RECALLS~Post Them Here

[SpyderLady]

Lets keep all the recalls in one place and I am sticky posting it at the top. Seems there is something every day. I would like to keep up on what is poisoning me today.

[joyce]

Ground Beef Recall in New England Due to E. Coli Contamination
Date Published: Thursday, September 6th, 2007
A recall of ground beef patties distributed in New England was announced by meat processor Fairbanks Farms today. The patties, which were sold at Shaw’s Supermarkets in six states, could be contaminated with E. coli. This recall comes just a week after Interstate Meats of Oregon recalled tons of E. coli-tainted ground beef after it made several people sick in the Pacific Northwest.

The ground beef patties were sold under the Shaw’s label and would have been purchased by consumers between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on September 5th. The patties came in 1.33-pound trays that are marked with the code “Est. 492” inside the USDA mark of inspections and the date code “243”. The nutritional label has a time stamp between “17:05” and “17:25”.


Fairbanks Farms said the patties were recalled because of concerns that they were tainted with E. coli bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), E. coli infects about 73,000 people in the US every year, and kills 61. The disease is marked by severe cramping and diarrhea that often turns bloody. The symptoms of E. coli poisoning last from four to eight days, but the disease is very dangerous for children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. E. coli can cause kidney failure, and patients can spend weeks undergoing dialysis.

Fairbanks Farms said that it was able to isolate most of the E. coli-tainted beef at its warehouse, but that some of it was shipped to Shaw’s Supermarkets in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Shaw’s has pulled the ground beef patties from stores, and consumer’s who purchased the product can return it to the supermarket for a refund.

Last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a recall for more than 41,000 lbs of ground beef that has been linked to an outbreak of E. coli poisoning. Nine people, including one child, became sick with E. coli O157:H7 after eating ground beef distributed by Oregon-based Interstate Meats under the “Northwest Finest” brand in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

E. coli contamination has been responsible for several other food recalls in that past year. In June, United Food Group recalled 5 million pounds of meat. That recall was followed by another that involved 40,000 lbs of E. coli-tainted beef products produced by Tyson Fresh Meat, Inc. And in 2006, fresh bagged spinach was recalled after it was linked to a nationwide E. coli outbreak that sickened 200 people, killing three.

E. coli bacteria can be killed if meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160-degrees. The internal temperature of meat can only be gauged with a food thermometer, and color is not an indication of a food’s internal temperature. Keeping raw meat away from other foods and using proper hand washing practices can also prevent E. coli poisoning.

[SpyderLady]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2007
Release #07-304

Firm's Recall Hotline: [phone]
CPSC Recall Hotline: [phone]
CPSC Media Contact: [phone]

Hayes Company Inc. Recalls Outdoor Candles Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: "Avant Yarde" Decorative Glaze Outdoor Candles

Units: About 83,000

Importer/Distributor: The Hayes Company Inc., of Valley Center, Kan.

Hazard: The candle's wax can catch fire causing a high flame, which poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of consumers who suffered minor burns to their hands when they tried to extinguish flames coming from the candle.

Description: The recall involves three styles of outdoor citronella candles with a glazed lower portion that is brown, blue, or green. The item number 18134 can be located on the top left part of the label on the bottom of the candle.

Sold at: Ace Hardware stores nationwide from February 2006 through June 2007 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled candles immediately and return them to any Ace Hardware store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For further information, contact Hayes at [phone] between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.hayesco.com.

Wow, I never had a candle have the wax catch on fire thank goodness. Those chinamen are at it again.

[buzzard]

CPSC: International Home Fashions and Bilt-Safe Technologies Recall “Classic Beautyrest” Electric Throws Due to Fire Hazard
CPSC
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Classic Beauty Rest Electric Warming Throws

Units: About 37,100

Importer: International Home Fashions Inc. (and sister company Bilt-Safe Technologies), of Black Mountain, N.C.

Manufacturer: Ningbo Veken Elite International Trading Company Ltd., of China

Hazard: Bunching, folding or tucking of these electric throws can cause them to overheat, resulting in smoldering, melting, fire and burn hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: Bilt-Safe has received 38 reports of the throws overheating, including at least 15 reports of fires and four reports of consumers suffering blistering or minor burns to the hand, leg and back.

Description: This recall involves 52-inch by 62-inch electric warming throws. The 100% acrylic throws were sold in various colors and patterns and have model number BST-06-THR. The model number is located on the care label sewn into the throw. “Classic Beautyrest” and “Automatic Electric Warming Throw” is printed on the product’s packaging. Model numbers with the following date codes are included in this recall: B00106 through B36506. Bilt-Safe Technologies, Inc. and the date code are printed on the bottom of the care label.

Sold at: Kmart, the Fingerhut catalogs and the LTD Commodities LLC Web site from August 2006 through February 2007 for about $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the electric throws and contact International Home Fashions for information on where to return a portion of the power cord to receive two replacement (non-electric) throws. Consumers should not return the throws to the retailer where purchased.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact International Home Fashions at [phone] between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.intlhomefash.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07276.html

[buzzard]

CPSC: Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Pocket Knives
CPSC
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Gerber EAB (Exchange-A-Blade) Pocket Knives

Units: About 154,000

Importer: Gerber Legendary Blades, of Portland, Ore., a division of Fiskars Brands Inc., of Madison, Wis

Hazard: During use, the back of the blade of the knife can slide past the blade support, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Gerber has received eight reports of individuals cutting themselves while using the knife, including several individuals who required stitches.

Description: The recall involves Gerber EAB Pocket Knives, model numbers 22-41548, 22-41548CDIP, 22-01548W and 22-41548W. The knives are small, folding utility knives that can be clipped to the owner's pocket. The knives are marked with the "Gerber" trademark.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, and through on-line stores from September 2006 through August 2007 for about $11.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled knives immediately and contact Gerber to receive instructions on how to return the knife for a free replacement knife.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Gerber Legendary Blades toll-free at [phone] between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.gerbergear.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07295.html

[SpyderLady]

I can see the throw being recalled, but a knife??

[joyce]

Jensen's Old Fashioned Smokehouse Inc. Recalls Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion, and PCC brand Smoked Salmon Spread Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Mike Jensen
206-669-7590

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Seattle, WA -- September 7, 2007 -- Jensen's Old Fashioned Smokehouse Inc. of Seattle, WA is recalling 480 tubs of Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion and 132 tubs of PCC brand Smoked Salmon Spread all–natural, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion, and PCC brand Smoked Salmon Spread all – natural were distributed in retail stores in Western Washington.

Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion is coded Sell By 10/14/07 and 10/15/07, and PCC brand Smoked Salmon Spread all–natural is coded Sell By 9/29/07. Both products were sold in 7 oz. plastic tubs.

No illnesses have been CONFIRMED to date. The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion, and PCC brand Smoked Salmon Spread all – natural are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the Quality Assurance Department at Jensen's Smokehouse at 206-364-5569.







Listeria Detected in Organic Pastures Raw Cream
CDFA Issues Order to Withdraw Product; No Illnesses Reported
Contact:
Steve Lyle
916-654-0462

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Sacramento, CA -- September 7, 2007 -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued an order to Organic Pastures Dairy Company to withdraw from retail distribution Grade A raw cream manufactured at their facility in Fresno, due to detection of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Under the recall, Organic Pastures brand Grade A raw cream with code dates SEP 14 through SEP 21 is to be pulled immediately from retail shelves and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators. Until further notice, Organic Pastures may not produce raw cream for the retail market.

The quarantine order came following laboratory confirmation of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. CDFA inspectors found the bacteria as a result of product testing conducted as part of routine inspection and sample collection at the facility.

The withdrawal order involves removal of raw cream from grocery stores, retail outlets and farmers markets throughout California.

The great majority of cream consumed in California is pasteurized. Raw cream is not. Pasteurization eliminates the risk of bacterial illness.

Listeria monocytogenes may cause listeriosis among "at risk" people, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache and stiff neck can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to more serious problems for the fetus. Consumers should seek immediate medical care if they develop these symptoms.

Consumers should discard the raw cream or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. California consumers who have purchased Organic Pastures brand raw cream may call the company at 559- 352-6585 with questions about the product withdrawal.

[buzzard]

Tool Corp. Recalls Skil® Circular Saws Due to Laceration Hazard
CPSC
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Skil® brand Circular Saws

Units: About 811,000

Manufacturer: Robert Bosch Tool Corp., of Mount Prospect, Ill.

Hazard: The trigger switch on the circular saw can be locked on or the switch can be turned on without the use of the safety lock-out. This can cause unexpected operation of the saw, posing a risk of laceration.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received five reports of the saw staying on after the user released the trigger. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Skil® brand circular saws with model numbers 5650, 5700, 5750 and 5755. The model number and date code are printed on the nameplate located on the front of the saw. The recall includes the following date codes:

28101 - 29231
38101 - 39231
48101 - 49231
58101 - 59231
68101 - 69231

No other models or date codes are included in this recall.

Sold at: Home centers and independent hardware retailers nationwide from January 2002 through December 2006 for between $70 and $80.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled saws and contact the firm for instructions on obtaining a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Robert Bosch Tool Corp. toll-free at [phone] between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.skil.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07275.html

[SpyderLady]

Strong America Limited Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Great Wall Brand Chinese Wolfberry

Contact:
Mr. Yang
[phone]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Long Island City, NY -- September 10, 2007 -- Strong America Ltd. of Long Island City, NY is recalling Chinese Wolfberry, because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have a severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry is packed in uncoded 7oz packages and were sold in GA, NY, and TN.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by the Department’s Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of sulfites in the product, which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics; Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfites sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the Chinese Wolfberry revealed that it contained 12.87 milligrams per serving.

Consumers who have Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-628-6200
*******
September 12, 2007

Chinese wolfberry fruit is recalled
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall of Great Wall brand Chinese Wolfberry fruit because it might contain undeclared sulfities.
Strong America Ltd. of Long Island City, N.Y., distributed the product in uncoded seven-ounce packages in Georgia, New York and Tennessee.

The FDA said consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Analysis of the Chinese Wolfberry revealed it contained 12.87 milligrams per serving.

Consumers with questions can contact the company at 718-628-6200

[SpyderLady]

September 12, 2007
Alert #07-577
Keystone Manufacturing Co. and QVC Recall Convection Ovens with Rotisserie Due to Fire and Electrical Shock Hazards

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Cook’s Essentials Convection Ovens with Pull-Out Rotisserie and Deni Convection Ovens with Rotisserie

Units: About 32,000

Retailer: QVC of West Chester, Pa.

Distributor: Keystone Manufacturing Co. Inc., of Buffalo, N.Y.

Hazard: Wires behind the control panel can overheat, posing fire and electric shock hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: QVC has received 49 reports of incidents, including five minor burns, five electrical shocks and 11 incidents of minor property damage to kitchen cabinets and countertops.

Description: This recall involves the Cook’s Essentials Multi-Function Convection Oven with Pull-Out Rotisserie (model number 910500), which was also sold as the Deni Convection Oven with Rotisserie (model number 10500). The model number can be found on the bottom of the oven. These are countertop ovens and the brand name “Cook’s Essentials” or “Deni” is found on the front right panel.

Sold through: The Cook’s Essentials brand was sold exclusively through QVC and the Deni brand was sold through various on-line retailers from October 2006 through May 2007 for about $125.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the oven and contact QVC or Keystone to receive a replacement oven or a refund. QVC and Keystone have notified consumers by telephone and by mail to stop using the oven.

Consumer Contact: Consumers who bought a Cook’s Essentials oven through a QVC broadcast or at QVC.com, and who have not been contacted by QVC, should call QVC at [phone] between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. ET seven days a week. Consumers who bought a Cook’s Essentials oven at a QVC outlet or retail store should return the oven to the store at which it was purchased for a refund. Consumers who bought a Deni brand oven and who have not been contacted by Keystone should call Keystone at [phone] between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit QVC’s Web site at www.qvc.com or Deni’s Web site at www.deni.com

www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07577.html

Pic on website.

[joyce]

Chrysler, Honda announce auto recalls
Jeep Grand Cherokees, Commander SUVs, Civics among the models


WASHINGTON - Chrysler LLC said Friday it would recall nearly 300,000 sport utility vehicles to address potential braking problems while driving uphill.

In a separate move, Honda Motor Co. said it was recalling more than 180,000 Civics from the 2006-2007 model year to fix a wheel-bearing seal that could leak and lead to a wheel falling off the car.

The Chrysler recall involves more than 156,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Commander SUVs from the 2006-2007 model years, more than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and nearly 50,000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUVs.



Chrysler spokesman Max Gates said the automaker had received about 20 complaints of vehicles experiencing a delay in braking when drivers tried to come to a stop after coasting uphill. To fix the problem, the computer connected to the antilock brake system will be reprogrammed.

There has been one crash tied to the issue and no injuries reported, Gates said. Owners will be notified by mail beginning later this month.

In Honda’s recall, the automaker said in an Aug. 30 letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the seal where the antilock brake sensor mounts to the rear wheel bearing could allow moisture and salt to leak into the wheel bearing and cause corrosion.

The conditions could lead to a wheel falling off and a crash, Honda said.

The automaker has received two complaints related to the problem, including one in which a wheel came off the vehicle while it was being towed, said spokesman Chris Naughton. No injuries have been reported.

Owners were being notified of the recall this month and can contact Honda at [phone] for more information.

Separately, Chrysler said it was recalling 72,333 Dodge Avenger sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles from the 2008 model year to address problems with the front door latches and locks.

Gates said the company discovered problems with opening the vehicle doors through its internal monitoring program. No accidents or injuries have been reported and owners are expected to be notified of the recall next month.

For more information, owners can contact Chrysler at [phone].

[SpyderLady]

Brakes and wheels coming off!!

[joyce]

Product Recalls: Ground Beef
By The Associated Press


The following recall has been announced:

- About 11,250 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may contain pieces of metal, distributed in Utah and Mesquite, Nev., the Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Friday.

The beef, distributed by Stone Meats Inc. of Pleasant View, Utah, was sold in 5-pound packages labeled 73 percent lean and 27 percent fat. Each label has a sell-by date of Sept. 19, followed by "EST6214 7," "EST6214 8," "EST6214 9" or "EST6214 10."

The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints. One injury was reported. Anyone concerned about having consumed the products should contact a physician. Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Stone Meats at [phone].

[SpyderLady]

When a part of machinery breaks down and there are parts missing, why do they act stupid and not know where it went?

[joyce]

Back to Basics Products Recalls Iced Tea Makers Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: IT400 Iced Tea Makers

Units: About 10,000

Importer: Back to Basics Products LLC, of West Bend, Wis. and Bluffdale, Utah

Hazard: The iced tea maker’s components can fail, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: The recalled Iced Tea Maker (Model #IT400) is mostly white and has a 2.5 quart glass pitcher. The recall includes only those products with a date code of CA1307 or CA1307-A. The model number is embossed on the bottom of the unit, and the date code is printed on a small white sticker, which is also on the bottom of the unit.

Sold at: Bon-Ton department stores and hardware stores nationwide, the JCPenney catalog, and Internet retailers from April 2007 through July 2007 for between $40 and $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using and unplug the recalled iced tea makers immediately and contact Back to Basics Products to receive a free replacement product or refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call the firm at [phone] between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday; visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.backtobasicsproducts.com; or e-mail the firm at [e-mail]















FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Medford, OR -- September 12, 2007 -- Harry & David Operations Corp., of Medford, Oregon, is recalling approximately 1440 bags of Harry and David Hearthside Soups, Southwestern Chicken Chili Mix, because they may actually contain another chili soup mix, and thus contain a milk ingredient (whey), not declared in the ingredient statement.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Harry & David is recalling all Harry and David Hearthside Soups, Southwestern Chicken Chili Mix with a 8221-1 lot code. These products include: Clear plastic bags of soup mix, 12 to 16 oz. in weight, tied at the top with a cream and red colored ribbon. The lot code can be found on the price sticker on the bottom of the bag. Please note that the price sticker states "Fajita Chili". This product was made for Harry & David by Conifer Specialty, Inc., a co-packer.

These products were distributed throughout the United States through Harry and David Stores beginning March 5th, 2007.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with this product to date. Anyone concerned about an illness associated with this product should contact a physician immediately.

This problem occurred when bags labeled for a previous run of Southwestern Chicken Chili Mix were inadvertently used for a subsequent run of a different product, Fajita Chili Mix. The Fajita Chili Mix contains a milk ingredient not declared on the Southwestern Chicken Chili Mix ingredient statement. The problem will be prevented in the future by assuring that the production line is cleared of labeled bags during product change over.

Consumers with questions about the recalled product may phone the Customer Service division at 800-345-5655, 24 hours a day. Customers may arrange for refunds through this number as well.

[joyce]

More poison drugs from China


BEIJING (AP) -- Chinese authorities ordered the recall of tainted leukemia drugs blamed for leg pains and other problems, state media reported Sunday, the latest crisis to strike the country's embattled food and drug industries.

Most of the drugs involved - methotrexate and cytarabin hydrochloride - have been recovered and authorities have traced the remainder, the Xinhua News Agency said. The report did not say if any of the drugs had been exported.

Authorities have banned the sale and distribution of the drugs, produced by the Shanghai Hualian Pharmaceutical Co., it said.

China, a major global supplier, has been facing growing international pressure to improve the quality of its exports after dangerous toxins - from lead to an antifreeze ingredient - were found in goods including toys and toothpaste.

China has been eager to cast itself as a victim, too, of unsafe imports. Xinhua on Saturday announced that inspectors recently found residue of the banned stimulant ractopamine in frozen pig kidneys imported from the United States and frozen pork spareribs from Canada. The names of the exporting companies were not identified. Ractopamine is forbidden for use as veterinary medicine in China.

Xinhua said the 18.37 tons of frozen pork kidneys and 24 tons of frozen pork had been returned to importers exporters, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).

Ractopamine, a hormone that promotes the growth of lean meat in pigs and cattle, is banned by China and most other countries as a health hazard, although its use in stock animals is permitted in the U.S. and Canada. China has also recently banned imports of U.S. meat contaminated with salmonella, additives, and veterinary drugs.

Xinhua said the State Food and Drug Administration and Health Ministry banned the two leukemia drugs after several child leukemia patients who were taking them complained of leg pains and difficulty walking. Xinhua said some patients also complained of urine retention.

It said the Health Ministry and drug administration had traced the problems with the drugs to their being tainted with vincristine sulfate, an anticancer drug. Xinhua said factories manufacturing the drugs had been closed.

China has taken a series of steps to crackdown on tainted drugs and other unsafe products, in part due to concern over the reputation of its exports.

In the harshest action so far, the country's former top drug regulator was executed in July for taking millions of dollars in bribes to approve substandard medicines, including an antibiotic that killed at least 10 people.

[buzzard]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers

Units: About 22,000

Importer: Shindaiwa Inc., Tualatin, Oregon

Hazard: The muffler's outer shell can melt allowing exhaust gas to exit from the bottom or back side of the muffler. The exhaust gas may cause damage to the fuel tank creating a possible fire hazard for the user.

Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa is aware of one incident where a small muffler fire was involved with no property damage and no injuries.

Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB630 and EB630RT. All models up to serial #7025018 are included. After serial number 7025018, the leaf blower has been upgraded with stainless steel muffler shells. The backpack blowers weight approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX) which are located on the side label. These machines are blue with a red label that reads, Shindaiwa.

Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through May 2007 for about $600.

Manufactured by: Shindaiwa Kogyo Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free muffler replacement. Consumers who have registered their equipment should have already received correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information contact Shindaiwa at [phone] between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.shindaiwa.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07289.html

[joyce]

Dole recalls bagged lettuce in U.S., Canada after sample tests positive for E. coli



SAN FRANCISCO — A division of Dole Food Co. issued an international recall of bagged salad today after a sample taken from a store in Canada tested positive for E. coli, the company said.


There have been no reports of illness, company officials said.

The voluntary recall affects all packages of Dole’s Hearts Delight salad mix sold in the United States and Canada with a ‘‘best if used by’’ date of September 19, 2007, and a production code of ‘‘A24924A’’ or ‘‘A24924B,’’ Dole said.

The product was sold in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces in Canada and in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and neighboring U.S. states starting the weekend before last, said Marty Ordman, a Dole spokesman.

The romaine, green leaf and butter lettuce hearts that went into the blend were grown in California, Colorado and Ohio, then processed at Dole’s plant in Springfield, Ohio on Sept. 6, according to Ordman.

Eighty-eight cases were distributed in Canada and 755 cases in the U.S., he said.

The company’s move came a day after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency warned consumers not to eat Hearts Delight.

‘‘Our overriding concern is for consumer safety,’’ Eric Schwartz, president of the Dole Fresh Vegetable division said in a statement. He said the company was working with U.S. and Canadian health agencies, as well as those in various states.

The Food and Drug Administration was talking with Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole about the situation, agency spokesman Michael Herndon said.

The Canadian agency said it would be looking to find out at what point the salad blend, which is imported into Canada, became contaminated and to see if any other products are affected, spokesman Garfield Balsom said.

Last year, an E. coli outbreak traced to bagged baby spinach was blamed for the deaths of three people and for sickening hundreds more across the U.S.

State and federal authorities ultimately identified a central California cattle ranch next to spinach fields belonging to one of Dole’s suppliers as being the source of the bacteria.

Food contaminated with this strain of E. coli may not look or smell spoiled but health officials say the bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses.

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea; some people can have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, while others may live with permanent kidney damage.

[SpyderLady]

Some one in Canada tested it after it got to the store? Has it come to this? Will everything have to be tested after it gets stocked??
This really makes me mad!

[joyce]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - About 56,000 lunch boxes distributed by California in an effort to promote healthful eating may contain lead, and state officials Thursday urged consumers not to use them.

Tests found elevated levels of lead in three of the boxes, which were made in China and given out at health fairs and other events, said officials of the state Department of Public Health They carried a logo saying, “Eat fruits and vegetables and be active.”

“Certainly it’s unfortunate that an item we’re using to hopefully promote healthy behavior is then discovered to be a potential health hazard,” the department’s director, Mark Horton, told reporters in a conference call.

A test by the Sacramento County Health Department in July indicated the boxes contained lead, he said. Several weeks of more sophisticated testing confirmed the presence of lead “in multiple parts of the box,” including the logo, he said.

Asked why it took so long to issue a warning to the public, Horton said: “I think we took the appropriate steps based on the information available to us at the time.”

Lead can cause brain damage when ingested by young children. Horton urged parents whose children may have used the boxes to consult with a physician to see whether they should be tested.

The green canvas boxes were imported from China by T-A Creations Inc. of Los Angeles.

The only request for testing was for the linings, which were found to be lead-free, said company vice president Andrew Halim.

But Horton said the lining of the tested boxes also contained some lead.


An Associated Press investigation published in February revealed that government testing has shown high levels of lead in the vinyl lining of many children’s lunch boxes. Almost every lunch box found to contain lead was made in China, which has been under increasing international pressure to improve the quality of its exports after dangerous toxins were found in goods ranging from toys to toothpaste.

The California health department ordered the green boxes in July 2006 and made them available to schools, local health departments and community groups starting in November, Horton said.

The department was urging consumers not to use approximately 300,000 other lunch boxes distributed through the state over the past several years. Officials said they were running tests on some of those boxes to determine whether there was a health risk.