NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2010
Release #10-338

CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Pro-Pac Distributing Corporation, of Gardena, Calif., has agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $125,000. The penalty settlement (pdf), which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolves CPSC staff allegations that Pro-Pac knowingly failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that two different children’s hooded sweatshirts it imported and distributed had drawstrings at the neck.

Children’s upper outerwear with drawstrings at the neck and waist can pose a substantial risk of injury or death when the string on the garment catches onto an item such as playground equipment. CPSC issued drawstring guidelines (pdf) in 1996 to help prevent children from being strangled or becoming entangled by the neck and waist drawstrings in upper outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts. In 1997, industry adopted a voluntary standard for drawstrings that incorporated the CPSC guidelines. In May 2006, CPSC’s Office of Compliance announced (pdf) that children’s upper outerwear with drawstrings at the hood or neck would be regarded as defective and as presenting a substantial risk of injury to young children.

About 7,000 of these sweatshirts were sold under the ProClub label at various retailers in Los Angeles, Calif., and Las Vegas, Nev., from November 2008 through December 2008 for around $20. In July 2009, CPSC and Pro-Pac announced the recall of both of Pro-Pac’s hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings due to a strangulation hazard. Due to the serious nature of this hazard, parents are urged to immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts or return the garments to either the place of purchase or to Pro-Pac for a full refund.

Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or fails to comply with any consumer product safety rule or any other rule, regulation, standard, or ban enforced by CPSC.

In agreeing to the settlement, Pro-Pac Distributing denies that it knowingly violated the law, as alleged by CPSC staff.

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs \
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2010
Release #10-337

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 408-1140
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Rechargeable Spotlights Recalled by Innovage 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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: FIXIT One Million Candlepower Rechargeable Spotlights

Units: About 1.4 Million

Importer: Innovage LLC, of Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Hazard: The spotlight’s charging adapter can overcharge the battery, forcing it to rupture and leak battery acid. This poses a chemical burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 13 reports of incidents involving minor skin chemical burns and battery acid burn holes in upholstery, clothing and carpeting.

Description: This recall involves the One Million Candlepower Spotlight, a rechargeable halogen light. The handheld spotlight is made of yellow plastic and has a black label that reads, “FIXIT Tools UP TO 1,000,000 CANDLE POWER” or “FIXIT Rechargeable Spotlight.” The spotlight is sold with an AC power charger and a 12 volt car utility adapter.

Sold at: Walgreens, Rite Aid, Bealls, Tuesday Morning, Ace Hardware, Boscov’s and Winn-Dixie stores nationwide from October 2003 through October 2009 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the spotlights and contact Innovage for a full refund of the regular retail price. For purchases made above the regular retail price, additional refunds will be offered with valid receipts. Consumers are asked to return the product, via a self-addressed stamped envelope or box that will be provided. Instructions for returning the product are posted at www.spotlightrecall.org and are also available from the Innovage call center.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Innovage toll-free at (888) 408-1140 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.spotlightrecall.org - Consumers can also email the firm at info@spotlightrecall.org

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2010
Release #10-336

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 789-6555
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Simms Fishing Products Recalls Wading Staffs Due to Fall 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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Wading Staffs

Units: About 3,000

Importer: Simms Fishing Products, of Bozeman, Mont.

Hazard: The wading staff can collapse posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled product is a wading staff used to assist in wading rivers and streams. These staffs, offered in two sizes (52″ & 56″), are sterling silver in color and are identified by Simms item numbers AWS101152 or AWS101156 (UPC numbers 94264-10102 or 94264-10103). The item number and UPC numbers can be found on the product hang tag attached to the staff at time of purchase. Affected wading staffs are visibly identifiable by a silver cable connector.

Sold by: Authorized dealers nationwide from March 2010 through June 2010 for about $120.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact Simms Fishing Products or an authorized dealer to receive a free replacement staff or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Simms Fishing Products toll-free at (877) 789-6555 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s website at www.simmsfishing.com, or email the firm at recall@simmsfishing.com

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2010
Release #10-335

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 933-9904
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-790

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: “Play With Your Veggies” toys

Units: About 2,100

Manufacturer: The Land of Nod, of Northbrook, Ill.

Hazard: The metal wire in the toy asparagus can become exposed, posing a laceration hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received a report of an exposed wire in the asparagus. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves The Land of Nod toy vegetables sets made of felt wool. The toy set has six vegetables: radish, onion, asparagus, tomato, lettuce and carrot. The asparagus is the only toy vegetable involved in this recall.

Sold exclusively at: The Land of Nod stores in Illinois and Washington, the Land of Nod catalog and www.landofnod.com from October 2007 through February 2010 for about $25.

Manufactured in: Nepal

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the toy asparagus from children and return the product to the company for a free replacement asparagus.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Land of Nod at (800) 933-9904 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s website at www.landofnod.com, or email the firm at recall@landofnod.com

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

These bags have the potential to contain salmonella, although no illnesses have been reported. No other Iams pet food products are affected.

The Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care cat food in question is sold in blue 6.8-pound bags. These bags feature a code date of 02304173 (B1-B6) and the UPC number 1901403921.

If you have this product, please discard it and call P&G toll-free for a product replacement at 800-862-3332 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.

P&G has worked with its retailers to remove the affected product from stores in the area. P&G believes that only three bags may have been purchased recently by consumers in the area. Yet, as a precautionary measure, the company is initiating this retrieval.

People handling dry pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with salmonella infections may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

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If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

Company Contact:
Egg Safety Media Hotline
404/367-2761
info@eggsafety.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 27, 2010 – Litchfield, Minn - Sparboe Farms is voluntarily recalling shell eggs produced by Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms which were packaged by Sparboe Farms, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.

Eggs affected by this recall were distributed to grocery stores and foodservice companies in the following states – Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota.

Large, white eggs were packaged under the following brand names: Albertson, Sparboe Farms, Liborio Market, Shamrock Foods and Glenview Farms and in the following configurations and codes :

Dates and codes can be found stamped on the end of the egg cartons or the top of the over wrap bag. The plant number begins with the letter P and then the number. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example: P-1167 214.

To date Sparboe believes that the inventory that reached stores was removed and replaced.

Consumers who believe they have purchased these shell eggs should not eat them but should either destroy or return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Other fresh shell eggs and egg products sold by Sparboe Farms are not affected. Consumers with questions should visit www.eggsafety.org or the Egg Safety Media Hotline (404) 367-2761.

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

Oaxaca String Cheese
Queso Fresco
Queso Fresco Hoja De Plátano

The Cheese products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This is 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, infection can cause miscarriages and still births among pregnant women.

The recalled cheese was distributed in New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia through N. J to retail stores and wholesalers.

Brand Name Product USP Size Packaging
QUESERIA CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese. 890073001000 10Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESERIA CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001017 5Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESERIA CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001024 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESERIA CHIPILO Queso Fresco 890073001031 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESERIA CHIPILO Queso Fresco Hoja De Plátano 890073001208 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
Brand Name Product USP Size Packaging
QUESO CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese. 890073001000 10Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESO CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001017 5Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESO CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001024 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESO CHIPILO Queso Fresco 890073001031 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
QUESO CHIPILO Queso Fresco Hoja De Plátano 890073001208 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
Brand Name Product USP Size Packaging
CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese. 890073001000 10Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001017 5Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
CHIPILO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001024 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
CHIPILO Queso Fresco 890073001031 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
CHIPILO Queso Fresco Hoja De Plátano 890073001208 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
Brand Name Product USP Size Packaging
AZTLAN Oaxaca String Cheese. 890073001000 10Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
AZTLAN Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001017 5Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
AZTLAN Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001024 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
AZTLAN Queso Fresco 890073001031 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
AZTLAN Queso Fresco Hoja De Plátano 890073001208 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
Brand Name Product USP Size Packaging
MI PUEBLITO Oaxaca String Cheese. 890073001000 10Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
MI PUEBLITO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001017 5Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
MI PUEBLITO Oaxaca String Cheese 890073001024 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
MI PUEBLITO Queso Fresco 890073001031 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
MI PUEBLITO Queso Fresco Hoja De Plátano 890073001208 1Lbs. Plastic package with sell-by-label
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumer with question may call the company at 973-685-7148 Monday-Friday, 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

ASHINGTON, August 28, 2010 - Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., a Wyalusing, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,500 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The product subject to recall includes: [View Label]
42-pound cases of “GROUND BEEF FINE 90/10,” containing three (3) - approximately 14 pound chubs each. These products have a “use/freeze by” date of “07/01/10,” and an identifying product code of “W69032.”

The products subject to recall bears the establishment number “EST. 9400″ inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced on June 11, 2010, and were shipped to distribution centers in Connecticut and Maryland for further distribution. It is important to note that the above listed products were repackaged into consumer-size packages and sold under different retail brand names. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ website at www.fsis.usda.gov/
FSIS_Recalls/
Open_Federal_Cases/
index.asp.

FSIS and the establishment are concerned that consumers may also freeze the product before use and that some product may still be in consumers’ freezers. FSIS strongly encourages consumers to check their freezers and immediately discard any product subject to this recall.

FSIS became aware of the problem on August 5, 2010 when the agency was notified by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources of an E. coli O26 cluster of illnesses. In conjunction with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, the New York State Department of Health, and New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, two (2) case-patients have been identified in Maine, as well as one (1) case-patient in New York with a rare, indistinguishable PFGE pattern as determined by PFGE subtyping in PulseNet. PulseNet is a national network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Illness onset dates range from June 24, 2010, through July 16, 2010.

FSIS determined that there is an association between the ground beef products subject to recall and the cluster of illnesses in the states of Maine and New York. FSIS regulations and statute allow the agency to take action on a product under its jurisdiction in cases where the product is convincingly associated to illness by evidence collected though an epidemiological, traceback investigation, and/or laboratory analysis. FSIS is continuing to work with affected state public health partners and the company on the investigation.

E. coli O26 is a bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall should contact the company’s Consumer Line at (877) 788-4953. Media with questions regarding the recall should contact the company’s Director of Communications, Mike Martin at (316) 291-2126.

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

Contact:
Fruiti Pops, Inc.
15418 Cornet St.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 18, 2010 - In response to the voluntary recall of Goya Foods, Inc. frozen mamey pulp, Fruiti Pops, Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, CA is recalling its Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mamey frozen fruit bars due to a potential health risk from Salmonella typhi. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with Fruiti Pops Mamey fruit bars. No other flavors of Fruiti Pops fruit bars nor any other products produced by Fruiti Pops, Inc. are affected by this recall.

The recall was initiated due to a potential health risk from Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Salmonella Typhi lives only in humans. Infection results from eating food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding S. Typhi or if sewage contaminated with S. Typhi bacteria gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food. Once S. Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever, severe abdominal pain, and other signs and symptoms. Most ill persons need to be hospitalized for antibiotic treatment. Persons with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons, called carriers, recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed S. Typhi in their feces (stool).

Consumers who are experiencing illness after consuming Fruiti Pops mamey paletas should seek medical attention.

The recalled fruit bars were distributed in the states of CA, AZ, and TX through distributorships. Consumer may have purchased the recalled product from retail locations, mobile vendors, vending machines, or distribution outlets. The product comes in clear polypropylene packaging and is not labeled with lot numbers nor expiration dates. The UPC of the recalled product is 763734000097.

Fruiti Pops, Inc. is issuing this recall due to Goya Foods, Inc. recall of their 14 oz. frozen mamey pulp. As of May 2009, Fruiti Pops has used Goya Foods, Inc. frozen mamey pulp in its 4 oz. Mamey fruit bars.

Consumers who have purchased Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mamey fruit bars since May of 2009 can return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. If consumers have any questions regarding the recall can contact Fruiti Pops, Inc. at (562) 404-2568. Fruiti Pops, Inc. staff will be available Monday through Friday from the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. to answer your questions.

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If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2010
Release #10-334 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 347-8372
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Sand & Water Transportation Station Toys

Units: About 56,000 in the United States (7,700 in Canada)

Distributor: Step2 Company, of Streetsboro, Ohio

Hazard: The light blue plastic wheels on the train cars can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The Step2 ® Sand & Water Transportation Station is a standalone play station for children ages two and up. The toy station consists of: a round blue plastic table, including train tracks, train cars in blue, red and yellow, toy sailboats and a hand rake/shovel. A red Step2 logo decal is on the side of the table. Train cars with grey wheels are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Target and other major retailers, specialty stores and by online retailers from December 2008 through June 2010 for between $49 and $59.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the train cars away from children and contact Step2 for free replacement cars.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Step2 at (800) 347-8372 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.step2.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1151

If you have been seriously injured by the above event, please visit the products liability lawyers at Masry & Vititoe for a case evaluation. Through experience and education, Masry and Vititoe is able to expertly evaluate medical injuries and pursue personal injury claims on behalf of the injured plaintiff.