy an alarm system from with the Better Business Bureau.

• Find out which local or state agency has jurisdiction over alarm companies and check the records of any company you're considering using.

• Find out whether your homeowner's insurance company offers a discount for using certain alarm companies.

Good luck avoiding these summer high-pressure salesmen. I’m glad I did.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Tattoos and baby boomers: What are the risks?

Tattoos don’t appeal to me. I won’t be getting one anytime soon. So I was surprised to learn that more and more baby boomers are getting tattoos.

A 2008 Harris poll showed that about 20 percent of adults between the age of 40 and 64 reported having one or more tattoos, according to the article “What Boomers Need to Know About Tattoos” on the DesMoinesRegister.com.

Boomers are usually looking for smaller tattoos that can be hidden, one tattoo artist reported. Flowers, birds, and family references are popular.

Another tattoo artist interviewed said he’s seen more interest in boomers who are retired getting tattoos. Since they aren’t working, they don’t have to worry about being stigmatized for having body art.

But is getting a tattoo risky?

Tattoo artists should follow health and safety practices to protect themselves as well as their clients from blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and/or HIV, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

Health and safety procedures for body artists may be regulated by city, county, or state agencies. Reputable shops and tattoo parlors govern themselves and follow strict safety procedures to protect their clients – and their body artists.

Are you considering getting a tattoo?

If you decide to get a tattoo, make sure you go to a licensed facility and take time to discuss the safety procedures with the artists working at the shop or tattoo parlor, the CDC recommends.
They should explain the process and tell you what they do to keep everyone safe and healthy by using sterile needles and razors, washing hands, wearing gloves, and keeping surfaces clean.

What safety procedures should be used?

Tattoo artists protect themselves and their clients when following safe and healthy practices, the CDC advises, such as:

• Use single-use, disposable needles and razors. Disposable piercing needles, tattoo needles, and razors are used on one person and then thrown away. Reusing needles or razors is not safe.

• Safely dispose of needles and razors. Used needles and razors should be thrown away in a biohazard-labeled, disposable container to protect both the client and the person changing or handling the trash bag from getting cut.

• Wash hands before and after putting on disposable gloves. Gloves are always worn while working with equipment and clients, changed when necessary, and aren’t reused.

• Clean and sterilize reusable tools and equipment. Some tools and equipment can be reused when creating body art. Reusable tools and equipment should be cleaned and then sterilized to remove viruses and bacteria.

• Frequently clean surfaces and work areas. Chairs, tables, workspaces, and counters should be disinfected between procedures to protect both the health of the client and the artist. Cross-contamination – spreading bacteria and viruses from one surface to another – can occur if surfaces aren’t disinfected frequently and between clients. Any disinfectant that claims to be able to eliminate the tuberculosis germ can also kill HIV and hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. Use a commercial disinfectant, following the manufacturer’s instructions, or a mixture of bleach and water – one part bleach to nine parts water.

What are the risks if safety procedures aren't followed?

• Viruses, germs, and bacteria that can cause infections

• Tuberculosis

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• HIV and AIDS

What are other problems that could occur with tattoos?

• An allergy to the ink, which may be troublesome because pigments can be difficult to remove.

• Nodules called granulomas that may form around material that the body sees as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.

• Scars called keloid formation that grow beyond normal boundaries may occur in people who are prone to developing keloids.

• MRI complications such as swelling or burning in the affected areas when undergoing magnetic resonance imaging test or MRI.

So be extremely careful if you decide to get a tattoo. Here are references on the things to consider before walking into a tattoo parlor to have body art applied:

 “Tattoos and Permanent Makeup” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe?” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration

“Foot Tattoos: Five Things to Think About Before You Get a Foot Tattoo” – The Fun Times Guide to Feet

“Tattoos: What You Need to Know” – MedicineNet.com

“Tattooing Tips” – Life123

“The Deadly Dangers of Body Tattoos” – Associated Content

“What Are the Dangers of Getting a Tattoo?” – The Sun Chronicle

“About Tattoo Dangers and Side Effects” – eHow

“Having Tattoos Could Be a Sign of Low Self-Esteem” – studentdailynews.com

“Tattoo Remorse Fuels Boom for Dermatologists” – CNNhealth.com

“Color Me Yellow: Hepatitis and the Art of Tattoo” – About.com

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Intermatic In-wall Electronic Timers

About 240,000 Intermatic Model ST01 and EI600 In-wall Electronic Timers are being recalled.

Manufactured in Mexico by Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill., the timers pose a shock hazard to consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

When consumers trying to replace the timer’s battery place a metal object through the battery tray slot, the object can reach internal metal contacts, and a shock could occur.

The firm has received 12 reports of consumers receiving a minor shock while changing the timer’s battery.

This recall involves the Intermatic In-wall Electronic Timers with model numbers ST01, ST01C, ST01AC, ST01AC70, ST01C70, ST01CL, EI600C, EI600LAC, EI600LAC8, EI600WC, and EI600WC8.

The timer is a lamp and appliance timer, and it usually takes the place of a standard wall switch. The timer is white, off-white, or almond and measures 2 1/2 inches high by 1 3/4 inches wide.

Model numbers can be found on the packaging and on the instructions. In-wall timers are included in this recall if:

• The brand name “Intermatic” is molded on the front of the timer cover door.

• The timer has only four keypad buttons.

• There is no 3-digit date code, for example, “04C,” stamped on the inside of the timer cover door. Timers with a 3-digit date code stamped on the inside of the timer cover door aren’t included in this recall.

The recalled timers were sold at retailers and electrical distributors nationwide from March 2007 through June 2009 for between $25 and $45.

Consumers shouldn’t attempt to change the in-wall timer’s battery until they receive a free repair kit, the commission advises. Consumers need to contact Intermatic to obtain the kit with installation instructions.

For information on how to obtain the kit, call Intermatic toll-free at 877-417-4316 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.intermatic.com.

For more information on recent recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Black & Decker brand Spacemaker™ coffeemakers

About 584,000 Black & Decker brand Spacemaker™ coffeemakers are being recalled.

Manufactured in China and distributed by Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miramar, Fla., the brew basket of the coffeemaker can shift out of alignment allowing hot water to overflow, reports U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This poses a scalding and burn hazard to consumers.

The firm has received 235 reports of hot water overflowing and contacting consumers, including 10 reports of second-degree burns.

The Black & Decker brand Spacemaker™ coffeemaker has an under-cabinet mount, programmable digital clock/timer, removable water reservoir, and either a 12-cup glass carafe or an 8-cup thermal carafe.

Model numbers ODC440, ODC440B, ODC450, and ODC460 are included in the recall. The model number can be located on the back of the coffeemaker.

The coffeemaker was sold at major retailers nationwide, including K-Mart, Kohl’s, Target, Wal-Mart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Amazon.com from March 2006 through March 2009 for between $60 and $70.

Consumers should stop using the recalled coffeemaker immediately and contact Applica for a free replacement brew basket, the commission advises.

For additional information, consumers should contact Applica toll-free at 866-668-4442 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.acprecall.com.

For more information on recalls, see www.Recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Eating while you’re driving is dangerous

I admit it. I eat when I drive. It’s a busy person habit.

One time after visiting my mom in Wenatchee, Wash., I was merging onto the freeway just after I left Cle Elum. I’d purchased a whole chicken.

Anxious to reach home, I was trying to pull pieces of chicken off with a fork when I was driving. As I was merging, a semi was barreling up on my car. Needless to say, I had to put both hands on the wheel and pay attention to what I was doing. Chicken juice and sauce splattered all over.

I’ve also put an open cup of tea in a grocery bag, only to have it turn upside down; dumped soup in my lap; and dripped a chicken salad sandwich down my front.

In a recent analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics, eating and driving was found to be more dangerous than using a hand held cell phone while driving.

According to the administration, 26 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. is caused by driver distraction. The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety also states that distracted drivers cause at least 4,000 to 8,000 accidents per day.

Hagerty Classic Insurance publishes this list of driving and eating dangers:

1. Chocolate – Whatever you touch – steering wheels, stick shift, clothing, or hair – will carry distinctive fingerprints. Drivers' instinctive reactions are to clean the offending candy stains immediately, which distracts them from the road ahead.
2. Soft drinks – Suddenly wearing your soda as you pull out to pass could be a deadly distraction. Open containers holding liquids – hot or cold – can cause a lack of driver concentration when spilled across a shirt or lap.
3. Jelly and Cream-Filled Donuts – Imagine the disaster as messy jelly oozes onto drivers' clothes, and they become more focused on the spill than the highway.
4. Fried chicken – Greasy hands are a sure distraction as drivers tend to constantly try to clean them while driving. Grease on a steering wheel is almost impossible to get off.
5. Any barbecued food – Barbecue sauce may be delicious, but drivers should remember that "If it can drip, don't eat it while you drive."
6. Juicy hamburgers – The same goes for foods that contain messy or greasy extras. A $5 hamburger deluxe could turn into $500 worth of repairs if dripping condiments, special sauces, or greasy meat juices distract the driver.
7. Chili – Anything containing chili like a chili dog, sloppy Joe or Coney dog is a problem. Steering chili-covered foods to your mouth while steering a car around a corner requires more dexterity than humans possess.
8. Tacos – Here's a foodstuff that can disassemble itself without much help while being consumed. One good road bump and the seat of your car looks like a salad bar.
9. Hot Soups – Eating soup while trying to manipulate a gearshift isn’t sensible. It's the equivalent to a circus juggling act; a sure recipe for disaster.
10. Coffee – Coffee is the most hazardous food drivers can consume. Uncovered drinks generally are the greatest offenders for unexpected splashes and spills. Nobody wants to look soiled or messy, especially on the way to work, and coffee spills are the worst because drivers invariably try to make instant clean-ups while still driving. In addition, hot coffee is often served at temperatures near scalding, and can cause serious burns that also divert a driver's focus.

Hagerty also learned:

• More food-related accidents happen in the morning hours than in the evening because people are concerned about their appearance on the way to work.

• The odds of having a food-related accident can double if the vehicle has a stick shift since eating, shifting, and steering requires increased dexterity and adds one more variable to the equation.

• The most hazardous situation combines eating and cellular phone use. When the phone rings, the "driving distraction" increases significantly and in a rush to answer, drivers forget they're driving.

So, avoid eating in your car. If you do so, make sure containers have tight-fitting lids. It’s important to concentration on your driving so that you don’t put other drivers at risk.

If you spill something, pull over to the side before attempting to clean up the mess.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Nestles Toll House cookie dough

The recall of Nestles Toll House cookie dough last week is receiving a significant amount of coverage in the press.

Fortunately, no deaths have occurred, unlike some of the recalls I’ve featured on The Survive and Thrive boomer Guide blog since February.

Consumers are being warned not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that causes food borne illness.

The warning is based on an ongoing epidemiological study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several state and local health departments.

Nestle said about 300,000 cases of Nestle Toll House cookie dough are affected by the recall, which includes chocolate chip dough, gingerbread, sugar, peanut butter dough, and other varieties.

For information on the varieties involved in the recall, see this list.  

If consumers have any Nestle Toll House cookie dough in their home, they should throw it away, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises. Cooking the dough, which would kill E. coli, isn’t recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces. This contamination could cause illness.

Since March, health officials have received 66 reports of illness in 28 states. Twenty-five persons were hospitalized; seven with a severe complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

 

This map shows the states where an outbreak strain of E.coli 0157:h7 has occurred since March.

E. coli O157:H7 causes abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Most healthy adults can recover within a week. Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for developing the syndrome, which can lead to serious kidney damage and even death, according to the FDA.

Individuals who have recently eaten Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. The illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.

Health officials are reminding consumers not to eat raw food products that are to be cooked or baked before eating. They also should: follow directions for cooking temperatures; wash hands, surfaces, and utensils after contact with these types of products; avoid cross contamination; and refrigerate products properly.

Consumers who have questions about the Nestles Toll House cookie dough recall need to contact Nestle consumer services at 1-800-559-5025 and/or visit their Web site at www.verybestbaking.com.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: Blair chenille robes

The recall of about 162,000 women’s full length Blair chenille robes is being re-announced, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

Since the recall was originally announced in April 2009, six deaths due to the robes catching on fire have been reported to Blair LLC, of Warren, Pa.

Five of the six victims were female, and all five were cooking at the time of the incidents. Three of the victims were in their 80s.

The commission and Blair announced the recall for the robes after Blair learned of three robes catching on fire, including one report of second-degree burns. Later, Blair was made aware of the fatalities after the recall was announced and after Blair had sent letters of the recall to consumers who purchased the robes.

The women’s chenille robes have the following item numbers: 3093111, 3093112, 3093113, 3093114, 3093115, and 3093116. The item number is identified on a label in the garment’s neckline.

The robe is a one-piece garment made of plush sculpted chenille, a shaped stand collar, and horizontal chenille front and back yolks and cuffs. It has a full-button front with seven matching button closures, long sleeves with self-cuffs, a straight bottom with self-hem, and two side seam pockets.

The robe’s sewn in label states: “100% Cotton, RN 81700, Made in Pakistan.”

The robes were sold in Blair catalogs, on the Blair Web site, and in Blair stores in Warren, Pa., Grove City, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., from January 2003 through March 2009 from about $20 to $40.

The commission and Blair urge consumers to stop wearing the garments immediately and contact Blair LLC for information on returning the robe and to receive a refund or a $50 gift card for Blair merchandise.

Contact Blair toll-free at 877-392-7095 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, visit the firm’s Web site at www.blair.com/recall, or contact the firm by e-mail at blairproductrecall@blair.com.

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

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

How often should you clean your refrigerator?

One of the most popular articles I’ve written as a consumer journalist was about food storage.

I invited an inspector from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to examine my family’s cupboards and refrigerator. He then told me what we were doing right and what needed improvement.

My column appeared in The Spokesman (Spokane, Wash.) Review. People talked about it for months. They especially mentioned the refrigerator. I’d had some vegetables from the garden that were dried up and inedible. The newspaper held the article for several months so people thought I’d had the old vegetables in my refrigerator all winter.

Before the days of frost-free refrigerators, sorting, defrosting, and cleaning the refrigerator was a weekly event.

Now most people either sort it out weekly and wipe up the spills, let it go until company comes and more room is needed, or deal with the bad stuff when it’s spoiled.

A thorough cleaning – defined as emptying out the fridge, cleaning out the interior surfaces, removing the bins and shelves, and washing and drying them – is needed twice a month, recommends Washington State University Extension.

Doing a thorough cleaning twice a month reduces the risk of microbial contamination. The areas showing greatest levels of contamination are the fruit and vegetable bins, the bottom shelf, and the meat bin.

Recent research conducted by Tennessee State University, Kansas State University, and RTI International found that consumers don’t realize that their own refrigerators can contribute to an increased potential for food borne illness occurring in their own home.

WSU Extension also suggests that consumers buy a refrigerator thermometer to they can make sure that the temperature of the refrigerator is below 40 degrees. This prevents microorganisms from rapidly growing and multiplying.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide Recall of the Week: National and Sanyo hand-held hair dryers

About 2,300 National and Sanyo hand-held hair dryers are being recalled, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Imported by Vintage International Inc., of Hacienda Heights, Calif., the hair dryers were manufactured in Thailand.

The hair dryers aren’t equipped with an immersion protection device to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water, the commission said in a news release. Immersion protection devices, which prevent electrocution, are required by industry safety standards for all electric hand-held hair dryers.

No injuries have been reported.

The hand-held hair dryers are made of plastic and chrome with a fold up handle and were sold in blue, pink, white, and black colors.

Model numbers EH-5202, EH-5215, EH-5216, EH-7911, EH-7912, or EH-7913 and “National” and “Sanyo” can be found on the hair dryer’s blower nozzle or handle.

The National and Sanyo hand-held hair dryers were sold at various retail stores in the Los Angeles area from January 2007 through August 2008 for between $20 and $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled hair dryers and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund or free replacement, the commission advises.

For additional information, contact Vintage International toll free at 888-711-4656 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

For more information about recalls, see www.Recalls.gov.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist