Recent Product Safety Alerts and Recalls
For up-to-date information regarding safety alerts and product recalls, visit www.recalls.gov.
2/9/11 News: AmerTac Recalls Nightlights
An electric short circuit in AmerTac nightlights poses a fire and burn hazard. The recall affects only model numbers 71193, 71194 and 327879 with a KML molded on the back. Model number 71193 is a square shaped, white plastic unit with a flat translucent square window on the front and a button for changing the screen color. Model 71194 and 327879 resemble a computer mouse with white plastic housing and inset translucent windows on the front and sides. The models were sold between March 2009 through January 2011.
| Model 71193 | Model 71194 and 327879 |
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1/20/10 News: Frontgate Recalls Step Ladder
Frontgate Closet Ladders are being recalled as they can break unexpectedly, thereby creating a fall hazard. Hundreds of reports have been received regarding such breaks, with some minor injuries reported.
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The catalog item numbers that are being recalled include the two-step 11998 step ladder & the 11675, 11975, 30269, 37935, and 40645 three-step ladder. The ladders are mahogany wood color.
Go to www.cpsc.gov for more information.
10/21/10 News: HONDA RECALL
Honda plans to recall vehicles because of brake fluid leaks that could lead to problems with braking. The cars affected will include Acura RL sedans and Honda Odyssey minivans.
10/19/10 News: RECALL OF TYLENOL 8 HOUR CAPLETS
Tylenol 8 Hour caplets are being recalled due to complaints of a “musty odor.” The smell is due to small amounts of the chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole. The lot number affected is BCM 155.
10/14/10 News: FDA RECOMMENDS AVOIDING CHELATION PRODUCTS
Chelation products are marketed as being able to treat serious diseases through the removal of toxic metals from the body. Such products also are advertised as nutritional supplements. But, the FDA warns that the use of chelation products can result in severe harm – including death. Consumers are advised to avoid use of these products for any reason.
Chelation products are sold as sprays, liquid drops, suppositories, capsules, and clay baths. The FDA has never approved a chelation product – regardless of form.
Warning letters were issued by the FDA to several different companies, including:
World Health Products LLC – selling chelation products with Detoxamin name;
Hormonal Health LLC/World Health Products LLC – selling chelation products with Kelatox name;
Evenbetternow, LLC – selling chelation products as Kids Chelat Heavy Metal Chelator, Bio-Chelat Heavy Metal Chelator, Behavior Balance DMG Liquid, AlkaLife Alkaline Drops, NutriBiotic Grapefruit Seed Extract, Natur-Leaf, Kids Clear Detoxifying Clay Baths, EBN Detoxifying Bentonite Clay, and the Heavy Metal Screen Test;
Maxam Nutraceutics/Maxam Laboratories – selling chelation products as PCA-Rx, PC3x, AFX, AD-Rx, AN-Rx, Anavone, AV-Rx, BioGuard, BSAID, CF-Rx, CreOcell, Dermatotropin, Endotropin, GTF-Rx, IM-Rx, Keto-Plex, Natural Passion, NG-Rx, NX-Rx, OR-Rx, Oxy-Charge, PN-Rx, Ultra-AV, and Ultra Pure Yohimbe;
Cardio Renew Inc. – selling chelation products as CardioRenew and CardioRestore;
Artery Health Institute LLC – selling chelation products as Advanced Formula EDTA Oral Chelation;
Longevity Plus – selling chelation products as Beyond Chelation Improved, EndoKinase, Viral Defense, and Wobenzym;
Dr. Rhonda Henry – selling chelation products as Cardio Chelate (H-870).
10/13/10 News: OSTEOPOROSIS DRUG FRACTURES
The FDA is mandating the change of warnings provided in relation to bisphosphonates (which include Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D, Actonel, Actonel with Calcium, Boniva, Atelvia, Reclast, and the generic version of such products). Bisphosphonates are used in the treatment of osteoporosis.
These drugs are associated with an increased risk for atypical fractures of the thigh. Warning labels will be updated to identify this association. However, the FDA advises patients to continue using these medications unless told to stop by their doctor.
10/8/10 News: CADMIUM RISK IN KIDS' CUPS
Cadmium is a carcinogen that has been used in paint, batteries, and fertilizers. Last June, McDonald’s recalled 12 million “Shrek” glasses because of cadmium content. At that time, no information was provided to consumers about the levels found in the glasses.
Regulatory records, however, show that the recall occurred after scientists concluded a child could be exposed to hazardous cadmium levels simply by touching the “Shrek” glass eight times a day.
10/3/10 News: AUTO DEFECT – RECALL OF CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES
Approximately 340,000 BMWs are being recalled due to braking problem. Some Rolls-Royce also may be affected by the recall. BMW North reports that a leak in the power braking systems of the recalled vehicles could cause braking problems, although no injuries currently have been reported.
10/2/10 News: AIRBAG INJURY – RECALL OF CADILLAC VEHICLES
GM is recalling certain 2009 and 2010 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V models because of an airbag issue that increases the risk of injury. Dealers should be able to fix the vehicles through the replacement of glove box assemblies.
10/2/10 News: CHILD PRODUCT DEFECT – RECALL OF FISHER PRICE TRIKES
Fisher Price Trikes and Tough Trikes toddler tricycles are being recalled due to injuries resulting from the plastic “ignition key.” Tricyles with disc-shaped or D-shaped keys are including in the recall; however, tricycles with a flattened D-shaped key are not included in the recall.
For further information, go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Website at www.cpsc.gov.
10/1/10 News: AIRBAG INJURY – RECALL OF CADILLAC VEHICLES
GM is recalling certain 2009 and 2010 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V models because of an airbag issue that increases the risk of injury. Dealers should be able to fix the vehicles through the replacement of glove box assemblies.
9/29/10 News: INFANT SUFFOCATION HAZARDS
The FDA and Consumer Products Safety Commission are urging consumers to avoid use of infant sleep positioners. These agencies received a dozen reports of babies who had suffocated while using sleep positioners. The infants were between one and four months of age.
For further information, see the FDA Consumer Health Update.
9/23/10 News: ROSIGLITAZONE MALEATE (MARKETED AS AVANDIA, AVANDAMET, AND AVANDARYL) RESTRICTED AND BANNED
Rosiglitazone Maleate, which is commonly referred to by the name Avandia, is a prescription drug used in the treatment of diabetes. In 2010, studies confirmed that taking Avandia increases patients’ risk of heart attack and stroke.
On September 23, 2010, the European Union’s Medicines Agency banned Avandia. At the same time, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority and the US Food & Drug Administration placed serious restrictions on the drugs use.
The FDA restrictions include:
*GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Avandia, will no longer be able to promote the medication.
*Doctors will not be able to prescribe the medication to new patients unless other medication options are unavailable. If Avandia is then prescribed, the patient must be given detailed information regarding the risk of heart attack and stroke when using Avandia.
9/14/10 News: POSSIBLE BABY CRIB INJURY
Recall: Sorelle brand "Prescott" fixed-sided cribs, sold online by AlbeeBaby.com between July 2009 and October 2009. The cribs pose an entrapment and suffocation hazard.
8/1/10 News: MIRACLE MINERAL SOLUTION (ALSO KNOWN AS MIRACLE MINERAL SUPPLEMENT OR MMS)
In July 2010, the US FDA issued an alert regarding MMS, which is distributed online. While this product is advertised as a treatment for HIV, hepatitis, H1N1, cancer, fibromyalgia, and other “incurable” diseases, the FDA is unaware of any research in support of such claims.
Miracle Mineral consists primarily of Chlorine Dioxide, which is a bleach that has been used for commercial and industrial applications. Chlorine Dioxide is regulated by both the US EPA and OSHA – it is dangerous to drink. High doses (such as those promoted by MMS) can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration.
The FDA urges consumers to avoid using this product, and if you have purchased it, you should throw it away.
5/18/10 News: ARROW BRAND MEDICATED OIL AND EMBROCATION – TOXIC
The FDA has issued a warning to alert consumers not to purchase Arrow Brand Medicated Oil & Embrocation (marketed in Spanish as Aceite Medicinal La Flecha; also marketed in Mandarin).
This product contains methyl salicylate and camphor, which are poisonous when ingested or applied to large areas of the body. The use of this product can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Children are particularly at risk. Some cases of overdose have caused death.
