RECALLS~Post Them Here

[SpyderLady]

September 18, 2007
Alert #07-578
REI Recalls Children’s Trailer Bicycles; Can Detach from Adult Bicycle and Injure Children

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: Novara Afterburner Trailer Bicycles

Units: About 5,200

Distributor: Recreational Equipment Inc.(REI), of Kent, Wash.

Hazard: The children’s trailer bicycle can detach from the adult bicycle, posing a fall hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: REI has received one report of a children’s trailer bicycle detaching from the adult bicycle. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Novara Afterburner trailer bicycle, a single-wheel children’s bicycle that attaches to, and cannot be operated independently of, an adult bicycle.

Sold at: REI stores nationwide from February 2007 through June 2007 for about $160.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the bicycle trailer, visit the nearest REI store or contact REI for a free replacement part, a full refund or credit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact REI at [phone] between 4 a.m. and 11 p.m. PT seven days a week, visit the company’s Web site at www.rei.com or contact your local REI store.

[SpyderLady]

TWC Global LLC, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Axcil and Desirin Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements

Contact:
TWC Global, LLC
[e-mail]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Mountain View, CA -- September 12, 2007 -- TWC Global, LLC, 530 Showers Drive, Suite 7-129, Mountain View, CA 94040, announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of the company's supplement products sold under the names of Axcil and Desirin.

TWC Global is conducting this recall after being informed by representatives of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that lab analysis by FDA of Axcil and Desirin samples found the products contain potentially harmful, undeclared ingredients. FDA found the lot of 02B07 contains 3 mg/g of sildenafil, the active ingredient of a FDA-approved drug used for ED, as well as sulfosildenafil and sulfohomosildenafil, both are analogs of sildenafil. All of these undeclared chemicals pose a threat to consumers because they may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem in men and women with these conditions, and consumers may seek these types of products to enhance sexual performance.

Both Axcil and Desirin are sold on internet nationwide. The products are sold as a 15-capsule blister pack packaged in a box.

Customers who have these products in their possession should stop using them immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking these products.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of this product should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088 or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178 or by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.

The company advises that any unused portion of the products be returned to TWC Global, LLC immediately for a full purchase price refund. The returning address is: TWC Global, LLC, 530 Showers Drive, Suite 7-129, Mountain View, CA 94040. Please return the unused portion of the product with invoice for refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 650-575-0828.

The Company is taking this voluntary action because it is committed and is always concerned with the health of consumers who have taken these products. The Company is reviewing the raw materials used to make these products and the raw material manufacturers and suppliers to identify the source of contamination to ensure that there will be no future issues with regard to Axcil and Desirin’s compositions. The Company is working closely with the FDA in the recall process and is committed to the quality and integrity of its products. It sincerely regrets any inconvenience to consumers.

[SpyderLady]

Bravo! Issues Nationwide Recall of Select Poultry Products for Dogs and Cats

Contact:
David Bogner
[phone]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --Vernon, CT -- Sept. 18, 2007--- Bravo! announces a voluntary recall of select tubes of three of its poultry products for cats and dogs. The pet food is being recalled because two of the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, while the other product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Both Salmonella and Listeria are organisms which can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and if there is cross contamination, in people, especially small children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people with Salmonella infection may only suffer short-term symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Long term complications can include arthritis and other more serious ailments. Healthy people with Listeria infection may only suffer 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.

The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with any of the three products.

The recalled products are distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet sales and directly to consumers, and they can be identified by the batch ID code located on the hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tubes. The recalled products should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should return unopened frozen tubes of food to the store where purchased for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of opened tubes of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the washed plastic batch ID tag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Recalled Pet Food

Product: Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110
Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria

Product: Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110
Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Reason for Recall: Listeria

Product: Bravo Basic Formula Finely Ground Chicken frozen raw food
Product Number: 21-212
Size: 2 pound tube
Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 226
Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria

Other Batch IDs for these same products are not involved in the recall.

Bravo! is issuing this action out of an abundance of caution and sincerely regrets any inconvenience to pet owners as a result of this announcement. This voluntary recall has been issued because the FDA detected the bacteria in samples during a recent review.

In an effort to prevent the transmission of Salmonella from pets to family members and care givers, the FDA recommends that everyone follow appropriate pet food handling guidelines when feeding their pets. A list of safe pet food handling tips can be found at:
www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/foodbornetips.htm.

People may risk Salmonella infection not only by handling these pet foods, but also by contact with pets or other surfaces exposed to these foods, so it is important that they thoroughly wash their hands with hot water and soap. Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection after having handled the recalled product should seek medical attention. Consumers may report any complaints to FDA's local District Complaint Coordinator’s located on the FDA website: www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html.

Healthy cats and dogs rarely become sick from Salmonella. Animals ill with Salmonella will display symptoms similar to the ones listed above for humans. People who have concerns about whether their pet has Salmonella or not should contact their veterinarian.

For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free [phone]

[SpyderLady]

Quong Hop & Co. Recalls Tofu Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Quong Hop & Co
650-553-9900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- San Francisco, Calif. -- Sept. 19, 2007 --- Quong Hop & Co. of South San Francisco, California is recalling all SOY DELI brand tofu with code date DEC 17 2007 and certain varieties of SOY DELI and QUONG HOP brand tofu with code date SEP 23 2007.

The recall includes the following products in the following sizes and code dates:

* All varieties and sizes of SOY DELI TOFU coded DEC 17 2007
* 30 OZ SOY DELI NIGARI TOFU coded SEP 23 2007
* 12 OZ SOY DELI WATER PACK TOFU coded SEP 23 2007
* 16 OZ QUONG HOP WATER PACK TOFU coded SEP 23 2007

These products are being recalled 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, sever headache, stiffness, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection in severe cases can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women. Consumers experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

The recalled “SOY DELI” and “QUONG HOP” brand products are distributed in the Midwest and West coast throughout supermarkets and natural food stores.

The date code can be found on the front panel of all the aforementioned products printed in blue ink.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after a routine test by Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Program revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in a 12 OZ vacuum pack package of “SOY DELI FIRM ORGANIC NIGARI TOFU”. The company is voluntarily recalling all products produced during the same time period as the sampled product to ensure customer safety.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 650-553-9900.

[SpyderLady]

Harley-Davidson is recalling 18,784 MY 2006-2007 XL1200L and 2007 XL1200N motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a condition whereby the pant leg of some riders can have direct contact with the exhaust pipe. This condition could cause the pant leg to char or burn, which could lead to the possibility of injury to the rider. Dealers will add a new exhaust shield which provides additional coverage of the exhaust pipe. The recall began on July 12, 2007. 07V-296




Harley-Davidson is recalling 2,403 MY 2006 VRSCR motorcycles. Some motorcycles were built with a condition whereby the pant leg of some riders can have direct contact with the exhaust pipe. This condition could cause the pant leg to char or burn, which could lead to the possibility of injury to the rider. Dealers will add a new heat shield, p/n 66820-06, which provides additional coverage of the exhaust pipe. The recall began on July 12, 2007. 07V-303


Kawasaki is recalling 155 MY 2007 KLX250S motorcycles. The top mount for the single rear shock is spot welded in position during frame manufacture, then completely welded to the frame in a subsequent operation. On a small number of frames, it appears this subsequent welding operation was not performed. The welding may become loose while the motorcycle is in motion increasing the risk of a crash. Any motorcycle found to contain this defect will be replaced by Kawasaki. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-235


Kawasaki is recalling 5 MY 2008 KLR650 motorcycles. The spring retaining pin on the frame may not have been completely welded in place and could fall out, allowing the sidestand to drop into the "parking" position. If this occurred while the vehicle was in motion, a crash could occur. Kawasaki will buy back these motorcycles. The recall began on June 1, 2007. All dealers/owners have been notified. 07V-244


Kawasaki is recalling 5,906 MY 2006 VN900B6F, VN900B6FL, VN900D6F, and VN900D6FL motorcycles. These motorcycles may stall under deceleration due to an improper setting of the engine control unit (ECU). This could create the potential for a crash, resulting in injury or death. Dealers will replace the ECU with one that contains revised settings that will address the engine stalling. The recall is expected to begin on or about July 3, 2007. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE07-004, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-215


Kawasaki is recalling 4,352 MY 2003 VN1600-A1 and VN1600-A1L motorcycles. The fuel tank is mounted to the chassis by means of tabs that are spot welded to the tank, then braised/welded around a portion of their circumference. Under certain conditions, repeated stress can crack the tank at the location of the tabs, and allow fuel to leak. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE07-005, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-216



Yamaha is recalling 8,900 MY 2006-2007 CP250 and MY 2005-2007 YP400 motorcycles. A leak at the fuel pump seal may allow fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel pump seal. The recall is expected to begin on or about June 7, 2007. 07V-219


Yamaha is recalling 8,500 MY 2006 XV19 motorcycles equipped with a windshield. The throttle cable can kink at the guide bracket located at the steering head when the handlebar is turned all the way to the left. In this position, a kinked cable can cause the throttle to stick or bind, possibly failing to return to idle. A stuck throttle would result in unexpected engine power which could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the guide bracket with a new one that has an additional guide to prevent the throttle cables from kinking. The recall began on April 19, 2007. 07V-147


Suzuki is recalling 12,331 MY 2006-2007 VZR1800 motorcycles. The fuel hose that connects the two metal fuel delivery pipes mounted on the throttle body may have been clamped at a location on the pipes that is not completely round, which could allow fuel leakage to occur. In the presence of an ignition source, leaked fuel can cause a fire, presenting the risk of injury or death. Dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe assembly free of charge. The recall began on April 6, 2007. 07V-148


Harley-Davidson is recalling 52,240 MY 2007 FLSTC, FLSTC Shrine, FLSTF, FLSTF Shrine, FLSTN, FLSTSC, FXST, FXSTB, FXSTC, FXSTD, and FXSTSEE Softail motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a condition that permits the positive battery cable to contact a weld bead on the oil tank. This may cause the weld bead to abrade through the insulation on the cable and cause an electrical short from the battery through the oil tank and oil lines. This could lead to an oil leak and/or possible fire, which could result in injury or death to the rider. Dealers will install a battery caddy that will protect the cable and ensure proper cable routing. This recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-173


Ducati is recalling 119 MY 2007 Model 1098 motorcycles. The horizontal cylinder head fitting to the thermostat produced a coolant leakage. Coolant leakage over the rear suspension and wheel could cause a crash. The thermostat hose and relative couplings have been replaced. All motorcycles were corrected before retail delivery to customers. 07V-175


Ducati is recalling 2 MY 2007 Model 1098 motorcycles. The horizontal and vertical cylinders mobile timing belt tensioner is dimensionally incorrect. The mobile tensioner can come into contact with the timing belt cover which could cause the timing belt to fail and consequently stop the engine increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the existing mobile timing belt tensioner using updated components. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-176


Honda is recalling 6,784 MY 2007 CMX250C motorcycles. The crankcase breather separator may be defective. During the molding process, the breather passage may have been blocked by a thin layer of the injected plastic material. This blockage will create a build-up of pressure inside the crankcase and may cause the left side engine seal to be pushed out of position and an oil leak could occur. Oil leaking from the failed seal while riding can spray onto the rear tire or the road, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the breather separator. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-128

[joyce]

1 million Graco, Simplicity cribs recalled in U.S.
Deaths of at least three babies linked to furniture made in China

WASHINGTON - About 1 million Simplicity and Graco cribs are being recalled after three children became entrapped in their cribs and died of suffocation, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

Two infants, a 6-month-old and a 9-month-old, died in the recalled cribs, which were sold through May 2007. A 1-year-old child died in a newer model of the cribs, which has not been recalled but is being investigated by the safety agency, CPSC officials said.

CPSC spokesman Ed Kang would not comment on when or where the children died. Simplicity spokesman Joe Householder said the company will not release further details about the deaths out of respect for the families.

In all three deaths, the consumer had installed the drop-rail side of the crib upside down, the CPSC said. This creates a gap in the crib that children can slide into and suffocate.

Seven other infants have been entrapped in the cribs, according to the CPSC. There have been 55 reports of the cribs' drop sides detaching or the hardware failing to hold the side to the crib.

Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., is listed as manufacturer of all the cribs, which were made in China.


"Simplicity strives to make safe products, that is our number one priority. That's why we worked with the CPSC to take this action," Simplicity president Ken Waldman said in a statement.


In a separate recall in June, the commission recalled about 40,000 Nursery-in-a-Box cribs, manufactured by Simplicity, because the assembly instructions incorrectly explain how to attach the drop side.
None of the cribs that Simplicity currently supplies to stores is included in a recall, the company said in a statement.

The recalled cribs, priced between $100 and $300, were sold by U.S. retailers and chains including Target Corp., Big Lots Inc, Babies "R" Us and family-owned Meijer Inc. under the Simplicity or Graco brands, from January 1998 through May 2007. The recall involves multiple models and models numbers.

The commission cautioned consumers who have the newer versions not covered by the recall to check to make sure the drop side is installed right side up and securely attached. The newer hardware has a flexible tab at the top of the lower track and a permanent stop at the bottom. The older hardware has a flexible tab at the bottom of the lower tracks.

In an earlier Simplicity recall, a 19-month-old child in Myrtle Creek, Ore., died Jan. 6, 2006, in a crib that carried the Graco logo, the CPSC said in February 2006. Mattress support slats came out of the crib, and the child suffocated after getting trapped between the mattress and the footboard. That type of crib had been included in a December 2005 recall of about 104,000 Aspen 3 in 1 Cribs.

Consumers who have a Simplicity-made crib with older style hardware can receive a free repair by calling the company or visiting its Web site. For more information, consumers can contact Simplicity at 888-593-9274.

The recalled Simplicity crib models include:

Aspen 3 in 1
Aspen 4 in 1
Nursery-in-a-Box
Crib N Changer Combo
Chelsea
Pooh 4 in 1.
The recall also involves the following Simplicity-made cribs that were sold with the Graco logo:

Ultra 3 in 1
Ultra 4 in 1
Ultra 5 in 1
Whitney
Trio.

[joyce]

A busy day in the Recall World.

Tainted tofu recall expanded
Packages may contain Listeria, company warns


Quong Hop & Co. of South San Francisco, Calif., is expanding its recall of tofu products, which might be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, to include products coded with two additional dates.

Listeria is a microorganism that can cause serious or fatal infections in children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the products, the company said.

On Tuesday, the company announced a recall of all packages of Soy Deli tofu coded Dec. 17, 2007. This recall also included three products coded Sept. 23, 2007: the 30-ounce Soy Deli nigari tofu, the 12-ounce Soy Deli water packed tofu and the 16-ounce Quong Hop water packed tofu.

The recall was expanded to include the 30-ounce Soy Deli nigari tofu coded Oct, 17, 2007, and the 12-ounce Soy Deli water packed tofu coded Oct. 9, 2007.

The products were distributed throughout the Midwest and the West Coast in supermarkets and natural food stores, the company said.

Healthy adults who are infected with listeria can experience symptoms including high fever, severe headache, nausea and diarrhea. For more information, consumers can call the company at 650-553-9900.


**************************************************


Raw pet food recalled for contamination
Possibly tainted with salmonella or listeria, Conn. company says
VERNON, Conn. - Raw pet food manufacturer Bravo! is recalling some tubes of three of its poultry products for cats and dogs, the state Department of Agriculture said Friday.

Two of the products could be contaminated with salmonella and listeria and the other could be contaminated with listeria.

The Vernon-based company voluntarily recalled the products after the federal Food and Drug Administration found the bacteria during recent inspections.

The FDA and U.S. Department of Agriculture are inspecting the facility and sampling products.

No illnesses have so far been reported in people or animals.

The recalled products are distributed nationwide to distributors and retail stores and also sold directly to consumers and on the Internet. They can be identified by the batch ID code located on the hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tubes.

Infection risk
Pets should not eat the recalled products. Unopened tubes can be returned to the store where they were purchased for full refunds. Open tubes should be safely thrown away. The ID tags should be washed and returned to the store for full refunds.

The state says people should be careful when handling raw pet food because they can risk infection.

The symptoms of salmonella in humans include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, dehydration, sluggishness, weakness and high fever. Symptoms of listeria include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.

Pet symptoms are similar. People who are concerned about themselves or their pets should seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

The following products have been recalled:

Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend frozen raw food, Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110, Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes, Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend frozen raw food, Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110, Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes, Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Bravo Basic Formula Finely Ground Chicken frozen raw food, Product Number: 21-212, Size: 2 pound tube, Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 226

[joyce]

Topps Meat Co. Recalls Hamburgers



ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A meat company is voluntarily recalling some of its hamburgers after a cluster of illnesses in the Northeast caused by E. coli bacteria, officials said Tuesday.

At least six people have fallen ill in New York, and three were hospitalized, officials said. All are recovering, the state Health Department said.

The recall affects boxes of frozen hamburgers distributed by Elizabeth, N.J.-based Topps Meat Co. Contaminated burgers were found in one victim's home freezer by health officials, said agency spokeswoman Claudia Hutton.

Topps is "fully cooperating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure all customers are informed and the potentially contaminated products are properly disposed of," Topps spokeswoman Cortney McMahon said.

The recall affects 331,582 pounds of frozen beef patties that were distributed in the New York City area and nationwide, the USDA said. They carried the number "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were produced on June 22, July 12 or July 23, the USDA said.

The recalled products included certain 10-pound boxes of Butcher's Best 100% All Beef Patties; certain 10-pound boxes of Kohler Foods burgers; certain 10-pound boxes of Sand Castle Fine Meat; some 2-pound boxes of Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers; and some 3-pound boxes of Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers.

The USDA did not immediately return a call Tuesday night.

E. coli causes intestinal illness that generally clears up within a week for adults but can be deadly for the very young, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and, in extreme cases, kidney failure.

---

On the Net:

USDA News Release: tinyurl.com/ywxkgp

[SpyderLady]

When I first log on I seem to look for recent posts here first so I can read whats poisoning me today.

[joyce]

I know whatca mean. I check the recalls almost daily now and look for them on the newssites.

[califgirl]

By CHRISTINE SIMMONS, Associated Press Writer Thu Sep 27, 6:57 AM ET

WASHINGTON - Toys and children's necklaces made in China were recalled Wednesday, including five more items from the popular Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway product line, because they contain dangerous levels of lead.
ADVERTISEMENT

RC2 Corp.'s "Knights of the Sword" series toys and some of its Thomas and Friends items, along with floor puppet theaters and gardening tools and chairs for children, were among the more than 601,000 toys and children's jewelry announced in the recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled toys contain high levels of lead in their surface paint, and the necklaces and jewelry sets contain excessive lead in some of their metal parts.

Under current regulations, children's products found to have more than .06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall. The government warned parents to make sure children are not playing or using any of the recalled products.

This is the second recall from the Thomas & Friends product line after RC2 Corp. announced June 13 a recall of 1.5 million wooden railway toys. The company is recalling five items, totaling about 200,000 toys in all, of Thomas & Friends toys not included in the first recall.

"I don't think consumers have seen the end to lead paint recalls," said Julie Vallese, a spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"There's been a very concentrated, concerted effort by both the CPSC and the industry to do a top-to-bottom investigation of the products to make sure they are not in violation with any toy safety standards," said Vallese. "Today's recall is a result of that work."

In Bejing, Commerce Ministry spokesman Wang Xinpei on Thursday said: "Our attitude toward the toy problem has always been the same, that the problem is one in a thousand. We'll still be highly responsible and seriously solve the problem."

The recalls include:

• About 23,500 more necklaces, bracelets and pendants imported by TOBY N.Y.C. of New York. This expands the company's recall of jewelry sets announced on Aug. 22. The recalled products were sold at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, A.J. Wright, Cracker Barrel and Shopko stores nationwide from August 2006 through August 2007. For more information, call the company at 866-235-0588.

• About 850 children's Spinning Wheel Necklace necklaces, produced by Rhode Island Novelty of Cumberland, R.I. The necklaces were sold nationwide from November 2006 through May 2007. For more information, call the company 800-528-5599 or visit its Web site at www.rinovelty.com.

• Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and Children's Sunny Patch Chairs, imported by Target Corp. of Minneapolis, Minn. The recall involves 350,000 of the toys. The gardening tools and chairs were manufactured by Starite International Ltd. of Taiwan. The toys were sold nationwide from August 2006 through August 2007. For more information, contact Target at 800-440-0680 or visit its Web site at www.target.com.

• About 200,000 Thomas and Friends Wood Railway Toys and 800 Britain's "Knights of the Sword" series toys, distributed by RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill. The five recalled Thomas and Friends items, sold nationwide from March 2003 through September 2007, include the all-black cargo car, toad vehicle, olive green sodor cargo box and all-green maple tree top and signal base accessories. The "Knights of the Sword" recalled toys products include three items: a mounted silver knight on a red horse with an ax; a mounted silver knight on a red horse with two hands on a raised weapon; and a mounted silver knight on a red horse with a lance. The products were sold at specialty toy stores nationwide from April 2004 through March 2006. For more information, contact RC2 at 866-725-4407 or visit the firm's Web site at recalls.rc2.com.

• About 16,000 children's toy rakes imported by Jo-Ann Stores Inc., of Hudson, Ohio. The rakes, each about 24 inches long with a yellow duck head attached to the green handle, were sold only at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores from January 2007 from September 2007. For more information, contact the company at 888-739-4120, option 7, or visit the firm's Web site at www.joann.com/.

• An estimated 10,000 Floor Puppet Theaters produced by Guidecraft Inc., of Englewood, N.J. The recalled puppet theaters, each with a chalkboard surface on the front and colored side panels, were sold nationwide in specialty toy stores, gift shops, catalogs and Web sites from June 2006 through August 2007. For more information, contact the company at 888-824-1308 or visit its Web site at www.guidecraft.com.

___

On the Net:

Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov.

[SpyderLady]

Sep 29, 5:03 PM EDT

Ground Beef Recall Expanded Across U.S.

By TOM HESTER Jr.
Associated Press Writer


TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The Topps Meat Co. on Saturday expanded its recall of frozen hamburger patties to include 21.7 million pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria that sickened more than a dozen people in eight states.

The recall of products distributed to retail grocery stores and food service institutions in the United States was a drastic increase from the 332,000 pounds recalled Tuesday.

The recall represents all Topps products with either a "sell by date" or a "best if used by date" between Sept. 25 this year and Sept. 25, 2008. The Elizabeth-based company said this information is found on a package's back panel.

All recalled products also have a USDA establishment number of EST 9748, which is located on the back panel of the package and-or in the USDA legend, the company said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Friday it had suspended the grinding of raw products at the Topps plant after inspectors found inadequate safety measures at the Topps plant. The USDA declined to detail the inadequate safety measures.

"Because the health and safety of our consumers is our top priority, we are taking these expansive measures," said Geoffrey Livermore, Topps' operations vice president.

He said Topps has augmented its procedures with microbiologists and food safety experts.

"We sincerely regret any inconvenience and concerns this may cause our consumers," Livermore said.

The USDA said three people are confirmed as getting E. Coli from Topps products, with 22 other cases under investigation. Cases were found in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

E. coli causes intestinal illness that generally clears up within a week for adults but can be deadly for the very young, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and, in extreme cases, kidney failure.

A full list of the recalled products is available at www.toppsmeat.com/ .

[joyce]

Honeywell Recalls Gas Valves Used in Decorative Fireplaces and Stoves Due To Burn 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: Gas Valves Used in Decorative Fireplaces and Stoves

Units: About 4,000

Manufacturer: Honeywell International Inc., of Morristown, N.J.

Hazard: The activation knob on the valve can be left in a position between OFF and PILOT, which can cause the pilot gas to leak and accumulate prior to burner ignition. This can pose the risk of thermal burns to consumers when they light the pilot of the fireplace or stove.

Incidents/Injuries: Honeywell has received one report of gas accumulating and combusting when the consumer lit the fireplace, resulting in a minor injury when the hair in the back of the consumer’s hand was singed.

Description and Models: This recall involves gas valves used in liquid-propane-fueled decorative fireplaces and Franklin-type stoves. These stoves and fireplaces have direct pressure relief vents via a spring-loaded door. Fireplaces and stoves with a side or rear vent are not included in this recall. The recalled valves were installed in these fireplaces and stoves.

Sold at: Honeywell sold the gas valves exclusively to original equipment manufacturers for use in fireplaces and stoves from April 2004 through August 2007. Those manufacturers sold fireplaces and stoves at retailers nationwide.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Honeywell for information on how to receive a free inspection and replacement valve.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honeywell at [phone] between 9 a.m. and 5p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s web site at www.nvp-hearth.honeywell.com




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Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at [phone] or CPSC's teletypewriter at [phone], or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.









Target Recalls Plush Boys Rattles Due to Choking 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: Plush Boys Rattles

Units: About 82,000

Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The recalled rattles can break open releasing the small beads inside, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled rattles were sold in three styles: a white baseball with red stitching, a brown football with white stitching, and an orange basketball with black stitching. The tag sewn into the rattle contains: "Reg. No. PA5706(CN), Distributed by Double Nice Co Ltd. 3f-2 No. 325, Wu Chuan Road, Taichung, Taiwan, Made in China."

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from March 2007 through May 2007 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled rattles away from young children immediately and return them to any Target store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at [phone] between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com

Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at [phone] or CPSC's teletypewriter at [phone], or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.





Jensen's Old Fashioned Smokehouse Inc. Recalls Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion, Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Jensen's Old Fashioned Smokehouse Inc.
206-364-5569

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Seattle, WA -- October 2, 2007 -- Jensen's Old Fashioned Smokehouse Inc. of Seattle, WA is recalling 936 tubs of Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion which was made by Carso's Pasta of Lynnwood, WA because it has 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.

Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion was distributed in retail stores in Western Washington.

Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion is coded Sell By 10/20/07. This product was sold in 7 oz. plastic tubs.

No illnesses have been CONFIRMED to date. The recall was the result of testing by the FDA which revealed that the finished product contained the bacteria.

Consumers who have purchased Jensen's Seattle Style Wild Smoked Salmon Spread Lemon Dill and Onion 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.

[SpyderLady]

Kraft Foods Recalls Baker's Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Cathy Pernu
847-646-3946

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Northfield, IL -- October 3, 2007 -- Kraft Foods has issued a recall in the U.S. for Baker’s Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares (6 oz.) with a UPC Code 0043000252200 and four best when used by dates:

31 MAR 2008 XCZ
01 APR 2008 XCZ
02 APR 2008 XCZ
03 APR 2008 XCZ

This product may be contaminated with Salmonella, (a bacterium that causes foodborne illness).

Symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections.

The product was distributed nationwide. Consumers should not consume the recalled product and should discard any product they may have.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that detected the presence of Salmonella in some packages of Baker’s Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares (6 oz.). The company is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

This recall is only for Baker’s Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares (6 oz.). No other varieties of Baker’s White Chocolate or any other Baker’s products sold in the United States are impacted by this recall.

Consumers can contact the company at 1-800-310-3704 with any questions they may have or to request reimbursement for purchased product.

#

Photo: Baker's Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares

FDA's Pilot Program to Better Educate Consumers about Recalled Food Products

[joyce]

www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/campbell10_07.html



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Camden, NJ -- October 4, 2007 -- Campbell Soup Company is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 18.8 ounce cans of "Campbell's Chunky" Baked Potato with Cheddar & Bacon Bits because they may contain pieces of hard plastic that present a choking hazard and may cause injury if swallowed. Three consumers have reported minor injuries in and around the mouth.
No other "Campbell's" soup products are affected by this recall.

72,300 units of the recalled soups were shipped to customers in the following 24 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

[joyce]

Topps Calls It Quits After Beef Recall



NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Topps Meat Co. on Friday said it was closing its business, six days after it was forced to issue the second-largest beef recall in U.S. history.

On Sept. 25 Topps began recalling frozen hamburger patties that may have been contaminated after with the E. coli bacteria strain O157:H7. The recall eventually ballooned to 21.7 million pounds of ground beef.

Thirty people in eight states had E. coli infections matching the strain found in the Topps patties, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. None have died.

"This is tragic for all concerned," said Topps chief operating officer Anthony D'Urso, a member of the family that founded the company in 1940.

"In one week we have gone from the largest U.S. manufacturer of frozen hamburgers to a company that cannot overcome the economic reality of a recall this large," D'Urso said in a statement.

[SpyderLady]

If they had invested a little money into checking and testing every batch that went out, that would now be nothing in comparison to shutting down...don't ya think? I can't feel sorry for them. They killed their business. Makes me wonder now every time I go to the grocery store if the next thing I pick up will put me in the hospital.

[SpyderLady]

Oct 6, 9:40 AM EDT

Sam's Club Beef Recalled After Illnesses
U.S. Video
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Sam's Club warehouse chain has pulled a brand of ground beef patties from its shelves nationwide after four children who ate the food, produced by Cargill Inc., developed E. coli illness.

Cargill asked customers to return any remaining patties purchased after Aug. 26 to the store or destroy them.

The children became ill between Sept. 10 and Sept. 20 after eating ground beef patties that were bought frozen under the name American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties from three Sam's Club stores in the Twin Cities area.

Sam's Club voluntarily removed the product from its stores nationwide after the illnesses were reported, the company said.

"We can't be certain that meat from other stores is not involved, since the brand ... was likely sold at other Sam's Club locations," said Heidi Kassenborg, acting director of the dairy and food inspection division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Cargill, based in Wayzata, Minn., is one of the nation's largest privately held companies and makes food ingredients, moves commodities around the world and runs financial commodities trading businesses.

The patties were produced by Cargill and had an expiration date of Feb. 12, 2008, Sam's Club said in a statement. They were coded UPC 0002874907056 Item #700141.

Cargill spokesman Mark Klein said the company has been cooperating with state Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine the scope of the issue.

Cargill learned of the issue Friday, when a compliance officer from the federal Agriculture Department visited the company's ground beef facility in Butler, Wis., Klein said. Officials had traced the patties back to that plant.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is working with the federal Agriculture Department to determine the source of the contamination.

Two of the children were hospitalized; one remains in the hospital and the other has been discharged, the Health Department said.

Symptoms of E. coli illness include stomach cramps and diarrhea. People typically are ill for two to five days but can develop complications including kidney failure. People who have developed such symptoms should contact their doctor, the Health Department said.

Sam's Club warehouse is owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, based in Bentonville, Ark.

[joyce]

I'm telling ya it's everyday, something being recalled. Stupid idiots. Like we have said before why can't this stuff be tested before it becomes available to the public and makes so many sick.

I buy my meat here at the local grocery store and I still wish I had another freezer I would buy all my meat from the Mennonites.

I wonder what it will be tomorrow.

[joyce]

I got some of these in the freezer.

Salmonella alert halts pot-pie production
By The Associated Press and USA Today

OMAHA, Neb. — ConAgra Foods voluntarily stopped production Tuesday at the Missouri plant that makes its Banquet pot pies after health officials said the pies may be linked to 139 cases of salmonella in 30 states, including Washington.

The Omaha-based company told consumers Tuesday not to eat its chicken or turkey pot pies until investigations are complete.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a health alert Tuesday to warn about the possible link between the pot pies and the salmonella cases.

The USDA is advising consumers to discard the pies, said Amanda Eamich, of the agency's Food Safety and Inspection Service. ConAgra is not recalling the pies but is offering mail-in refunds and store returns.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been tracking reported salmonella cases since last Wednesday.

The Washington State Department of Health said it had three reported cases of salmonella possibly linked to the Banquet pies. The cases were in Snohomish, Yakima and Spokane counties.

Department spokesman Jeff Smith said the three people recovered and were not hospitalized.

The USDA said the Marshall, Mo., plant made Banquet and store-brand pot pies. All of the pot pies made at the plant have "P-9" printed on the side of the box as part of a code above the use-by date.

The pies are safe when cooked according to directions, said ConAgra spokeswoman Stephanie Childs.

William Keene, a senior communicable-disease epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division who is tracking the outbreak, disagreed.

"If you cook anything long and hot enough you can kill salmonella. But the story is that hundreds of people have apparently not been able to do that; either they didn't follow the instructions or the instructions were inadequate."

ConAgra says it is working with the USDA to clarify the cooking instructions.

USDA said the exact source of the outbreak is not known.

Salmonella sickens about 40,000 people a year in the United States and kills about 600.

In February, the CDC linked ConAgra's peanut butter, including Peter Pan, to the illnesses of more than 625 people in 47 states. ConAgra resumed shipping Peter Pan in August.