Salmonella recovered from King Nut peanut butter by MDA lab found to be a genetic match to cases in national Salmonella outbreak (January 12)
January 17, 2009
CONTACT: DOUG SCHULTZ MDH COMMUNICATIONS 651-201-4993 MICHAEL SCHOMMER MDA COMMUNICATIONS 651-201-6629
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — JANUARY 12, 2009 — THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE AND HEALTH TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT LABORATORY ANALYSES HAVE CONFIRMED A GENETIC MATCH BETWEEN THE STRAINS OF SALMONELLA BACTERIA FOUND IN A CONTAINER OF KING NUT BRAND CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER AND THE STRAINS OF BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH 30 ILLNESSES IN MINNESOTA AND NEARLY 400 ILLNESSES AROUND THE COUNTRY.
Changes to 1998 Recall Program to Replace Dangerous Home Heating Vent Pipes
January 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) AND VARIOUS HOME HEATING FURNACE, BOILER, AND HIGH-TEMPERATURE PLASTIC VENT (HTPV) MANUFACTURERS ARE URGING HOME OWNERS WHO HAVE NOT YET RESPONDED TO THE PREVIOUSLY-ANNOUNCED 1998 RECALL, TO DO SO IMMEDIATELY. AFTER MAY 1, 2009, THE REMEDY CONSUMERS RECEIVE UNDER THE EXISTING PROGRAM, WHICH HAS BEEN OPERATING CONTINUOUSLY FOR ALMOST 11 YEARS, WILL CHANGE.
Country of Origin Labels Go on Perishable Food in March
January 15, 2009
As of March 16, 2009 all food and commodities covered under the USDA’s new rule on mandatory country of origin labeling will be required to indicate the original country in which the food was grown.
Public Affairs Director Julie Vallese to Leave CPSC
January 8, 2009
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION ACTING CHAIRMAN NANCY NORD ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT JULIE VALLESE, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS HAS SUBMITTED HER RESIGNATION AND WILL LEAVE THE AGENCY ON JANUARY 16, 2009.
CPSC & Target Announce New In-Store Recall Notification System
December 19, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) IS JOINING TARGET, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., TODAY IN ANNOUNCING A NEW NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING PRODUCT RECALLS IN TARGET STORES NATIONWIDE. TARGET’S INNOVATIVE SAFETY AND RECALL NOTIFICATION PROGRAM INVOLVES POSTING SIGNS THROUGHOUT ITS STORES THAT DIRECT GUESTS TO GIFT REGISTRY KIOSKS NEAR THE GUEST SERVICE DESK TO LEARN ABOUT RECALLED PRODUCTS.
CPSC Releases Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Decorating
December 17, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE AND THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) IS URGING CONSUMERS TO KEEP SAFETY IN MIND AS THEY DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. FLICKERING CANDLES, BLINKING HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND FRAGRANT EVERGREENS ARE BEAUTIFUL STAPLES OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, BUT WHEN USED IMPROPERLY, THESE HOLIDAY DECORATING “MUST HAVES” CAN POSE DEADLY DANGERS.
Yasmin Birth Control Warning: Risk of Heart, Stroke
December 11, 2008
First put on the market in the United States in 2001, Yasmin birth control has since been under heavy scrutiny for possible links to serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and thrombosis. That, however, hasn’t stopped it from growing in popularity with revenue generated by Yasmin reaching nearly $500-million last year.
Nordstrom To Pay a $60,000 Civil Penalty For Failure To Report Childrens Clothing Danger
December 4, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT NORDSTROM INC., OF SEATTLE, WASH., HAS AGREED TO PAY A $60,000 CIVIL PENALTY. THE PENALTY SETTLES ALLEGATIONS THAT THE FIRM KNOWINGLY FAILED TO REPORT TO THE CPSC IMMEDIATELY, AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW, THAT ITS CHILDREN’S HOODED JACKETS AND SWEATERS WERE SOLD WITH DRAWSTRINGS AT THE HOOD AND NECK. THESE PRODUCTS, WHICH THE FIRM EVENTUALLY RECALLED, POSE A STRANGULATION HAZARD THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH TO CHILDREN. THE SETTLEMENT HAS BEEN PROVISIONALLY ACCEPTED BY THE COMMISSION.
CPSC Clarifies Certification Requirements
November 13, 2008
ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) ISSUED A FINAL RULE BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, ADDRESSING THE CONFORMITY CERTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO SAFETY RULES UNDER CPSC JURISDICTION.
THE COMMISSION ADDRESSED THREE MAJOR ISSUES: 1) WHO SHOULD SUPPLY THE CERTIFICATE; 2) HOW THE CERTIFICATE CAN BE FILED; AND 3) CPSC ENFORCEMENT OF GENERAL CERTIFICATION.
Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy A. Nord Announces Staff Change
September 26, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION ACTING CHAIRMAN NANCY A. NORD TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT QUIN DODD WILL BE LEAVING HIS POSITION AS CPSC CHIEF OF STAFF, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1. SHE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT JOSEPH MARTYAK, HER COUNSEL, WILL ASSUME THE POSITION OF CHIEF OF STAFF AT THAT TIME.
Produce to Include Country of Origin Sticker – FINALLY!
September 15, 2008
As of October, 2008 retailers will be required by law to label the Country of Origin on all fresh produce, meat, poultry and fish sold in the United States. This law was supposed to have been implemented back in 2002, but Congress delayed it under pressure from the industries. However, with recent food recalls in the spotlight, which have fueled consumers’ concerns over food safety, the law is finally going to be enacted.
Congress Bans Toxic Phthalates from Toys
August 13, 2008
The Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act has passed through congress with a “veto proof” majority. This bill ensures that toys and child-care products are free of brain-damaging materials like lead, and several types of phthalates, a chemical used to soften plastic that has been linked to hormonal problems in children.
Acting Chairman Nancy Nord Statement on Congressional Passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
August 1, 2008
I APPRECIATE AND APPLAUD THE FACT THAT CONGRESS HAS GIVEN THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION MANY OF THE ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES AND ENFORCEMENT TOOLS I REQUESTED LAST YEAR. IN ADDITION TO THESE NEW TOOLS, THE BILL ALSO CONTAINS MANY NEW MISSIONS AND MANDATES FOR THE AGENCY–RESPONSIBILITIES THAT ARE NOT FUNDED BY THE BILL. THEREFORE, THE NEXT STEP FOR CONGRESS WILL BE TO PASS AN APPROPRIATIONS BILL THAT WILL FUND THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
New Federal Law Mandates Child Resistant Portable Gasoline Containers
July 19, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. – CHILDREN AND GASOLINE DON’T MIX. WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE CHILDREN’S GASOLINE BURN PREVENTION ACT, AN ADDITIONAL LAYER OF FIRE SAFETY AND BURN PROTECTION HAS BEEN ADDED FOR FAMILIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH SIGNED THE ACT INTO LAW WHICH REQUIRES PORTABLE GASOLINE CONTAINERS MANUFACTURED FOR SALE IN THE U.S. ON OR AFTER JANUARY 17, 2009 TO CONFORM TO CHILD RESISTANCE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
GASOLINE CONTAINERS WILL JOIN CONTAINERS WITH OTHER FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, SUCH AS TURPENTINE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID, AND TORCH FUEL THAT ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CHILD RESISTANT CLOSURES. CPSC HAS JURISDICTION OVER CHILD RESISTANT PRODUCT PACKAGING.
“FAMILIES WHO PURCHASE GASOLINE CANS WITH CHILD RESISTANT GAS CAPS AND WHO KEEP ALL FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN ARE IMPROVING THE SAFETY OF THEIR HOMES,” SAID CPSC ACTING CHAIRMAN NANCY NORD.
CPSC RECOMMENDS THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR CONSUMERS.
BUY A GASOLINE CONTAINER THAT IS CHILD RESISTANT.
PLACE A GASOLINE CONTAINER IN A WELL VENTILATED, COOL AREA.
NEVER STORE GASOLINE OR OTHER FUEL INSIDE THE HOUSE, IN THE BASEMENT, OR NEAR A FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE, OPEN FLAMES, PILOT LIGHTS, STOVES, HEATERS, ELECTRIC MOWERS, OR ANY OTHER SOURCES OF IGNITION.
NEVER SMOKE NEAR GASOLINE.
NEVER CARRY GASOLINE IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. ESCAPING VAPORS CAN EASILY IGNITE.
KEEP GASOLINE, KEROSENE AND OTHER FUELS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. NEVER PERMIT CHILDREN TO PLAY WITH MATCHES OR FUEL.
CPSC ALSO REQUIRES CHILD RESISTANT PACKAGING FOR MANY PRODUCTS THAT ARE DANGEROUS FOR CHILDREN TO SWALLOW INCLUDING OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN RELIEVERS SUCH AS ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN AND ACETAMINOPHEN, HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS INCLUDING DRAIN OPENERS, PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS SUCH AS BABY OIL AND MOUTHWASH CONTAINING ETHANOL, AND ADULT STRENGTH VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS WITH IRON. FOR ASPIRIN AND ORAL PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE, SPECIAL PACKAGING HAS SAVED THE LIVES OF ABOUT 900 CHILDREN SINCE THE EARLY 1970S.
USDA To Release Names of Retailers With Recalled Meat
July 14, 2008
Beginning next month, the USDA will publicly disclose the names of retailers to which recalled meat and poultry was distributed in any class I recall.
About Talwin and Generic Naloxone Pentazocine
June 30, 2008
We have received several emails this week from patients suffering from severe pain, such as that caused by arthritis, regarding a drug called Talwin and generic forms of its active ingredients Naloxone and Pentazocine.
Time Running Out for Gadolinium Lawsuit
May 29, 2008
According the gadolinium attorney Beth Klein, time may be running out for many victims of Gadolinium toxicity suffering from Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and other gadolinium side effects to join in a lawsuit over compensation for the injured.
How to Protect Your Child from Lead Poisoning
May 28, 2008
The folks over at The Daily Green have a great article called Lead Poisoning Prevention Tips in which they discuss ways for parents to protect their children from being overexposed to lead via lead paint on toys, lead used in metal jewelry, and other sources.
Pet Food Manufacturer Ordered to Obtain Emergency Permit
April 25, 2008
The US Food and Drug Administration has ordered Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food CO., Inc., of Wheeling, IL to obtain an emergency permit before allowing their products to move into interstate commerce.
Installing a Tankless Water Heater
April 4, 2008
This isn’t a ‘recall’ alert or anything like that. It is just an article that I came across on Digg that I wanted to share. I can’t wait until the day my grandkid looks at me like I’m an idiot when I say “We used to keep 40 gallons of water heated at all times ‘just in case’ we needed any hot water”.
Read The How To Article Here! | digg story
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