News and information about product safety and the consumer protection agencies of the United States government.

FDA Evaluates New Studies on Risk of Birth Control Medications Like Yaz

June 9, 2011

Yasmin Birth Control TabletsBirth control medications that contain drospirenone, such as widely-used brands Yasmin and Yaz, have yet to be officially recalled, but given mounting scientific evidence, it appears the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is carefully weighing the matter.

States Press for Fruity Malt Liquor Recall of Blast by Snoop Dog and Pabst

May 6, 2011

snoop-blast-45State attorneys general from at least a dozen states are pressing Pabst Brewing Company to either change the way it’s manufacturing and marketing (as a single serving) Snoop Dogg’s “Blast by Colt 45” or else recall the product, which has only been on the market since early April.

Survey: Consumers Want More Prompt Recall Information

April 29, 2011

Consumers want more information from more resources in order to get timely and detailed information about product recalls, according to a new study by Deloitte LLP.

Study Finds Antibiotic-Resistant Staph in U.S. Food Supply

April 27, 2011

The ongoing debate regarding antibiotics use with animals destined for the table has centered on whether drug-resistant organisms created on farms travel from the farm to humans. According to a newly published study (PDF), they do.

Formaldehyde in Popular Keratin Hair Products Concern State Regulators, Watch Dogs

April 25, 2011

Mary Louise Parker says she has experienced hair loss due to salon straightening treatments containing Formaldehyde. Beauty can be a hairy situation if you’re uncertain what chemicals your products contain. This is especially true for certain products popularly used in salons for straightening hair. These are often marketed as alternatives to hair relaxing products. State regulators are concerned about excessive levels of formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen, discovered after testing products and air in salons during the application process. These products commonly contain keratin — a natural protein found in the hair, skin, and nails -– plus chemical additives such as formaldehyde.

FDA Cautions Consumers Regarding Acetaminophen and Liver Damage

April 25, 2011

By Linda Dailey Paulson

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not recalled acetaminophen — a prescription and over-the-counter drug typically used for pain- and fever-reduction — the agency has taken several steps designed to reduce possible risks from overuse.

June Deadline to Get Free Replacement for Recalled Globe Fire Sprinkler Model J Sprinkler

April 22, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp. are urging residential and commercial property owners who have model J dry-type series fire sprinklers covered under the previously-announced recall and have not yet filed a claim to replace them, to contact Globe Fire Sprinkler immediately. Home and commercial property owners should immediately submit their claim, as the program for receiving replacement heads will end on June 1, 2011.

OTC Acetaminophen Linked To Fatal Liver & Kidney Health Risks

April 20, 2011

By Linda Dailey Paulson

Extra Strength Tylenol and Tylenol PMThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet recalled acetaminophen, which is commonly found in several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for pain and fever reduction, but has taken several steps designed to reduce possible risks from overuse. These actions, however, apply to prescription formulations, not those products commonly found in the drugstore aisles.

USDA Proposes New Testing Paradigm to Curb Meat Recalls, Illnesses

April 15, 2011

By Linda Dailey Paulson

Basykes Meat CounterThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new food testing plan designed to reduce recalls as well as consumer illnesses and deaths due to contaminated meat consumption. Under the “test and hold” policy, meat will not be shipped until it is tested and determined to be free of dangerous bacteria.

New FDA Food Recall Site

April 13, 2011

By Linda Dailey Paulson

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently unveiled a new food recall website, which was mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act. The new site is reportedly easier for consumers to use now that the information is presented in a tabular format.

Johnson & Johnson Reputation Tarnished by Recalls

April 11, 2011

By Linda Dailey Paulson

Consumer product megalith Johnson & Johnson has a 125-year reputation as a leader in the healthcare industry, bolstered by keystone brands that have become household names such as Band-Aid bandages and “No More Tears” Baby Shampoo. That reputation has been eroded by a string of product recalls and continued scrutiny by federal agencies, including Congress. It has prompted the company to restructure and examine its manufacturing operations.

CPSC Warns: As Button Battery Use Increases, So Do Battery-Related Injuries and Deaths

March 24, 2011

Small, coin-sized batteries can be found in products in nearly every home in America. From the flashlight sitting on the table, to the remote control next to the TV, “button batteries” as they are commonly referred to, are in thousands of products used in and around the home. Young children and senior adults are unintentionally swallowing the button batteries and in some cases, the consequences are immediate and devastating.

Government Investigation Raises Concerns About Pool and Spa Drain Cover Testing and Entrapment Risks

March 19, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is conducting an investigation into the safety of pool and spa drain covers and the adequacy of testing procedures used to determine the flow rating of these covers. The investigation has revealed that the testing protocols used by some laboratories may have been improper and, as a result, some covers certified by these laboratories may not comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SSAct). Pool and spa drains that use covers certified with inaccurate flow ratings may fail to prevent the hidden hazard of a drain entrapment.

CPSC and HUD Issue Updated Remediation Protocol for Homes with Problem Drywall

March 19, 2011

8th Grader from Hawaii Wins Grand Prize in CPSC’s Carbon Monoxide Poster Contest

March 16, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the winners of its first-ever poster contest for middle school students on carbon monoxide (CO) safety. Trachell from Hawaii was awarded the grand prize.

Finalists include:

CPSC Launches New Consumer Product Safety Information Database

March 12, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) goes live with the SaferProducts.gov database mandated by Congress, as part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Beginning today, consumers are encouraged to visit www.SaferProducts.gov to submit Reports of harm or risks of harm, and to search for safety information on products they own or may be considering buying.

Certain Medical Device Recalls May Have Been Avoided with Proper Reviews

February 15, 2011

The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, and other major news sources are all reporting today on a five-year study that links more than 70% of recalled medical devices to a shortened FDA review process. The abbreviated protocol FDA used in these cases – known as the 510(k) process – does not require medical devices to be tested in advance on patients. In order for devices to qualify for this quicker review, they must be “deemed similar to products already on the market.”

Fairplay Electric Cars Recalling Certain Vehicles Due to Fuse Problem

February 10, 2011

Manufacturer: FAIRPLAY ELECTRIC CARS Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 19, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V039000
N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,632

Morgan Trailer is Recalling Certain 2010 Penske Vehicles Due to Chassis Problems

February 10, 2011

Manufacturer: MORGAN TRAILER MANUFACTURING Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 20, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V054000
N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 729

Ford is Recalling Certain F-150 Trucks Due to Defective Door Handle

February 10, 2011

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 28, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V049000
N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Potential Number of Units Affected: 280,946

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