Product Recalls Show No Sign of Slowing Down
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumer protection agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continue to perform their primary function to promote and ensure the safety and reliability of foods, medicines, and consumer products despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Most … [Read more...]
New York Bill: Patients must be Informed of FDA Recalls
NY- Politico.com writes that pharmacies are now required by New York law to inform patients when the FDA issues recalls any of their medications. In the case of the most severe recalls such as an FDA Class 1 recall, the pharmacy has just seven days to notify the patients by phone or mail. Class 1 recalls are used when a medication … [Read more...]
FDA Withdraws Approval of 31 Apotex Drug Applications
UNITED STATES – According to an online news article published by www.raps.org, the FDA has withdrawn approval of 31 Apotex drug applications, citing concerns about the company’s manufacturing practices. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced its decision to withdraw 31 abbreviated new drug … [Read more...]
Legal Restrictions on Releasing Dangerous Products Information
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – As reported online by www.news4jax.com, a Consumer Reports investigation uncovers legal restrictions that make it difficult for the government to share information with consumers about dangerous and potentially deadly products. A Consumer Reports investigation reveals that the United States Consumer Product … [Read more...]
Outdated Law Protects Companies Making Dangerous Goods
Consumer Reports published a scathing article that called into question the continued viability of a consumer law that only serves to protect companies that make defective or dangerous goods. Consumer Reports article addresses the Fisher-Price Rock N’ Play sleeper recall and the Kids II recall campaigns both announced … [Read more...]
“The Ring of Fire” Interviews a Prominent Medical Product Liability Attorney
ATTUNE Knee Replacement Problems. Knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery, and other similar procedures are some of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. But what happens when these devices are defective and injure the patient? A recent interview with an experienced litigator, conducted by Farron … [Read more...]
Yo-Yo Balls Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Investigation Into The Safety Of Yo-Yo Balls. On November 9, 2006, The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) decided to initiate an in-depth investigation into the safety of Yo-Yo Water Balls, a popular toy blamed for injuring more than 400 children across the country. A column on Msnbc.com detailing the injuries a 5-year old boy … [Read more...]
Firefighters PASS Device Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Firefighters PASS Device Might Be Failing. On February 5, 2007, Senator John Kerry requested the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explore deeply troubling information from an MSNBC.com special report signifying that the federal unit charged with probing firefighter deaths overlooked a warning in 2000 that personal alarms … [Read more...]
Defective Door Latches Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Vehicles With Defective Door Latches. A Lowndes County, Alabama, jury assessed $150 million in punitive damages against the General Motors Corporation on Monday, June 3, 1996, for selling vehicles with dangerously defective door latches. Alex Hardy, 35, has been a paraplegic since his Chevrolet Blazer went out of control on U.S 80 in … [Read more...]
Defective Baby Car Seat Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Latest Defective Baby Car Seat Recall. On May 10, 2007 Evenflo Company Inc. in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall of Evenflo Embrace Infant car seat/carriers because of a malfunctioning handle. Evenflo warned that when … [Read more...]
Coleman Propane Heater Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Coleman Propane Heater Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Coleman heaters have recently been linked to carbon monoxide deaths. Based upon two lawsuits filed on December 14, 2006, the Coleman PowerMate 5045 propane heater is the main culprit that lead to the death of five people. The Coleman PowerMate 5045 heaters produce carbon monoxide, and … [Read more...]
Airbag Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Airbag Related Injuries. Activated air bags can inflict severe eye injuries, including blindness, even in minor car accidents, a small-scale study shows. The research report, published in the Journal of Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers, describes the spectrum of air-bag-related eye injuries seen during a two-year period by an … [Read more...]
Firestone Tires Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Firestone Tires Linked To Deaths And Injuries. Firestone tires were standard equipment on the Ford Explorer, the world's best-selling sport utility vehicle and have been linked to at least 174 U.S. traffic deaths and over 700 injuries. Ford Motor Co. plans to replace 10 million to 13 million Firestone tires an amount that far … [Read more...]
Firestone Steeltex Tires Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Firestone Steeltex Tires Linked To Accidents. Three and a half years after a massive recall of its tires linked to deadly highway rollover accidents involving Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicles, Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC. is preparing to announce another, though much smaller, recall of tires mounted on Ford … [Read more...]
FDA Sends Warning Letters to 3 Food Manufacturers over Violations
Two dairy manufacturers and one candy manufacturer received warning letters from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to various violations. According to the FDA, Constable, NY-based Oomsview Holsteins violated federal regulations by selling a cow for slaughter with high levels of desfuroylceftiofur (marker residue for … [Read more...]
$11 Million Verdict Against Toyota in Fatal Crash
A federal jury in Minnesota returned a judgment of nearly $11 million against Toyota Motor Corp. in a case involving an accidentthat killed three people and seriously injured two others. The jury ruled that a sudden acceleration defect in a 1996 Camry contributed to the accident, Law360 reports. The jury found Toyota 60 percent … [Read more...]
Subaru recalls 634,000 SUVs due to defective accessory lights
Subaru has been forced to issue a recall on more than half-million vehicles because accessory lights under the doors can overheat and catch fire. According to a CBS News report, the recall action includes a total of 634,000 vehicles manufactured by Subaru. Included in the action are all 2010 and 2011 Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy … [Read more...]
Injuries from “exploding toilets” prompt recall of Flushmate pressure flushing system
Federal consumer safety regulators have issued a recall on an assisted toilet flushing mechanism after several people sustained injuries when the units exploded during use. According to a recent Los Angeles Times report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission ordered the recall action on the … [Read more...]
Ford Cruise Control Switch Product Liability Injury Lawsuits
Ford Cruise Control Switch Sparks Another Recall. In August 2007, due to defective cruise control switches the Ford Motor Company recalled 3.6 million more cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. The new action brought the total number of Ford vehicles recalled as a result of the defective cruise control switch to 10 million. The Ford cruise … [Read more...]
Was FCC Cell Phone Radiation Advice Altered at Behest of Industry?
Following pow-wows with members of the cell phone industry, including the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, Nokia, AT&T and Motorola, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) quietly changed a statement on cell phone radiation that appears on its website. Where it once recommended that consumers choose cell phones … [Read more...]
DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit Filed by Connecticut Woman
The first Connecticut lawsuit against the maker of the recalled, defective DePuy ASR hip implant has been filed. Patricia Sorrentino-Galello underwent a second hip replacement just three years after her original surgery at Milford Hospital, the CT Post reports. Revision surgeries are painful and more complex than original surgeries … [Read more...]
FDA Shuts Down Maryland Sprout Processor
Ongoing unsanitary conditions prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to shut down a Maryland soybean sprout processor. Preparation, packing, and holding were all conducted in conditions violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Carroll County Times noted that the FDA found that unsanitary practices and … [Read more...]
Plavix – Aspirin Combo Linked to Higher Risk of Gastrointestinal bleeding
Taking low doses of aspirin along with the blood thinning drug Plavix could increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, according to a new study. According to a Reuters report, the authors of the study calculated that if 1,000 people not taking the Plavix-aspirin combo were to start such a regimen, an extra one to three of them … [Read more...]
Triad Group Shuts Down Line That Made Tainted Wipes
After several recalls, one nationwide; Bacillus cereus contamination; and links to a number of illnesses and one death, the Triad Group of Harland, Wisconsin is shutting down the line that manufactured tainted alcohol prep products, pads, wipes, and swabs. As we’ve previously written, use of Triad’s recalled, contaminated alcohol … [Read more...]
Secondhand Smoke Exposure Raises Risk of Stillbirth
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in America, is linked to some 443,000 fatalities and $100 billion in healthcare costs annually, and kills some 1,200 Americans every day. Now, says the BBC, University of Nottingham researchers revealed that pregnant women exposed to secondhand smoke—at work or home—have a 23 … [Read more...]
Salmonella Prompts Vitalabs to Recall Whey Protein Isolate
Vitalabs, Inc. of Jonesboro, Georgia is initiating a large recall of its Whey-26 Protein Powder over concerns that the defective product is contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly, Salmonella pathogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Four specific lot numbers of Whey-26 Protein Powder have been … [Read more...]
Chocolate Milk Recalled After Alkaline Phosphatase Found in Samples
After Alkaline Phosphatase was found in a number of dairy products produced by the Oak Farms Dairy plant in Waco, Texas, the company initiated a recall of some chocolate milk products. The recall involves half-gallon plastic bottles of whole chocolate milk and half-pint paper cartons of whole chocolate milk and 1% chocolate milk, … [Read more...]
Defective Kaba Simplex Locks Used to Secure Federal Buildings
We’ve been following the issue of Kaba Simplex keyless pushbutton locks lawsuits involving a lock commonly used to secure sensitive government buildings that can be easily unlocked with a $30 magnet. According to Cleveland.com, the lock has also been used on a number of homes owned by Orthodox Jews nationwide. The Kaba Simplex … [Read more...]
Johnson & Johnson Facilities at Center of Tylenol, Other Drug Recalls Face Greater FDA Scrutiny
A Johnson & Johnson drug plant in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania that made millions of bottles of recalled medicine, including Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin, will not be allowed to reopen until the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is assured that it meets quality standards. A proposed consent decree signed by the FDA and Johnson & … [Read more...]
Suzuki KingQuad ATVs Recalled for Fire Hazard
About 29,000 Suzuki KingQuad All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)s have been recalled for fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The defective ATVs were manufactured in the United States by the Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation. The defective products were distributed by American Suzuki Motor … [Read more...]
Wooden Fruit Puzzles Recalled for Choking Hazard
About 1,400 Kid O Products defective Wooden Fruit Puzzles have been recalled due to choking hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The knobs attached to the puzzle fruits can come loose, posing a choking hazard to young children. To date, no incidents or injuries have been reported in response to … [Read more...]
Stanley Securities Recalls Door Lock Sets for Entrapment Risk
About 63,100 6K and 7KC Series Door Locksets have been recalled by Stanley Security Solutions for entrapment risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced the product recall. The Stanley Security Door Lock Sets’ latches could fail, which could lead to entrapment in an emergency because the door cannot be … [Read more...]
Recalled DePuy Hip Implant May Be Failing at Much Higher Rate than First Thought
How likely are premature failures of the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System? When DePuy Orthopedics issued recalls for the ASR XL Acetabular Hip Replacement System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System last August, the company said data from the National Joint Registry of England and Wales indicated that 1 out of every 8 … [Read more...]
Bologna Recalled in New York for Staph Contamination
About 2,997 pounds of bologna products are being recalled by Zweigle's Inc., of Rochester, New York, in a Class I recall over concerns of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced. A Class I recall is a health hazard situation … [Read more...]
PCB Contaminated Landfill in New York State Added to Superfund List
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced the addition of the Dewey Loeffel Landfill in Rensselaer County, New York to its Superfund National Priorities List of the country’s most hazardous waste sites. The landfill is contaminated with toxic substances that include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the ground … [Read more...]
Vet, Doctor Halloween Costumes Recalled or Choking Hazard
About 1,800 Fun World Little Pet Vet and Dr. Littles Halloween Costumes with Toy Stethoscopes have been recalled due to choking hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The defective Halloween costumes were manufactured in China and imported by Fun World, Inc., a Division of Easter Unlimited, Inc. … [Read more...]
Enbrel Lawsuit Claims Drug Caused Cancer
Alleging a diagnosis of cancer and accusing drugmakers of hiding Enbrel side effects, Wayne Stone Sr. is suing Immunex, Pfizer, Wyeth, and so-called “John Doe†distributors of the drug, reported Courthouse News. Amgen and Pfizer market Enbrel for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Stone Sr. claims Enbrel gave him lymphoma and … [Read more...]
Johnson & Johnson’s Animas Unit Recalls Insulin Pump Cartridges
Following a year of unprecedented recalls, another unit of embattled drug giant, Johnson & Johnson, is issuing a medical device recall, this time, for 2.0 mL Animas Insulin Pump Cartridges. Some 2.0 mL insulin cartridges shipped between November 30, 2010 and January 4, 2011, can leak insulin. This defect can result in under-dosing … [Read more...]
Salmonella Prompts Recall of Jones Natural Chews Co. Pig Ears
Thousands of boxes of Jones Natural Chews Company Pig Ears are being recalled over potential contamination with the dangerous, and sometimes deadly, Salmonella bacteria, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Jones Natural Chews Co. is located in Rockford, Illinois. The recall was the result of a routine … [Read more...]
Ground Beef Recalled for Potential E. coli Contamination
About 14,158 pounds of ground beef products are being recalled by Creekstone Farms Premium Beef of Arkansas City, Kansas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) just announced. The beef might be contaminated with the dangerous, sometimes deadly E. coli O157:H7 bacteria. The recall is … [Read more...]
Another Tea Recall Issued for Salmonella
In response to a recent tea recall of thousands of pounds of Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea produced by Aromatics Inc., of Basin City, Washington, RemedyTeas just issued a recall of 20 pounds of tea, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Earlier this week, we wrote that Teavana Corporation issued a product recall of … [Read more...]
Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplaces Sold at Lowe’s Stores Recalled
Tens of thousands of Freestanding Steel Outdoor Fireplaces are being recalled in the United States and Canada, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The wood burning fireplace recall involves about 20,000 defective fireplaces in the U.S. and 400 in Canada. The recalled fireplaces … [Read more...]
NSAID Side Effects Could Include Erectile Dysfunction
NSAIDs—nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs— previously been linked to increased stroke and heart attack risks, have now been connected with erectile dysfunction (ED) with regular use, says MedScape. The emerging study, a prospective cohort, appeared online last month and in the April print issue of the Journal of … [Read more...]
Mountain Dew Mouth Ruining Children’s Teeth
Poor children in Appalachia are being stricken with high levels of tooth decay, and even tooth loss, that some dentists have linked to Mountain Dew, PepsiCo.'s popular soft drink that is made with high levels of caffeine and sugar. Some are blaming the easy availability of Mountain Dew, and its addictive amounts of caffeine, for … [Read more...]
Cell Phone Health Risks Can Be Reduced
A just-released study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concludes that cell phones radiation does change brain activity.The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that 50-minutes of cell phone use was associated with increased brain glucose metabolism (a … [Read more...]
Use of Prevnar, ActHIB Vaccines Halted in Japan After Child Deaths
Four children have died in Japan after being vaccinated with Prevnar and ActHIB. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Japanese government has stopped use of these vaccines and, now, international health authorities are looking into potential side effects from the drug. Health officials in the United States are not concerned, … [Read more...]
Salmonella Risk Prompts Herbal Tea Recall
Teavana Corporation just issued a product recall of 2,659 lbs of Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea produced by Aromatics Inc., of Basin City, Washington, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. The recalled product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, a dangerous, potentially fatal, foodborne pathogen. … [Read more...]
Children’s Jewelry may Contain Dangerous Levels of Cadmium
Cadmium, considered an even more dangerous toxic metal than lead, is a known carcinogen and can interfere with brain development in very young children; longer-term effects of cadmium might not always be immediately evident. The federal government has long been concerned about toxic metals which could be ingested by children who … [Read more...]
Users of Fixodent, Other Denture Creams Should be Wary of Zinc
Because Fixodent and other denture creams contain zinc, denture wearers are being advised to pay attention to the amount of zinc they consume. According to an article published in the March/April 2011 issue of "General Dentistry,†the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), excess intake of zinc … [Read more...]
Tanning Beds, Drug Skin Reactions Can be a Deadly Combo
While known for its dangers concerning skin cancer, tanning beds are now being linked to a completely different type of danger. Research conducted by the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Dermatology has found that tanning bed exposure, specifically when consumers self-diagnose and use the radiation to treat skin … [Read more...]
DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit Filed by Seven Forced to Undergo Revision Surgery
A DePuy ASR hip implant lawsuit was recently filed by seven Rochester, New York residents who say they were forced to undergo revision surgery after their ASR hip failed prematurely. The DePuy ASR hip implant was recalled in August, but the Rochester lawsuit claims DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of Johnson & Johnson, knew the implant … [Read more...]
Cook Inc. Recalls Central Venous Catheter Trays for Leak Issue
Single, Double, Triple, and Five-Lumen Central Venous Catheter Trays and Single and Double Lumen PICC Peripheral Inserted Central Venous Catheter Trays are being recalled, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Cook, Inc., located at 750 Daniels Way 
Bloomington, Indiana 47404-9120, is conducting the Venous … [Read more...]
Wooden Toys, Rattles Recalled for Choking Hazard
In two separate recalls, wooden toys and rattles are being recalled for choking hazard, both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) announced. Parents® Busy Time Activity Centersâ„¢ About 400 Parents® Busy Time Activity Centersâ„¢, which were manufactured in China by Manhattan Group LLC, of … [Read more...]
Topamax Increases Risk for Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate When Used During Pregnancy
Topamax (topiramate) has been associated with the development of oral clefts - cleft lip and/or cleft palate - in babies born to women who took the drug during early pregnancy. Today, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said that Topamax, previously classified as a Pregnancy Category C drug, will now be placed in Pregnancy … [Read more...]
IKEA Recalls Coffee/Tea Makers
A large recall of IKEA FörstÃ¥ Coffee/Tea Makers has been implemented because of burn and laceration hazards, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) just announced. About 94,000 FörstÃ¥ Coffee/Tea Makers have been recalled in the United States and another 34,000 have been recalled in Canada. The … [Read more...]
Proton Pump Inhibitors May Lower Magnesium Levels, FDA Warns
Proton pump inhibitors can lower magnesium levels if the popular heartburn drugs are used over a long period of time, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has warned. Low serum magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) can result in serious health problems including muscle spasm, irregular heartbeat and convulsions. Because of this … [Read more...]
BioRay Dietary Supplements Not Proven Safe or Effective
With no medical or pharmacy degrees and no compelling scientific data, BioRay’s owners—Timothy and Stephanie Ray—tout their dietary supplements as being able to help with sexual problems, allergies, speech delays, weight issues, even liver and autism problems; virtually any health malady, said The LA Times. Not only does … [Read more...]
FDA Acts against Unapproved Cold, Cough and Allergy Drugs, Orders Hundreds Removed from Market
More than 500 unapproved prescription cough, cold and allergy medicines – including familiar names like include Lodrane, Cardec, Organidin and Pediahist - have been ordered off the market by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). None of the unapproved prescription cough, cold and allergy drugs have ever been evaluated by the … [Read more...]
Keyless Ignition Accidents, Deaths Raising Concerns
Keyless ignition technology malfunctions being linked to a number of accidents, some fatal. According to WMGT, despite these reports of keyless ignition malfunctions, the technology is on the rise. Three deaths in three different events are pointing to issues with keyless ignition, two in Florida and one in New York, as well as … [Read more...]
Questionable Breast Implant Lymphoma Info Removed from Groups’ Websites
Two plastic surgery groups have removed information that downplayed the risks of a rare type of lymphoma linked to breast implants, following a discussion with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The group Public Citizen had complained to the FDA about the way the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American … [Read more...]
Slow Cookers Recalled by Burlington Coat Factory
Slow cookers are being recalled, said the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over the potential for fire hazard. The recalled slow cookers were manufactured in China; sold by the Burlington Coat Factory, of Burlington, New Jersey; and imported and distributed by Lehrhoff ABL, of Carlstadt, New Jersey. About 7,460 slow … [Read more...]
Users of Plavix, Valium, Other Meds Could Suffer Reactions if they Carry CYP2C19 Gene Variant
Does a gene variant explain a U.S. lawmaker's odd behavior? According to Rep. David Wu, an Oregon Democrat, a variant in the CYP2C19 gene, which plays a role in metabolizing some drugs, like Plavix and Valium was the reason he seemingly went AWOL around Election Day in 2008. We've written about the CYP2C19 gene variant before. … [Read more...]
Beaded Door Curtains Sold at Target Recalled for Strangulation Risk
Some 79,000 Circo Beaded Door Curtains have been recalled for strangulation risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The recalled product was manufactured in China by FAB/Starpoint LLC, of New York, New York, and was sold by Target Corp., of Minneapolis, Minneapolis. … [Read more...]
Baby Jogger Jump Seats Recalled for Fall Hazard
A recall has been implemented by Baby Jogger LLC, of Richmond, Virginia, for Baby Jogger Jump Seats, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. About 1,545 Baby Jogger Jump Seats have been recalled in the United States; 450 have been recalled in Canada. The recalled products were … [Read more...]
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Follows Teen’s Use of Eye Drops
A 19-year-old girl in the United Kingdom required weeks of intensive care treatment and is looking at months of follow-up treatment following a dangerous drug reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome after using Optrex eye drops. According to the Voice Online, Marian Adejokun’s body was covered in blisters very soon after using … [Read more...]
PrimeTrim Molding Product Sparks Consumer Complaints
Some consumers have alleged that PrimeTrim wood molding products made by Georgia-Pacific are not all they are promised to be. Complaints over PrimeTrim have already spawned at least one class action complaint against Georgia-Pacific, and legal experts expect more will follow. PrimeTrim, first manufactured in 1992, is made of … [Read more...]
Sugary Drinks, Soda Linked to High Blood Pressure
Sugary drinks, including sweetened sodas and fruit drinks, have been linked to high blood pressure, according to a new study. The research suggests reducing sugar and salt intake to reduce cardiac risks, said Reuters, noting that hypertension—high blood pressure—is a significant risk factor for cardiac disease. The study results … [Read more...]
Multaq Patients Should Undergo Liver Function Tests
European regulators recently warned that Multaq (donedarone) could put patients at risk for severe liver injuries. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is now recommending that doctors perform liver function tests before treating atrial fibrillation patients with Multaq. The European recommendation comes just over a month since the … [Read more...]
Dried Fish Recalled by Brooklyn Firm for Potential Botulism
W H & Group LLC. just issued a recall of Dried Fish after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors discovered Clostridium botulinum spores, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. The botulism contamination was discovered during a routine inspection and follow-up analysis of the Dried … [Read more...]
Stainless Steel Brandy Flasks Recalled for Lead Risk
E&J Brandy just announced a voluntary recall of a number of its stainless steel brandy flasks after laboratory tests revealed that brandy stored in these flasks, under specific conditions, could indicate elevated lead levels, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just wrote. Lead is a toxic heavy metal linked to a broad range … [Read more...]
Radiation from Cell Phones, Wireless Technology, Puts Children at Risk, Group Says
ElectromagneticHealth.org recently published a letter to parents detailing the health consequences of wireless radiation exposure for children. The letter provides comprehensive information on several studies that have pointed to increased health risks from cell phones and other wireless technologies. Among the research cited by … [Read more...]
Listeria Prompts Recall of Broccoli Products
Taylor Farms Pacific just announced a voluntary recall of an array of products containing broccoli over concerns about contamination with the Listeria bacteria, said The Associated Press (AP). A random test by agricultural department officials confirmed the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The broccoli, said the AP, can be found in … [Read more...]
DePuy Hip Implant Class Action Filed in Australia
Another DePuy ASR Hip Replacement lawsuit, this time, a class action, has been initiated in Australia, reports The Herald Sun. Eight parties have been registered in the action; the case will be heard in the Federal Court in Sydney, Australia. The lawsuit involves two types of DePuy devices that were manufactured in Great Britain by … [Read more...]
Avastin Breast Cancer Decision Will Be Appealed in June
The maker of Avastin will attempt this summer to convince the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that it made a mistake when it decided to revoke the pricey drug's approval as a treatment for advanced breast cancer. Roche’s Genentech division will try to convince the FDA to change its mind on Avastin during a two-day hearing … [Read more...]
Accu-Check Flexlink Plus Infusion Sets Recalled
The Accu-Chek® FlexLink Plus infusion set is being recalled by Roche Insulin Delivery Systems because the cannula can become bent or kinked when inserting the device, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If this happens, patients may receive too little insulin, leading to elevation of blood glucose levels, and … [Read more...]
Golden Tea Lights Recalled by Pier 1 Imports
A large product recall of Golden Tea Lights sold with Ornament Tea Light Holders has been initiated by Pier 1 Imports®, of Fort Worth, Texas, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The flame from the Defective Product can burn with a high flame, posing a fire hazard. To date, Pier … [Read more...]
Remote Control Systems for Entertainment Electronics Recalled for Fire Hazard
About 4,160 Remote Control Systems for Entertainment Electronics have been recalled by the manufacturer, Niles Audio Corp., of Miami, Florida, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), just announced. If the battery falls from the remote control during handling, it can rupture and smoke or ignite, posing a fire hazard. To … [Read more...]
Jogging Strollers Recalled For Strangulation Risk
A large product recall of B.O.B.® Single and Double Strollers has been initiated due to strangulation risk, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The agencies advise consumers to stop using the Recalled Products immediately unless otherwise instructed and notes that it is illegal … [Read more...]
Le Creuset Recalls Glass Lids for Laceration Hazard
About 1,800 Le Creuset Glass Lids have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The Le Creuset Glass Lids, which were manufactured in … [Read more...]
Extenze Tablets Recalled for Undeclared Ingredient
Biotab Nutraceuticals, Inc. is conducting a voluntary recall of two lots of Extenze Nutritional Supplement Tablets, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced. Some packages bearing lot numbers 0709241 and 0509075 are counterfeit products containing undeclared drug ingredients that can pose a serious risk to health. … [Read more...]
Using a Cell Phone Changes Brain Activity, Study Finds
A new cell phone study finds the popular devices can in fact cause changes to brain activity. The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, is one of the first, and the most prominent, to offer scientific evidence that cell phones affect brain metabolism. What is not yet understood is exactly how the brain … [Read more...]
FDA Approves Expanded Use of Lap-Band With Little Review
With much fanfare, the popular Lap-Band device for weight loss was recently approved for expanded use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), despite a lack of safety data. The LA Times also points out that it appears as if the agency did not take into consideration the device maker’s illegal marketing tactics for its … [Read more...]
Osteoporosis Drugs Linked to Thigh Fractures, Yet Again
Bone loss drugs in the class of bisphosphonates have, again, been linked to bone fractures of the femur (thigh bone). Web MD said that a recent, large review of over 200,000 post-menopausal women found that those taking bisphosphonates—drugs sold under the names Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D, Actonel, Actonel with Calcium, Boniva, … [Read more...]
Peanut Salmonella Outbreak in the Spotlight Again
Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont is seeking information from the Obama administration about an investigation into the Peanut Corp. of America (PCA) Salmonella debacle in which peanut products distributed across the country sickened thousands, impacted most of the states and Canada, and resulted in a number of deaths. At last count, … [Read more...]
Bicycles Recalled by Two Firms
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced two separate product recalls for bicycles for fall, loss of control, and injury hazards. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. Novara Fusion Bicycles About … [Read more...]
Resistance Bands Recalled for Injury Risk
About 29,700 Resistance Stretch Tubing Bands have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to should stop using the defective products immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a recalled product. The recalled Resistance Stretch … [Read more...]
Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning Study Reviewer Failed to Disclose Conflict
Did a consultant for Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent denture cream, help suppress an important study that showed a link between zinc-containing denture adhesives like Fixodent and severe nerve damage? The study, though completed in 2006, wasn't published in the journal "Neurology" until 2008. According to a recent ABC News … [Read more...]
Breast Implants Gave Me Lymphoma, Breast Cancer Survivor Says
A Florida woman believes the breast implants she received in the wake of a mastectomy caused her to develop another form of cancer. Sherry Kellogg, a 48-year-old breast cancer survivor from North Palm Beach was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in 2008. Kellogg told The Palm Beach Post that she first received … [Read more...]
Plan to Gut CPSC Budget Criticized
Last week’s House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, designed to undo recent product safety regulations laid out in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) and slash funding for the critical Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is a step in the wrong direction, Public Citizen said. A hearing such … [Read more...]
BPA on ATM Receipts May Pose Risks
Bisphenol A (BPA), the ever-present polycarbonate plastic hardener has been implicated in a growing range of consumer products. We recently wrote that the Toxic Chemical was found in ordinary thermal paper receipts, further intensifying its ubiquity. Now, NBC Connecticut says that Connecticut lawmakers are looking to increase bans … [Read more...]
Simponi Pens Recalled by Johnson & Johnson for Manufacturing Defect
Johnson & Johnson is recalling Simponi injection pens in the U.S. and Germany. According to the company, a potential defect could result in an insufficient dose of the rheumatoid arthritis drug, and patients are being advised to use pre-filled syringes of Simponi as an alternative. The Simponi pen recall is just the latest in a … [Read more...]
Sno-Tek Snow Blowers Recalled for Laceration Hazard
Sno-Tek Snow Blowers are being recalled for laceration hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), just announced. The agencies are advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products immediately and note that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. About 1,500 … [Read more...]
Men’s, Women’s Jackets Recalled for Flammability Standard Violations
About 6,700 New Live Men’s and Women’s Jackets have been recalled, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The recalled Men's and Women's … [Read more...]
New DePuy ASR Hip Implant Lawsuit Filed by California Man
Another alleged victim of the defective DePuy ASR hip implant has filed suit against DePuy Orthopaedics. According to this new DePuy ASR hip replacement lawsuit, the plaintiff was forced to undergo revision surgery a little over a year after receiving the defective implant. Since receiving his DePuy ASR hip implant, the plaintiff … [Read more...]
Food Dehydrator Recalled
About 3,500 LEM Food Dehydrators With Digital Timers have been recalled for fire hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Products immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The recalled … [Read more...]
Pre-Lit Christmas Trees Recalled for Shock Hazard
About 1,333 Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Trees have been recalled due to shock hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) just announced. The agency is advising consumers to stop using the Defective Product immediately and notes that it is illegal to resell or to attempt to resell a Recalled Product. The recalled … [Read more...]
How Safe are Skechers Shape-Ups, Other Toning Shoes?
Skechers Shape-Ups and other so-called toning shoes have become hot items, with sales soon expected to exceed $1 billion. But according to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM), Skechers Shape-Ups and other toning shoes could be a risky choice for some people. Toning shoes are also sometimes referred to as … [Read more...]
Breast Implant Cancer Risk May be Downplayed by Plastic Surgeons, Group Says
The link between breast implants and a rare form of lymphoma may be being downplayed by some plastic surgeons, according to a leading consumer advocacy group. According to a letter from Public Citizen to the head of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), "presidents of the two leading plastic surgery organizations, the American … [Read more...]
ADHD Drugs Linked To Parkinson’s Disease in New Study
We have long reported on various substances being linked to Parkinson’s disease. Now, WTMA reports that the progressive, degenerative central nervous system disorder that affects motor skills and speech has been linked to certain amphetamines. A study conducted by Kaiser Permanente Northern California, found that some medications … [Read more...]
Kaba Simplex Locks Lawsuits Consolidated, Transferred to Northern District of Ohio
Kaba Simplex Locks lawsuits have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL 2220) and transferred to U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. The Kaba Simplex Locks litigation will be presided over by the Honorable Donald C. Nugent. The first conference in the litigation, entitled the "Kaba Simplex Locks Marketing … [Read more...]
