Silva English Bangers recalled for labeling error

English Bangers: Comfort
food for traveling Brits

Any citizen of the United Kingdom and Ireland may certainly be homesick for the delicious pork and veal sausages that they refer to as “bangers.”  The name is thought to be derived from the loud popping sound made when the sausages explode over high heat.  It’s a favorite hearty meat often served with mashed potatoes.  

Silva Sausage Company in Gilroy, California has been making these sausages for years, and distributes them for restaurant and other institutional use in the northern areas of Livermore and Sacramento.

On November 28, 2011, Silva Sausage Company announced a recall of specific batch of the sausages when it was discovered that the label on the product did not list wheat as one of the ingredients. The mistake involved 1,010 pounds of the sausage packed in 10-pound cases.

The mistake was attributed to an error in the new printing process they had recently installed at their factory.  It was detected during a routine factory audit by the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  No illness or reactions have been reported, but the recall is being conducted to assure consumer safety.

Institutions that have purchased the Silva Sausage English Brand Bangers should check for the following information on the packaging:

• USDA Inspection seal marked EST 6086
• Item #10326
• Lot Codes: 112271, 112911 or 112980

Contact Silva Vice-President, Rick Martins at (408) 293-5437 for questions and instructions for this recall.

Hong Kong consumers warned of problem with eye drops

The Hong Kong Department of Health (DH) has announced the voluntary recall of one specific batch of eye-drops marketed to reduce redness and irritation. The drops, known as Eye Mo 36 Eye Drops 0.05%, are manufactured in Indonesia by PT Sterling Products Indonesia and distributed in Hong Kong by the drug wholesaler, GlaxoSmithKline Ltd.  

Hard boric acid crystal deposits have been found on the dispenser’s nozzle. 

The company indicated that it has imported 31,500 of the drops into Hong Kong mostly to local pharmacies, drug stores and medicine companies. Some of the batch was re-exported to Macau.

The recalled batch #X012FA-1 is marked on the product itself. The batch involved in the recall was the only batch shipped via air freight, and it is suspected that there may have been inconsistent temperature control or cabin pressure during transportation that caused the crystallization of the buffering agent in the drops.

No injuries have been reported yet, but the DH is recalling this batch in an abundance of caution.

Hong Kong consumers should not use the product, and can contact the company’s customer service directly at 3189 8765.

UPDATE: Ocean Spray Craisons® recall expanded

UPDATE:  On December 2, 2011, Ocean Spray added five more “Best By” code dates to their voluntary recall of selected batches of Craisins® on November 25, 2011. This update includes a specific number of production batches shown below:

The new batches shown above were only shipped to retailers in eight western states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.

See original post below for consumers instructions.

Ocean Spray Craisons® recalled for metal fragment contamination

Nov, 25,2011

Dried cranberries and raisins are popular all-year ‘round, but during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays their popularity gets kicked into high-gear.  Cranberry sauces for the turkey dinner and cranberry muffins or scones for family breakfast festivities. Ocean Spray has long been known as one of the premier makers of packaged dried fruit for healthy snacking and backing. It was Ocean Spray’s idea to combine these two delicious dried fruits into one delectable creation, Craisins®.

The company’s reputation for safe and quality food handling processes ran into some trouble this week, as the company announced a food safety recall of four styles of their packaged dried “Craisons®”  The recall was done in due caution when small, thin metal fragments were discovered to have possibly contaminated specific batches of the packed fruit.

The recall involves five, ten, forty-eight ounce and 10 lb bulk packs of Ocean Spray Original Flavor Craisins® Dried Cranberries. Although no injuries have been reported, and it is unlikely that these hair-like pieces would cause illness or injury, Ocean Spray is taking these voluntary actions to ensure consumer safety.

To check the details on this recall, click the link to the FDA announcement here.  Consumers who purchased one of the batches outlined in the chart below should remove the UPC label, discard the package and contact Ocean Spray via phone at (800) 662-3263 for a replacement product coupon.

Product Name	Best By Dates
5 oz Craisins® UPC: 00293-000	Oct 27 2012  M
10 oz Craisins® UPC: 29456-000 and 29464-000	Oct 27 2012 M  Oct 28 2012 M  Oct 29 2012 M
48 oz Craisins® UPC: 00678-318	Oct  27 2012 M Nov   3 2012 M Nov   4 2012 M Nov   5 2012 M Nov   6 2012 M Nov   7 2012 M Nov 10 2012 M Nov 11 2012 M
10 lb bulk ingredient & foodservice UPC: 03477-000	30 Oct 2013 M 31 Oct 2013 M 1 Nov 2013 M 5 Nov 2013 M

Consumer health threatened by these manufacturers' errors

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend promises plates of appetizers, main courses and tantalizing desserts, all designed to remind the gathered groups of how blessed each one is to have food to eat this holiday.  Having spent many years working in poor townships and villages of South Africa and Sri Lanka, this attitude of appreciation is a daily mindset at our home.

This week the celebrations in many homes may be stunted by the slew of FDA food safety recalls that have made the news.

The links for information are included below, but here is the skinny on a few you’ll want to be aware of:

Caribbean Rum Balls label
missing ingredient list

The tasty rum balls made in the Virgin islands by Caribbean Rum Balls were recalled for undeclared allergens.  That's right, plural.  The label on these treats neglected to list wheat, coconut, eggs, milk and sodium bisulfite (a preservative). In fact, there was no ingredient list at all on the product packaging!  Sold through the mail and in local markets, the rum balls were packed in 4, 8 and 12 ounce containers.

Consumers can contact Caribbean Rum Balls via phone at (340) 755-6616.  

Details about the recall can be found here.

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During a standard factory inspection, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Market Foods found unsatisfactory handling and processing methods associated with Munia Brand Churi Dry Fish. The inspection revealed that the fish, a product of Bangladesh, had been incorrectly eviscerated, which could promote the contamination of dangerous Clostridium botulinum spores. These spores are known to be a cause of botulism which can have serious, even fatal effects if ingested.   

Botulism is a serious condition that can show itself through symptoms such as double or blurred vision, lethargy, slow reflexes and trouble swallowing and breathing.

Munia Brand Dry Fish

The Best Used Before code on the affected packages is April-2013.  They had nationwide sales, but fortunately so far no illnesses have been attributed to this product. Consumers are encouraged not to eat the affected product, and may contact Munia at (718) 366-6580.

Check here for more specific details. 

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Georgia seafood packagers, King & Prince Seafood Corporation, have issued a recall of 24 Nova Scotia style Cold Smoked Salmon and Sable Fish Lox, Salmon Sushi Fillets, and Salmon Trim.  Each product was vacuum-packed and sold in frozen form beginning on October 4, 2011, but may have been sold thawed at the retail level.

The health issue here is that the packs may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes which, if ingested, has the potential to cause illness in children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, and stillbirths or miscarriages in pregnant women.

Check the recall here for details of specific products being recalled. Date codes involved include: 1277W, 1278W, 1279W, 1280W, 1281W, 1283W, 1284W, 1285W, 1286W, 1287W, 1290W, 1291W, 1292W, 1293W, 1294W, 1297W, 1298W, 1299W, 1300W, 1303W, 1306W, 1311W, 1312W, 1313W, 1314W.

Consumers who purchased these products at retail markets should return them to place of purchase.  Markets who purchased the products frozen from King & Prince Seafood should contact them directly at 800-632-5464 or online at nova@kpseafood.com 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * 

GFS® sugar canisters from Diamond Crystal Brands, Inc. was recalled last week when it was discovered that they had mistakenly filled the twelve ounce sugar canisters with non-dairy coffee creamer.  Shipped in cases marked as “GFS® NON-DAIRY COFFEE CREAMER-24/12 ounce - Lot G293 B,” the canisters inside the cases were labeled on the bottom of each containers as “GFS® SUGAR – Lot G293 B.”

GFS Sugar mistakenly contains coffee
creamer and milk allergen

Past the obvious issue of having coffee creamer in a sugar jar, the more serious issue is the presence of sodium caseinate, a milk by-product. People with milk allergies who unknowingly ingest this milk product, could have a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction. 

Check here for more details.

Consumers should check any GFS® sugar canisters they may have and if an incorrect container is discovered, they are encouraged to contact Diamond Crystal Products directly at (800) 654-5115.

Bumbo Baby Seat: An example of an ineffective Corrective Action Plan

The effectiveness of consumer product recalls continues to raise concerns among product safety professionals.  While it is important to announce these recalls to the public, that is really only the tip of the iceberg as a response to addressing the safety issue itself.  In addition to posting recall posters in retail stores, issuing press releases and advising consumers via phone, email or postal service, companies involved in a recall are required to prepare a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).  This CAP is intended to get defective products off the shelves and out of consumers’ hands as quickly and effectively as possible.  Any good CAP includes a resolution that addresses how the company will make sure that the safety hazard is completely resolved and results in a safer product for consumer use.

Here’s the problem – not every CAP is effective.  It’s true that the nation’s foremost safety authority, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is responsible for “approving” these action plans.  It is also true that not every approved plan results in safe products.  The CPSC must work within the confines of the law; so unless the product violates some rule, ban, standard or other regulation enforced by CPSC, a poorly designed product that has the potential to create injury through consumer misuse may continue to be marketed.

This is the case in a childcare product known as the “Bumbo Baby Seat.” Manufactured in South Africa, the seat is molded with dense foam that snuggles the infant into place without the use of seat belts or safety restraints.  The manufacturer intends for the product to be suitable for children 3 to 14 months of age, and to be used on a flat floor surface only.  They also clearly identify the safety concerns right on the product packaging:

“May not prevent release of your baby in the event of vigorous movement.”

"WARNING - Prevent Falls; Never use on any elevated surface." 

This is an example of a moment that any product designer and manufacturer should stop and think BEFORE placing such an item on the market. What is the health/safety risk(s) to the child if the consumer does not use the product as intended?  How likely is it that the consumer using the seat will use it incorrectly? Can incorporating a design or material change mitigate this safety risk?

When a manufacturer decides to use a product label to eliminate a safety risk, the result is almost always poor, and the safety of the consumer can still be at risk. 

The lack of a restraint-system in the Bumbo Baby Seat clearly creates a potential safety concern. Infants as young as 3 months of age can fall out of the seat by arching their backs, leaning and rocking back and forth or side to side. The force of these actions only increases with age. These are all perfectly normal and foreseeable actions of a developing infant.  While the manufacturer may feel the lack of a restraint system is a selling feature, a product safety professional would say is a lack of effective risk assessment, as well as a lack in understanding their customers' foreseeable habits of product use.

Today, for the second time, the Bumbo Seat is in the CPSC hot seat. In their November 22, 2011 safety alert, CPSC and Bumbo International issued an advisory, warning parents and caregivers to never use the Bumbo Baby Seats on tables, countertops, chairs or any other raised surfaces.  In 2007, over 1 million Bumbo Baby Seats were recalled due to incidents of falls from the seats. New warning labeling was mandated by CPSC before the seat could be placed back on the market.  Since that 2007 recall, at least forty-five additional fall incidents involving infants 3 to 10 months of age have been reported.  Each of these were falls from a raised surface.  The results of those falls - 14 skull fractures, two concussions and one incident of a broken limb.

Photo:www.gizmo-central.com

According to the CPSC announcement, about 3.85 million of the Bumbo Baby Seats have been sold in the United States since 2003.

A BASIC RISK ASSESSMENT Q & A for the Bumba Baby Seat:

1.  What is the health/safety risk(s) to the child if the consumer does not use the product on a flat, floor surface as intended?  HIGH RISK 

2.  How likely is it that the consumer using the seat will use it incorrectly? HIGHLY LIKELY

3.  Can incorporating a design or material change mitigate this safety risk? YES, consider a  wider, sturdier diameter base, a weighted base, a higher back, a higher front support,  and/or a retraining system – one or more of these design adjustments could help mitigate the problem.  

4.   Does labeling the product with a warning help reduce the safety risk? NOT LIKELY

Simply adding a warning label but neglecting to design-out the safety concern is an unsatisfactory resolution. The CPSC-approved Corrective Action Plan, to simply add a warning, was an example of an ineffective plan.  This second alert, aimed at reminding consumers to read the warning, is just as ineffective.

Smart consumers of children’s products MUST be proactive when purchasing goods, no matter how “cute and cuddly” the product appears.  Safety should always be the main concern. 

CONSIDER & COMMENT:

• How often & how carefully do you read the safety warnings on a product?
• Do you think ALL parents & caregivers read the warnings as completely as you do?
• How likely do think you would be to place this lightweight infant seat on a tabletop or countertop?

KEDS® girl-sized sneakers recalled for sharp edges

Photo: www.geckoandfly.com

One of my favorite James Bond characters growing up was Colonel Rosa Klebb, the high-ranking Russian SMERSH agent.  She was made famous, in part, for her attempts to kill James via her cleverly disguised and deadly venom-dipped, switch-bladed shoes.  This type of fashion style is perfectly acceptable in the world of high stakes espionage; but in children’s footwear it is definitively frowned upon.

On November 16, 2011, the Kansas footwear manufacturer, Collective Brands, Incorporated, announced a recall of 45,000 KEDS “Know-It-All” Girls Sneakers.

KEDS® style number KY40098A
is printed under the tongue.
Photo: CPSC

The metal star-shaped rivet on the back of the shoe can loosen and expose sharp edges of metal, posing a laceration hazard to youngsters wearing them or others during contact.  In fact, twenty-seven incidents of cuts and scratches have been reported to the manufacturer.

The girl-sized shoes (sizes 12-5), were sold online from June through October 2011, and are now being recalled in exchange for a $30 gift card to be redeemed at Stride Rite retail stores or the Stride Rite web store at www.striderite.com

Contact Collective Brands at 1-800-365-4933; Email the company at kedskidsrecall@collectivebrands.com , or via their website at www.collectivebrands.

Family Dollar Store Animal Slippers created choking hazard

Almost every Christmas growing up, cute & cuddly slippers or socks were stuffed in the stocking and proudly pulled out to be worn all day long.  It was a tradition that many children share even today.

If this is a tradition that you have incorporated into your holiday, or if slippers are a beloved favorite in your child’s closet, take notice of a recent product safety recall of Kidgets® Animal Sock Top Slippers, manufactured by BCNY International, a small New York footwear company.

Photo: CPSC

The hard plastic eyes in the animal slippers can detach creating a very real small part choking hazard for young children.  BCNY has received notice of one incident of the eyes pulling off. Fortunately no injuries have been reported.

About 160,000 of the slippers were sold through Family Dollar retail stores across the USA from September and through October 2011.

Look for the following information printed on the inside of the slippers.

• “Kidgets” printed on the instep of slipper
• Model #FD9619108020690611

Before you slip these animal designs into your child’s holiday stocking, return thems to Family Dollar store, or call the company at 1-800-547-0359. 

They can also be reached at their website: www.familydollar.com

SAFETY NOTE:  When selecting footwear for young children, it is always best to forego cute sewn-on plastic, metal or wooden accessories.  Look for embroidered features that can't be pulled off.  

Build-a-Bear swim accessory presents strangulation hazard

We have often discussed foreseeable use on this blog site.  A child’s play patterns are actually quite predictable most of the time.  At different points in their cognitive and physical development, youngsters are likely to use their toys in a completely different manner than that for which the toy was designed.

This is not product misuse - it is developmental play.  A plastic bucket becomes a hat, a broom becomes a horse, and an inner tube becomes a sun visor or necklace. Smart consumers of children’s product are aware that any product they plan to purchase for their child should be weighed against the child’s current and future play patterns. 

Last week (11/16/11), Build-A-Bear Workshop® announced a recall of 20,820 Fruit Tutu Teddy Bear Swimwear Sets with Inflatable Inner Tube. The majority of those sets were sold in the USA, but 1,100 sets were sold in Canada as well.  Sales in Build-a-Bear Retail stores and online website from April through August 2011 are involved in this safety alert.

The problem:  The inner tube can be pulled over a child’s head, but it is then very difficult to remove.  This causes panic in the young child, as well as the potential of a strangulation hazard.  One incident has been reported, with no injuries.

The inflatable inner tube in this set, covered in a pink and yellow floral print, is 9” in diameter and has the model number 017220 printed on a sticker found on the retail hang tag.

To prevent this potential safety hazard from occurring, consumers are being asked to return the inner tube portion only to their local Build-a Bear store for a $5 in-store coupon.   If a store is not conveniently located, call Build-a-Bear at 1-866-236-5683, or visit their website at www.buildabear.com.

  

Health Canada Recall here.    

CPSC recall here.

Ohio & Indiana: Undeclared allergen alert on vending machine sandwich

The Maumee Valley Vending Company (MVVC) is alerting customers by phone and in writing that about 350 of their Buffalo Chicken Wing Sandwiches contain cheese, but the milk product is not declared on the product ingredient label. The sandwiches were sold in office vending machines in Ohio and Indiana. 

Consumers with milk allergies can have mild to very severe reactions if the cheese in consumed.

The product involved is marked on the label with the product code: CLF103 11/21 and sold for $1.85 each.  It was packaged in the typical white plastic holder with clear plastic wrap covering the sandwich and package (as shown here).

Consumers in Indiana and Ohio who purchased the sandwiches are advised to return the sandwich to place of purchase for refund.

Those with further questions can contact MVVC by phone at 1-800-569-8090.

Peanut Butter Lovers Beware !

Three thousand jars of Smucker’s® Natural Chunky Peanut Butter was recalled on November 16, 2011, due to a possible bacteria Salmonella contamination.

The J.M. Smucker Company peanut butter involved in this FDA recall is the 16 oz. jars marked with UPC code 5150001701.  This code can be found printed on the product label just below the barcode.

The peanut butter in this recall was sold across the USA, specifically in the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

To identify the affected product, look for the criteria below: 

• Best if Used by date reads: August 3, 2012 and August 4, 2012
• Production Code: 1307004 and 1308004
• Purchased between November 8-17, 2011

Stop using the product immediately.  Discard the product so no other human or animal can consume it, and contact J.M. Smuckers for replacement coupon.

Contact company via phone:  1-888-55-9555

Fire hazard prompts recall of Columbia's specialty jackets

Apparently Columbia Sportswear Company has a heat-control problem with its lithium-polymer battery-powered heating system that creates the toastiest hunting parkas and jackets around.  There’s warm; and then there’s too hot!   The last thing a devoted hunter wants is to give away their hiding spot by having their jacket burst into flame.  It’s a dead give-away, even to a hapless mob of doe-eyed deer.

In Columbia's Omni-Heat™ Electric (OHE) parka and jacket line, two battery packs are inserted into a pocket at the front of each jacket.  The batteries power the heating system that is integrated into the lining and construction of the jacket. A cell defect discovered in the battery creates over-heating and could lead to a fire hazard. A product safety recall for select batteries and jackets was issued on November 16, 2011.

           Omni-Heat™ battery pack (part#054978-001). 

Battery sold online for $79; Jackets sold for $900 to $1200

The sportswear manufacturer became aware of the overheating issue during an inspection of goods at their distribution warehouse in France.  The defect in the Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries (part# 054978-001) was found in about 220 jackets / 440 battery packs.

Only the jackets shown below are involved in the recall:

• Omni-Heat™ Electric Wader Widgeon™ Interchange (HM7197)
• Omni-Heat™ Electric Big Game™ Interchange (HM7198)
• Omni-Heat™ Electric Gale Warning I/C (FM7323)

Columbia Sportswear indicates that only 20 customers have purchased the jackets involved in this safety alert, and no injuries have been reported.  Those purchases were made between July and September 2011.

Other Omni-Heat™ products, such as boots, gloves, chargers, adapters or other jackets are NOT included in this recall.  Any Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery packs sold after November 1, 2011 (through authorized Columbia dealers) are not included in this recall.

Consumers who purchased one of the recalled products mentioned above should stop using the battery packs immediately and contact Columbia for instructions and replacements.

Columbia via phone:     (800-622-6953

Columbia via website:   www.Columbia.com/Recall

Columbia via email:      Columbia@custhelp.com

YIKES! Rock Climbing Cam Units recalled for fall hazard

Photo: www.boyresults.com 

For those parents out there whose adult children are climbing rocks, jumping out of airplanes, leaping off cliffs or swimming over miles of open sea, then this recall will make you shiver just a little bit more. [I can relate as my daughter engages in all the above and often I am grateful not to know before hand that she has just accomplished some first-time feat.]  Still, I’ll pass this recall along to her….just in case.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in conjunction with Sierra Trading Post online and outlet stores headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming, announced the recall of 1,280Joss Rock Climbing Cam Units.  The units involved in the recall can fail unexpectedly, creating a fall hazard.

Half way up the face of a sheer mountain cavern is NOT where you want your equipment to fail!  One report of product failure has been reported in Europe, where Italian maker, Cassin Sri, manufactures the cam units.  Gratefully no deaths or injuries have been reported in the United States. 

According to the CPSC recall, “ The Joss Cam is a mechanical device placed in the crack of a rock to support a climber's weight. The Cam is operated by a trigger that retracts the aluminum lobes, allowing the device to be placed and secured in the crack of a rock.  A cable is attached to the device with a heavy-duty nylon sling attached to the end of the cable.”

Here’s what you need to know about the Joss cam units in the recall:

• Comes in 8 sizes
• Comes in 6 strap colors (blue, green, orange, purple, red and yellow)
• Each Cam strap is marked with a size from  .5 to 4
• The Sierra Trading Post item numbers #69277 and #69278 are marked on the product packaging (or order invoice)
• Only those units sold between August 2003 and March 2006 are involved in this recall

It goes without saying, but consumers who think they may have purchased the cam unit mentioned above should stop using the product immediately and contact Sierra Trading Post for a full refund.  The company can be reached by phone at (800) 713-4534 or at their website: customerservice@sierratradingpost.com

Toddlers' tragic deaths are preventable

Three-year old Shaniya Singleton and six-year old Karl Clermont both lived in Chicago’s South Side area. 

They both became the unsuspecting characters of tragic stories.

They are both fatality victims of completely preventable home accidents. 

www.outoftownclub.com

Little Shaniya died this week when a heavy television fell on her head in her home, pronounced dead at the hospital at 6:32 pm. On October 30th, Karl was died when an unsecured television tip-over crushed the child’s head while it is suspected he attempted to reach for something up high on the TV stand. The top-heavy nature of a large television on a high stand creates a dangerous scenario in many homes   

To adults chests of drawers, tables or bookshelves are furniture and home décor.  To a toddler or adventurous child it is Mount Everest just waiting to be climbed.  In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a recent report that shows the extent of this hazardous in-home threat to child safety.

                                                                                                    Over 22,000 emergency room (ER) treatments for injuries linked to unstable television or tall furniture have been registered annually (2008-2010)

• Between 2000 and 2010 CPSC received reports that indicated the furniture tip-over (crush) deaths of 245 young children eight years or younger. 
• Children 5 years or younger were the victims in more than 90% of incidents
• 67% of the children involved received fatal head injuries

Another study conducted over a seventeen-year period was undertaken by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Their 2009 reported statistics also paint a dangerous scene for youngsters under the age of six years.

• An average of 14,000 people in the USA visit an ER annually due to furniture-related injuries

• 2% of those visits (300) result in death

• The most common furniture piece involved in the deaths of children under 6 years was a television set

There is currently no federal guideline in place for the stability of furniture in homes or childcare centers. In May 2009, the ASTM International, a group of well-respected and knowledgeable industry experts, developed safety standard ASTM F2057 to address this tip-over hazard. This specific specification is intended to reduce child injuries and deaths from the hazards related to tip-over of dressers, storage units, armoires and bureaus over 30 inches.  But here’s the rub - This standard set for manufacturers are voluntary, which means that some manufacturers will comply, and some will not. Unless a consumer is already aware of the guidelines for tip-over safety, they could unwittingly make a purchase they think is safe, but could be a severe threat to their children if not set up and secured properly.

The best recipe for the lack of federal regulations is to be a smart consumer.  Simple steps can be taken to secure televisions and tall furniture so it will not tip-over. Californians are familiar with securing furniture to the walls to deter as much damage during string ground-shaking incidents as possible.  But remember, even if you do not live in an earthquake-prone area – if you have young children running around the house, you may already have a hurricane whirling inside.

Take these easy steps to reduce the risk of television or furniture tip-over in your home.

• Securely strap TV sets to a stable stand or the wall

• Attach large and tall furniture to the wall using safety straps, Metal L-brackets or other strong securing hardware.

• Make sure to remove anything from the top of the TV stand, shelf or dresser that will attract young children (toys, games, snacks, candy, etc.)

• If not already in place, install drawer stops on dressers to prevent the drawers from opening more than 2/3^rd of the way out.  

If you see a potential tip-over hazard at your friends house or at your child’s school or child care facility, say something.  Education and word of mouth is the best messaging systems we have.  Use them boldly.  The life you save may be a child’s.

Magnets on child's sketch board present safety hazard

How many of you can still remember hearing your mother saying, ”Not everything that is fun is good for you.”  Usually this was after trying something that looked like a blast, but ended up in a trip to the local ER. I remember these words being fired out in white puffs of cold air as my mom was desperately digging my brother and I out of a collapsed snow tunnel run we had built on the hill in our front yard back in rural Pennsylvania. Now, as an adult I see the wisdom of her words. 

The toy industry has also heard these words, but often it is in the form of product recalls issued due to magnets releasing from their toys.  Magnets can be fun.  They can be used very creatively in toys.  They can add simplicity, or challenge to a toy, depending on the design and end-goal.  They can also add a high degree of danger.

Strong magnets that un-expectantly release for toys can be quickly ingested by youngsters of all ages. If small enough and singular, the magnets MAY pass right though the digestive system without a problem.  But if swallowed in combination with another piece of metal, or magnet, the end-result could be serious infection, even death.

On November 2, 2011, Battat Incorporated announced a recall of about 99,300 of their Toulouse-LapTrec Magnetic Sketch Boards.  Sold in the USA & Canada through Target retail and other online toys sites, only those boards sold between March 2010 and March 2011 are involved in this recall.

Photo: CPSC

Battat has received nineteen customer complaints stating that the magnetic tip was separating from the pen. The good news is that none of those reports indicated a child injury, but getting the boards out of customers’ hands before injury occurs is the goal of the recall.

Backing on sketch board

The sketch board, shown above, may have a red [model # BX1026], or brown plastic frame [model #BX1027].  The frame is attached to a bean bag backing in a bright, graphic enhanced fabric, and the magnetic tipped pen is held in place on the front of board.

Consumers who think they have an affected board should stop using it immediately and contact Battat at (866) 665-5524 or via their website at www.battatco.com.

See Health Canada's press release here.