Consumer alert!

Swine flu product marketing is epidemic

Charles Slat — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:39:16 +0000

A variety of products have surfaced making bogus claims about their abilities to prevent or treat the swine flu.
The Food and Drug Administration provides the low-down on the claims, which are spreading faster than an epidemic. Click here to learn more.

Young Artist Easels have excessive lead

Charles Slat — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:33:53 +0000

About 10,000 Young Artist Easels that double as chalkboards are being recalled because the surface of the chalkboard has lead content that exceeds federal standards.
Details and photos can be found by clicking here.

Samsung microwaves can cook users

Charles Slat — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:31:33 +0000

Samsung over-the-range microwave ovens are being called because they can post a shock hazard to consumers.
More details on the recall are here.

Life is Good mugs can make life painful

Charles Slat — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:29:45 +0000

Life Is Good travel mugs are being recalled because their exteriors can become excessively hot and cause burns if they are used to hold hot beverages.
Details on the recall are here.

Adventure Playsets recalled due to fall hazard

Charles Slat — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:27:02 +0000

Backyard swing sets made by Adventure Playsets are being recalled because their lumber components might break and cause users to fall.
Details on the recall are available by clicking here.

Salmonella might taint pet treats

Charles Slat — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:46:40 +0000

Certain pet treats — mainly beef hooves and pig ears — made by Pet Carousel of Sanger, Calif. are being recalled in cooperation with the Food & Drug Administration because they might be contaminated with salmonella.
Among the products are Dentley’s Beef Hooves sold at PetSmart locations.

Kellogg’s Rice Krispies drops immunity claim

Charles Slat — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:29:24 +0000

Partly at the urging of regulators, Kellogg Co. of Battle Creek said Wednesday it will stop putting immunity statements on Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereals.
The company said it started adding antioxidants to Rice Krispies cereals last year as a way to respond to consumer requests to make kids’ cereals more nutritious.
A big banner on the front of each package says “Now supports your child’s IMMUNITY.”
Although antioxidants help support the immune system, given the public attention on H1N1, the company said it decided to make the change. The message will be on boxes of Rice Krispies, Jumbo Krispies and Cocoa Krispies for the next few months as existing inventory is depleted. Despite discontinuing the message, the company said it will continue to provide increased amounts of vitamins A, B, C and E in the cereals.

Free CFL bulbs for businesses

Charles Slat — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:54:35 +0000

Business customers of Detroit Edison Co. can get a free eight-pack of energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs as part of DTE Energy’s “Your Energy Savings” program.
“Replacing incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lights is an easy and effective way for businesses to reduce their energy bills,” said Steve Kurmas, Detroit Edison president and chief operating officer. “CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. That can translate into savings of as much as $44 over the 10,000 hour lifetime of just one CFL.”
To receive the free CFLs, business owners need to complete a request form available online at YourEnergySavings.com/cfl.

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday

Charles Slat — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:40:08 +0000

Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday. Turn your clocks back Halloween night and you get to sleep in an extra hour and still not be late for church the next morning. The extra time might be useful for trick-or-treaters who walk their legs off going door-to-door Saturday night.

Halloween flashlights can melt, burn

Charles Slat — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:28:38 +0000

Halloween flashlights — both mini-lights and full-size flashlights that come with stencils — sold exclusively at Target are being recalled because they can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard to users.
Consumers can get a refund at Target. For photos and full details, click here.