Thursday, January 24, 2008

HEALTH-TECH GADGETS on MARTHASTEWART.COM

Here is a link to the page that talks about four devices that can benefit seniors' health (Life Alert, GPS-enabled sneakers, a mouse with built-in heart monitor, and Glow Caps that signal when one forgets to take one's pills):

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=34cff941122a7110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&rsc=ts_Homepage_Homepage
The webpage linked to above gives descriptions of the products (in the case of Life Alert, their device is part of a home protection service), and gives the basics of how they work.

Also note: the TV segment on which this webpage is based (which featured the 4 products) was schedule to air yesterday, Jan. 23, 2008, on "The Martha Stewart Show." Check their website soon for video of that segment (at the webpage listed above).

For these and other segments related to health and/or seniors, visit www.marthastewart.com .

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Consumer Product Safety Roundup, Dec. 2007: Selected Product Recalls and Safety News (cpsc.gov)

From www.cpsc.gov (the Consumer Product Safety Commission website), some recent items related to product recalls and safety:

Deadly Danger: CPSC Urges Parents To Not Place Infants on Air Mattresses The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning families nationwide that air mattresses are too soft for use with sleeping infants. Never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces (such as water beds and adult beds), which are not specifically designed or safe for infant use.

Venmar Ventilation Inc. Recalls Heat Recovery Ventilators Due to Fire Hazard In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Venmar Ventilation Inc., of Quebec, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 1,100 Heat Recovery Ventilators. The thermal protector in these units can fail, posing a potential fire hazard to consumers.

AutoZone Recalls Booster Cables Due to Electrical Hazard In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AutoZone Parts Inc., of Memphis, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 140,000 Valucraft Booster Cables. The booster cables clamps were assembled incorrectly resulting in reverse polarity. This poses an electrical shock and explosion hazard to consumers.

Shopping Channel HSN Agrees to Pay $875,000 Civil Penalty
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that HSN LP (previously known as Home Shopping Network), of St. Petersburg, Fla., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $875,000. The civil penalty settles allegations that HSN LP failed to report in a timely manner, as required by federal law, serious injuries and hazards with the Welbilt Electronic Pressure Cookers.

North American Breaker Co. Recalls Counterfeit Circuit Breakers Due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), North American Breaker Co. Inc. (NABCO), of Burbank, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 Counterfeit Circuit Breakers. The recalled circuit breakers labeled “Square D” have been determined by Square D to be counterfeit and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

World Dryer Recalls to Repair Hand and Hair Dryers Due to Electric Shock Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), World Dryer Corp., of Berkeley Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 25,000 World Dryer and Bradley Brand Hand and Hair Dryers. Some of the nozzles on these dryers are not grounded. If an electrical component comes into contact with an ungrounded nozzle, it can pose a shock hazard to consumers.

Pressure Cookers Recalled By Manttra Inc. Due to Burn Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Manttra Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 38,250 Pressure Cookers. If the pressure cookers are not closed properly, the lid can separate and allow hot contents to spill out. This poses a risk of burns to consumers.

Lenox Recalls Covered Warmer Dishes Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lenox Group Inc., of Bristol, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 43,000 Covered Warmer Dishes with Racks. Flames from the tea candle can extend up the sides of the dish. In addition, a label on the bottom of the dish causes excessive smoke when exposed to the flame. This poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Christmas Candle Sets Recalled By Specialty Merchandise Corp. Due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Specialty Merchandise Corporation (SMC), of Simi Valley, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 Christmas Candle Sets. The snowman candle could tip over and the exterior coating on both candles can ignite, posing a fire hazard.

DeWALT Recalls Cordless Drills due to Fire Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, of Towson, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 346,000 DEWALT Cordless Drills. The trigger switch of the cordless drill can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

McQuay Recalls Air Conditioners/Heat Pumps Following Fires
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), McQuay International, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 8,800 Remington and McQuay “ComfortPac” Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps. Wires in the heater element can overheat and spark, posing a smoke and fire hazard to consumers.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Acting Chairman Nancy Nord Applauds House Vote on Landmark Consumer Product Safety Legislation
The Acting Chairman thanks the U.S. House of Representatives for passing landmark legislation today that finally gives the CPSC the additional tools and resources to address the growing issue of imports and other important product safety issues.

American Honda Motor Corp. Recalls Lawn Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 167,000 Honda Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers. The cutting blades could rotate under power when the control lever is released. The lawn mowers do not comply with mandatory federal safety standards for lawn mowers. The spinning blade poses a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Bombardier Recreational Products Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Crash Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), of Quebec, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 480 Ski-Doo® Model Year 2008 MXZ X 600 RS Snowmobiles. A defect in the carburetor can prevent the throttle from freely returning to the idle position. This can result in an unexpected loss of control leading to a collision and cause serious injuries or death.

Full Body Safety Harnesses Recalled by Gorilla Due to Fall Hazard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gorilla Inc., of Flushing, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 60,000 Full Body Safety Harnesses. The harnesses could fail during use, resulting in a hunter falling from the tree stand and suffering serious injuries or death.

Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Specialized Due to Failing Helmet Standard
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Specialized Bicycles, of Morgan Hill, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 Specialized Bicycle Helmets. The helmets fail testing required under CPSC's safety standard for bicycle helmets. This can pose a head injury hazard to riders in a fall.

FDA's Pilot Program to Better Educate Consumers about Recalled Food Products (fda.gov)


What is the purpose of this pilot program?

FDA is conducting a six-month pilot program to educate and assist consumers in identifying recalled food products that may pose a significant health risk. FDA wants to help consumers identify these products by posting a photo of the principal label panel. We believe that by posting a photo of the label, consumers will be able to more easily identify and avoid these potentially hazardous food products. This pilot is one among a number of measures taken by FDA to proactively educate the public and improve food safety.

OTHER QUESTIONS and links to answers:

What are typical food risks that FDA alerts the public to?

Which recalled products are part of the pilot program?

Where can I find the Web site where information and photos about recalled foods are posted?

Why is FDA piloting the use of photos with recalled human food products only?

How long will this pilot program last?

What is the purpose of the pictures and what do they show?

Why do some recalls include photos and others do not?

Can I be alerted by e-mail when there is a new recall?

Where can I comment on this pilot program?

What does FDA do with the comments it receives?

Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts Since Nov. 2, 2007 (fda.gov)

This page (from the US government website http://www.fda.gov/) includes the most significant product actions of the last 60 days, based on the extent of distribution and the degree of health risk. The recalls on the list are mainly Class I. A record of all recalls (Class I, II, and III) can be found in the FDA Enforcement Report. Definitions of Class I, II, and III recalls.
###

December 31, 2007
Weis Markets Announces Voluntary Recall of Weis Baker’s Basket 18 Ct Fruit Miniatures and 2 lb Platters of Mini-Fruit Diamonds Due to Undeclared Allergen (Walnuts)

December 29, 2007
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Raw Oysters Harvested from the West Karako Bay Section of Growing Area 3 in Louisiana

December 28, 2007
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Super Shangai, Strong Testis, Shangai Ultra, Shangai Ultra X, Lady Shangai, and Shangai Regular (also known as Shangai Chaojimengnan)

December 21, 2007
Whole Foods Market Expands Allergy Alert on 365 Organic Everyday Value Swiss Chocolate Bars to All Varieties and Lots
New Era Canning Company Recalls Canned GFS Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans Because of Possible Health Risk
Public Health Advisory: Fentanyl Transdermal System (marketed as Duragesic and generics)

December 20, 2007
Cardinal Health Statement on Alaris Pump Module Worldwide Voluntary Recall
AM2 PAT, Inc. Issues Nationwide Recall of Pre-Filled Heparin Lock Flush Solution USP (5 mL in 12 mL Syringes)

December 19, 2007
Royal Seafood Baza Inc. Recalls Dried Roach (Fish) Due to Possible Health Risk
Top Line Specialty Produce Recalls "Green Paradise" Basil Because of Possible Health Risk

December 18, 2007
FDA Mandates New Warning for Nonoxynol 9 OTC Contraceptive Products

December 15, 2007
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Swad Brand Sindoor: Product Contains High Levels of Lead

December 14, 2007
Whole Foods Market Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts in 365 Organic Everyday Value Swiss Milk Chocolate Bar With Rice Crisps

December 13, 2007
Merck Recalls Certain Lots of Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) Vaccine

December 12, 2007
Wegmans Announces Voluntary Recall of 8 oz. Wegmans Bouillabaisse Seafood Sauce
Cedarlane Natural Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Casein in Cedarlane Low Fat Bean Rice and Cheese style Burritos
Kadouri International Foods Inc. Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in "King Brand Dried Turkish Apricots"
Domega International Ltd., Inc Issues Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in "King Chief Brand Dried Kudzu"
FDA Public Health Notification: Patient Burns from Electric Dental Handpieces
Drug Safety Information: Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol and generics)

December 11, 2007
FDA Public Health Notification: Deaths reported following Radio Frequency Ablation of Lung Tumors

December 10, 2007
Back to Nature Foods Company Recalls Ginger Rice Thins Crackers
Frito-Lay Issues Voluntary Recall of 1.5 oz. Bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips in North Texas Due to Undeclared Milk

December 7, 2007
Harry & David Recalls Harry & David Bake Shop Cookie Mixes in Three Flavors: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Cranberry Vanilla Chip for Undeclared Nut, Milk and/or Sulfite Allergens
Trader Joe's Company Voluntarily Recalls 12 oz. Pinjur
Wegmans Announces Voluntary Recall of 14 oz. Wegmans Wreath Kuchen

December 6, 2007
Listeria Contamination in Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese

December 5, 2007
California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not to Drink Metromint Flavored Water

December 4, 2007
San Antonio Company Recalling Mexican Candy
Soma Beverage Recalls Metromint Flavor Water
Prosperity Resources Intl. Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sulfites In "Golden Flower Brand Dried Lily Bulb"
Safety Information: Desmopressin Acetate (marketed as DDAVP Nasal Spray, DDAVP Rhinal Tube, DDAVP, DDVP, Minirin, and Stimate Nasal Spray)
Safety Informaiton: Vail Products Enclosed Bed Systems

December 3, 2007
Stop & Shop Updates Cookie Tray Recall
Blooming Import Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in "Golden Lion Brand Dried Hylocereus Undatus Brltt (Dried Natural Herb)"

November 30, 2007
Consumer Alert: Undeclared Eggs in Ranch Peppercorn Cheese Curd

November 29, 2007
Quality Plus Products, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Eggs in Smoked Wild Salmon Spread

November 28, 2007
President Global Corp. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Skim Milk in Uni-President Red Bean Flavor Ice Bars and Red Bean Tapioca Flavor Ice Bars
Sweetwater Valley Farms, Inc. Recalls Tennessee Aged Southern Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Yellow) and Southern Mild Cheddar Cheese (Yellow) Lot #604

November 27, 2007
Safety Alert on Changes to Prescribing Information for Myfortic Delayed-Release Tablets

November 21, 2007
Bodee LLC, Inc. Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Encore Tabs, a Product Marketed as a Dietary Supplement
Harry & David Recalls Harry and David Moose Munch® Confection Tubs in Two Flavor Combinations: Milk & Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate Macadamia and Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Macadamia Nut for Undeclared Nut Allergen
Sweetwater Valley Farms, Inc. Recalls Southern Cheddar Jack Volunteer Special Cheese
Le Gourmet Connection Recalls Jack Cheese

November 20, 2007
Charlemagne Chocolatiers Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Protein in Charlemagne Dark Chocolate Organic Bars
FDA Issues Early Communication for Chantix

November 19, 2007
Blue Planet Foods Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almonds, Milk and Coconut in Heartland® Brand Graham Pie Crusts

November 16, 2007
Approximately $2 Million of Potentially Harmful "Cosmetic" Eye Product Seized
America True Man Health Incorporated’s Voluntary Recall of its True Man’s Sexual Energy Nutriment Men’s Formula, a Product Marketed as a Dietary Supplement to Enhance Male Sexual Energy has been expanded to include its Energy Max, Dietary Supplement
Updated Recall Information: Thoratec Corporation Implantable Ventricular Assist Devices (IVAD)

November 14, 2007
FDA Adds Boxed Warning for Heart-related Risks to Anti-Diabetes Drug Avandia

November 13, 2007
Coffee Masters, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Allergens in Chipper Gourmet Foods Biscotti

November 12, 2007
Del Rey Tortilleria, Inc. Issues Recall of Flour Tortillas Due to Possible Health Risk

November 9, 2007
Napastyle Recalls Romano Pitchers and Tumblers Because of Possible Health Risk

November 8, 2007
FDA Strengthens Boxed Warnings, Approves Other Safety Labeling Changes for Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)
Kroger Light Caesar Salad Dressing Is Being Recalled

November 5, 2007
FDA Requests Marketing Suspension of Trasylol

November 2, 2007
FDA Requests Recall of 'True Man Sexual Energy,' 'Energy Max' Dietary Supplements
The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Possible Health Risk
Welch Allyn AED 10 Automatic External Defibrillators Recall

Recalls, Withdrawals and Safety Alerts Archive