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Tag: Recall

  • Pillsbury Recalls Cinnamon Rolls

    We all like to start our mornings with a delicious breakfast that will get us motivated to start the day and give us strength for school or work. A great choice that has been enjoyed for years is the Pillsbury brand Cinnamon Rolls with Icing. How could anyone not like a sweet roll that is easily prepped and can go from refrigerator to oven to on the kitchen table in less than 30 minutes.

    However, maybe it’s time to change what’s on your breakfast menu because Pillsbury is recalling their cinnamon rolls. They claim that pieces of broken plastic were found on the production line.

    A press release was announced to the public on Friday from Pillsbury, saying that a voluntary recall was taking place. The recall is in action for two of Pillsbury’s products. According to UPI, “The Class II recall includes only the eight-count single Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing with the better-if-used-by-dates on the package of 30OCT2013 and 31OCT2013. Also included in the recall is the Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing two-pack with the better-if-used-by dates of 18OCT2013, 26OCT2013 and 31OCT2013.”

    In the press release it was also stated that if anyone had any questions or concerns they could contact General Mills at 1-800-775-4777. Any one who had the specific cinnamon rolls being recalled can contact the company as well, and get a replacement.

    [Photo via Youtube]

  • Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Recall Due to Plastic Pieces

    (image)

    Stop! Put down that cinnamon roll!

    On Friday, General Mills announced a “voluntary Class II” recall on some refrigerated Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing products because the dough may contain pieces of plastic.

    (image)

    General Mills wrote in a statement: “This action is being taken as a precaution because the dough may contain fragments from a broken piece of plastic on the production line. These products are sold in grocery stores nationally. No other Pillsbury dough products are being recalled.”

    The following are the recalled Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing products with the corresponding better if used dates:

    Product                               

    Better if Used Date on Package

    Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing 8-pack

    30OCT2013 and 31OCT2013

    Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Icing 2-pack        

    18OCT2013, 26OCT2013 and 31OCT2013

    No need to be alarmed, you can still eat the Pillsbury Flaky Cinnamon Rolls and Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls that are not included in the recall.

    The company will replace your items if you purchased any of the recalled products.

    You can reach General Mills Inc. for your replacement cinnamon rolls at 1-800-755-4777.

  • Toyota Recall (and Lexus): Almost 400K Cars Included

    Ford, now Toyota, watch out automakers, you know everything comes in threes. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced today two voluntary recalls in concerns for safety. Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification by mail. The company also directs customers to its websites and the Customer Experience Center.

    The first involves 2006-2010 model year Highlander Hybrids and 2006-2008 model year Lexus RX 400h’s, about 133,000 vehicles total. The hybrid system’s inverter assembly transistors can be damaged by heat from variations in characteristics of the transistors built in parallel circuits. If this happens, warning lights on the instrument panel will light up and in limited incidents, the hybrid system will shut down, preventing the vehicle from being driven.

    The second covers 2006-2011 model year Lexus IS 350, IS 350C and GS 350 vehicles, numbering approximately 102,000. The concern involves bolts used to secure the variable valve timing control devices, which can come loose and stop the vehicle while it is being driven. Early warning signals include odd noises post-start-up.

    The company also revealed today that August was a banner month in comparison to Augusts of the past, posting August 2013 sales up 18.4% year-over-year. Toyota division group vice president and general manager, Bill Fay, complimented the auto industry as a, “bright spot in the economic recovery.”

    The recalls also involve Toyota brand vehicles across the globe, adding up to a total 369,000 covered. Spokespersons state that no accidents or injuries have been called in over the security concerns.

    This follows a series of recalls in June over braking issues in the Prius and Lexus hybrids, April recalls for airbag defects and October 2012 recalls over power window malfunctions.

    Company-sponsored Twitter and Facebook accounts are keeping silent, focusing more on fun factoids and features about the vehicles and leaving the heavy lifting to corporate websites and the US Post Office.

    Though perhaps this Tweet was conveniently placed:

    [Image via Facebook.]

  • ConAgra Recalls Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

    ConAgra Recalls Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

    If you have recently purchased any Kroger brand chocolate chip cookie dough and have allergies to peanuts, you may want to think before you start baking and read the press release issued by the FDA.

    ConAgra Foods and the United States Food and Drug Administration have started recalling some of the Kroger brand chocolate chip cookie dough packages that may have, mistakenly, been filled with peanut butter cookie dough instead.

    This recall is limited to the Kroger brand Break ‘N Bake Chocolate Chip cookie dough having the following UPC and Use by date:
    Item: Kroger Break ‘N Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, 16 oz. packages
    Unit UPC: 11110 87530
    Use by: 24NOV13C21

    This product is not only sold in Kroger, but is sold in other grocery stores as well, including: Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, Foods Co., Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Jay C, Owen’s, Pay Less, Scott’s, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s stores.

    Only 26 states had this product shipped to their stores. The impacted states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.

    Kroger issued a news release about the recall and urged customers to check their refrigerators to see if they have purchased that specific type of cookie dough. The release read: “People who are allergic to peanuts could have a serious or life-threatening reaction if they consume this product. For customers who are not allergic to peanuts, there is no safety issue with the product. There have been no illnesses reported to date in connection with this product.”

    Customers who have questions about the recall should contact ConAgra Foods consumer relations toll free at 800-252-0634.

    Image via Thinkstock

  • Kroger Cookie Dough Recalled Due to Mispackage

    Kroger Cookie Dough Recalled Due to Mispackage

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week that ConAgra Foods is recalling some Kroger-branded “Break ‘N Bake” chocolate chip cookie dough packages. Unlike other, more serious recalls of foods over possible contamination, the Kroger cookie dough recall is relatively benign.

    The cookie dough is being recalled over mispackaging concerns. Certain lots of the product, instead of containing the chocolate chip cookie dough promised on the package, actually contain peanut butter cup cookie dough. Consumers who don’t realize the mistake and also have peanut allergies could be in danger. The FDA has stated that no illnesses have yet been reported as a result of the error.

    The packages can be returned to the stores where they were bought for a full refund. Of course, customers who aren’t allergic to peanuts could also feel free to bake and enjoy their peanut butter cup cookies (though the FDA suggests returning them).

    The affected packages have a Use by code of “24NOV13C21” and a UPC code of “11110 87530.” The cookie dough was shipped to Kroger distribution centers in 26 states, mostly in the eastern, southern, and midwestern U.S. but including California, Nevada, and Oregon. In addition to Kroger stores, the packages were sold in other stores including Ralphs, Smith’s, Dillons, Baker’s, Gerbes, Foods Co., Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Jay C, Owen’s, Pay Less, Scott’s, and QFC.

    (Image courtesy FDA)

  • More Herbal Supplements Recalled Over Sibutramine

    Over the past several weeks, the U.S. FDA has announced the recalls of several herbal weight loss supplements over undeclared ingredients. Products branded “Best Slim” and several Bethel Nutritional Consulting pills were recalled for actually having an active ingredient – sibutramine.

    Sibutramine was removed from the U.S. market in 2010 over safety concerns for those with heart issues. The substance has been linked to increased blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients, and also carries the risk of potentially life-threatening interactions with some other medications.

    Today, the FDA and the Herbal Give Care company of Grand Prairie, Texas announced another recall due to sibutramine. The company’s Esbelder fem, Esbelder man, and Esbelder Siloutte products have all been recalled. In addition to sibutramine, the FDA found that the pills also contained N-esmethylsibutramine and N-diesmethylsibutramine, metabolites of Sibutramine. Customers are urged to stop using the products immediately and return them to their place of purchase.

    All bottles of the Esbelder products are being recalled, regardless of lot number. The products were distributed across the U.S. Esbelder man was marketed for increased energy, higher metabloism, improved circulation, and better heart health. Esbelder fem was promoted as a solution for women with “uncontrolled hormones,” with promises of fat burning, better cholesterol, liver detoxification, and the clearing up of menstruation problems. Esbelder Siloutte was marketed as a toxin-eliminating weight loss solution.

  • Iams Food Recall Includes Dry Dog & Cat Food

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued a recall for a variety of Procter & Gamble dry pet foods for both cats and dogs. The recall was made by P&G due to a possible Salmonella bacteria contamination. The company stressed that no Salmonella cases in pets have yet been traced to the recalled pet foods.

    P&G have released a statement regarding the recall, and are instructing customers with recalled products to stop using them and contact P&G for a replacement voucher:

    We are announcing a voluntary recall of select Iams Dry products. Although to date, no health effects have been reported, there is the potential for Salmonella contamination. The affected product was distributed to select retailers across the United States, mostly on the East Coast. These limited products were made during a 10 day window, at one of our U.S. manufacturing sites on a single production line.

    The recalled pet foods all have best-by dates ranging from November 5, 2014 to November 14, 2014. They include brands such as Iams Healthy Naturals, Iams ProActive health, Iams Professional Feeding Bag, Eukanuba Base, Eukanuba Breed, Eukanuba Premium Performance, and Eukanuba Weight Control.

    A more detailed, specific list of the recalled foods and their lot codes can be found on the Iams and Eukanuba websites (Iams cat food, Iams dog food, and Eukanuba info.)

    Salmonella can cause pets to become sick and the infection can be passed on to other pets or humans. Common symptoms of salmonella infection in pets include lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

  • Hyundai Issues Recall for 260,000 Vehicles

    Hyundai Issues Recall for 260,000 Vehicles

    If you are the proud owner of a Hyundai Sonata or Azera manufactured between 2005 and 2011, or a 2013 Sante Fe, then you should pay very close attention to this story.

    The company announced a massive recall for the vehicles in hopes of avoiding injuries caused by a peculiar issue with the cars axle. The National HighwayTraffic and Safety Administration has said that the recall is due to corrosion of the axle that can lead it to separating from the car. It is believed that salt placed on roads during the winter months is to blame for the issue.

    The recall only technically applies to cars sold in certain states, which include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana,Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont,West Virginia, and Wisconsin. However, cars tend to get around and many could have been sold used in states outside of this area. For this reason Hyundai will be contacting owners who may be at risk.

    Along with the aforementioned vehicles, the company’s Kia Motors affiliate also recalled over 9,000 Sorento Crossover models for the same axle issue. Hyundai dealers will be inspecting vehicles and repairing whatever damage they find with no charge to the owner.

  • More Weight Loss Pills Recalled by the FDA

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this week recalled Bethel Nutritional Consulting’s “herbal” weight loss supplements for actually containing drugs. The sort of drugs that could increase blood pressure or cause “serious gastrointestinal disturbances.” Now the FDA has recalled even more unapproved weight loss pills for containing undeclared ingredients.

    The latest recall concerns a product called “Best Slim,” marketed by CTV Best Group. The company has recalled all products with that label after FDA tests found Sibutramine in the pills – one of the same substances found in the recall of Bethel’s products. Sibutramine was taken off the market in 2010 due to safety concerns. According to the FDA, the drug has been found to “substantially” increase blood pressure and heart rate for some people. This can pose a risk to those with heart disease or those at risk for heart failure or stroke.

    CTV Best Group sold its Best Slim 40 pills in retail stores across the U.S. and on its website. The company’s Best Slim product is marketed on its website as being made from “100% herbal extracts.” The website associates the product with a variety of effects, including “advanced weight loss,” appetite suppression, an increase in energy, lower blood pressure, and lower “bad” cholesterol. The product is also promoted as having “no side effects, no diarrhea.”

  • Weight Loss Supplements Recalled Over Banned Ingredients

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Bethel Nutritional Consulting this week recalled the company’s “Quick Thin” and “Bethel Advance” products. The recall was issued due to the FDA finding banned substances inside the capsules.

    FDA tests on the products found that they contaned the substances Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein. Sibutramine has been linked to an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate for some patients, as well as a risk of life-threatening interactions with other medications. It was removed from the U.S. market in 2010 due to safety concerns for patients with heart issues. According to the FDA, Phenolphthalein has also been linked to health risks such as irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, cancer, and “serious gastrointestinal disturbances.”

    Bethel’s “Bethel 30” product was recalled back in June over tests that found these same substances. Bethel 30 was labeled as having no side effects and no diet restrictions. For all three of these products, the FDA is urging consumers not to consume them, and to call Bethel customer service. The products have been removed from Bethel’s online store. None of the products have ever been approved by the FDA as drugs.

    Bethel Nutritional Consulting markets a variety of “herbal” and homeopathic products. The products include those marketed for weight loss, “detox,” prostate health, cholesterol, and “sexual potency.”

    The FDA just last month warned manufacturers of “natural” and homeopathic products that claim to treat diabetes that their products are illegal. Consumers were also warned that such products can be dangerous or cause them to mismanage their diabetes.

  • Millions of Blood Glucose Test Strips Recalled by the FDA

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that Nova Diabetes Care has voluntarily recalled its glucose test strips. The recalled strips are marketed under the “Nova Max Blood Glucose Test Strips” and “Nova Max Plus Glucose Meter Kits” brands.

    The FDA estimates that the recall affects up to 62 million Nova test strips manufactured from December 2011 and April 2013. The products were sold online shipped to countries across the world, including the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Peru, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Congo, Saudi Arabia, Finland, Belgium, Germany, and the U.K.

    The test strips had reportedly been contaminated during the manufacturing process. As a result, the strips could, under specific conditions, report higher-than-accurate blood glucose levels – an error that could cause diabetics to receive an improper dose of insulin.

    “It is important that patients using these test strips discontinue their use immediately,” said Alberto Gutierrez, director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health in FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “A false reading could result in patient harm and delay critical care.”

    The FDA is urging customers to immediately stop using the recalled strips. Nova is directing customers to contact the company to confirm whether their test strips are affected by the recall. The company is offering free replacement strips for the return of the recalled strips.

  • Chrysler Recalls Nearly 800,000 Vehicles For Airbag, Head-Restraint Flaws

    Car manufacturer Chrysler Group this week issued two recalls for nearly 800,000 vehicles over airbag and head-restraint system flaws.

    One recall involves 282,000 minivans that have flawed airbag-control software. The software is programmed to deploy side airbags on the opposite side of a vehicle from the side that is impacted. Chrysler stated it is aware of three accidents and one “minor” injury related to the defect.

    The affected vehicles include 2013 Dodge Grand Caravans, 2013 Chrysler Town & Countrys, and 2013 Ram Cargo Vans. Owners of these vehicles have been notified and will be able to have their airbag-control software patched at no cost.

    The other recall involves 490,000 cars and SUVs that have flawed head-restraint systems. Head-restraint systems are designed to move head-restraints forward during collisions, preventing neck injuries. Microcontrollers in the recalled vehicles could be faulty, preventing the active head-restraint system from working. Chrysler has stated that no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this particular defect.

    The vehicles with the faulty microcontrollers include the 2011 to 2013 Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, 2011 to 2013 Jeep Liberty, and 2011 to 2012 Dodge Nitro. Most of the recalled vehicles were sold in the U.S., but some were sold in Canada, Mexico, and outside North America.

  • Subaru Recall: 2013 Outback Steering Column Issues

    Last month, car manufacturer Subaru issued a recall for 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles, which could have a serious (and potentially deadly) flaw. Subaru and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the recall for all 2013 Outback and Legacy cars manufactured from February 15, 2012 to June 15, 2012.

    The cars in question have steering column shafts that were not press-fitted sufficiently. The defect could cause the inner and outer shafts of their steering column assemblies to disengage from each other. If that were to happen, drivers would immediately lose the ability to steer their car, quite obviously increasing the likelihood of a car crash.

    The recall has already begun, with Subaru issuing new steering column assembly replacements to those drivers affected. For those drivers who have not yet had their car’s steering column assembly replaced, Subaru recommends not (ever) adjusting the tilt/telescopic position of the steering wheel while driving. Also, drivers should take care to make sure their car’s steering wheel actually turns the vehicle’s front wheels before driving.

  • Tesla Announces Recall For Model S

    Tesla Announces Recall For Model S

    Tesla, the California-based electric car manufacturer, today announced a recall for its Model S vehicle. The company is voluntarily recalling Model S cars manufactured between May 10 and June 8 of this year due to a defect in the strength of a mounting bracket. This is the first recall issued for the Model S, for which production only began one year ago.

    Tesla Co-Founder and Chairman Elon Musk announced the recall on Tesla’s blog. From the post:

    After a careful examination, we have concluded that some Model S vehicles manufactured between May 10, 2013 and June 8, 2013 may contain a defect. Specifically, the attachment strength of the mounting bracket for the left hand latch of the second row seat could be weaker than intended. This reduces our confidence that the left hand seat back will be properly retained in the event of a crash.

    As designed, the striker bracket is both bonded and welded to the vehicle body, either one of which would be sufficient by itself. This is consistent with the primary design goal of the Model S, which is first and foremost to maximize safety. However, we discovered that, due to body side alignment adjustments in the factory, the bonded section of the joint was compromised and the welded section of the joint was weakened in some cars.

    Musk went on to emphasize that the defect is only dangerous in theory. The weld referred to has not detached from any known Model S, and no customer complaints have been filed about the issue. He also emphasized that no government or other regulatory brought the defect to the company’s attention.

    Tesla will be contacting the affected Model S owners this week to arrange for their vehicle to be picked up. The cars will then have their left striker bracket reinforced and be returned to their owners. Musk stated that loaner Model S vehicles will be provided to customers if needed.

    Back in May, the Tesla One received the highest-ever rating for a vehicle in Consumer Reports history. Last month Tesla and Musk made headlines by paying off a $465 million government loan years early after being criticized by conservatives as an example of wasteful government spending.

  • Beef Recall: National Beef Could Contain E. Coli

    The National Beef Packing company this week recalled almost 23,000 pounds of ground beef over fears it could be contaminated with E. coli. The Missouri company issued the recall after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service tested a ground beef sample positive for the bacteria. As of Wednesday, there have been no reported illnesses related to the beef.

    The recall is regional, affecting 22,737 pounds of ground beef produced on May 25 2013. The products are all 10-pound packs of National Beef-branded beef and chuck. Packages of 80/20 Coarse Ground Chuck, 81/19 Coarse Ground Beef, 80/20 Fine Ground Chuck with sell by dates of June 14, 2013 are all included in the recall. The package codes for these products are 0481, 0421, and 0484. The products were shipped in 70-pound boxes to distributors and military commissaries in the Kansas City area.

    The products are no longer available to consumers, though there are still concerns that some packages could still be found in consumers’ freezers. National Beef has stated that it is cooperating with authorities to investigate the meat and is in the process of contacting customers who purchased it.

    E. coli can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and, in rare cases, death. The USDA recommends using a food thermometer to ensure that ground beef is cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Nap Nanny: If You Have An Infant, You Should Read This

    A massive recall is in the news this morning after the company that makes an infant recliner called Nap Nanny says their product has caused infant deaths.

    The Nap Nanny is a soft, reclining surface for babies to sleep on and became enormously popular after its introduction several years ago; however, the company that produced it–Baby Matters–issued a recall in 2010 and made major changes to the design and added new warning labels, saying “these baby recliners contain defects in the design, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury and death to infants.” Despite the changes, parents loved the product and continued to use it; it is now reportedly responsible for five infant deaths and close to 100 infant injuries since 2009. Baby Matters is no longer in business.

    A statement released on the Nap Nanny website reads, “In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Baby Matters LLC of Berwyn, Pa., is announcing a voluntary recall of all models of its Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill infant recliners and covers. This recall is announced as part of the settlement of an administrative case filed by CPSC in December 2012, which sought a mandatory recall of the Nap Nanny and Chill products.

    From 2009 to the present, the Commission staff has received at least 92 incident reports involving the Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill products, including five infant deaths. CPSC is aware of four infants who died in Nap Nanny Generation Two recliners and a fifth death involved in the Chill model. In the incident reports received by CPSC, there were 92 reports of infants hanging or falling over the side of the products, including some infants who were restrained in the product’s harness.

    CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop use of all Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill recliners. Baby Matters LLC is no longer in business and is not accepting returns. In December 2012, four major retailers—Amazon.com, Buy Buy Baby, Diapers.com, and Toys R Us/Babies R Us—announced a voluntary recall of Nap Nanny and Chill models sold in their stores. Consumers who purchased a Nap Nanny from one of these retailers should contact the retailer for instructions on how to obtain a refund for the product.”

    If you own the Nap Nanny or Nap Nanny Chill, discontinue use immediately and dispose of the item. You can go here for more info.

  • Pet Food Recall: Dog, Cat Food Contaminated With Salmonella

    Natura Pet Products today recalled six different brands of dog and cat food over potential Salmonella contamination.

    The recall was made after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) test returned positive for Salmonella on a single sample. The products being were all packaged in the same production facility as the positive sample.

    Natura Pet Products manufactures pet food and treats markeded as “natural” and “holistic.” The recall includes dry dog food, dry cat food, and pet biscuits/bars/treats branded Innova, EVO, California Natural, Healthwise, Karma, and Mother Nature with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014.

    The company has released a statement through its website apologizing and stating that additional testing procedures have been implemented for its products. The statement, in full:

    Dear Natura Family,

    We have some sad news to share. We are announcing today a voluntary recall of all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit/bar/treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014.

    We made this decision in part due to a single positive Salmonella test by the FDA on product manufactured April 3. Normally, this would have resulted in retrieval of product manufactured over just a few days. However, we are taking the additional precautionary measure to recall all products in the marketplace. Our first priority is the wellbeing of the pets we serve.

    Our decision allows us to ensure that all products available in the marketplace were produced after June 10, the date when we implemented additional finished product testing procedures with the guidance of industry experts.

    Below this message you will find instructions on how to request a replacement voucher or refund. If you have any further questions, please contact us at http://www.naturapet.com/about/contact-us or (800) 224-6123.

    We are truly sorry. We know this news disappoints you; we are disappointed too. Natura will always focus on high-quality ingredients, product safety and innovation in pet nutrition. We remain committed to making products you can trust.

    Sincerely,
    Employees of Natura Pet Products

    Customers can download a form through the Innova website to request a refund for recalled products.

  • GM Recalls 200K SUVs Over Fire Concerns

    GM Recalls 200K SUVs Over Fire Concerns

    GM this week is recalling 193,652 SUVs over concerns that they could catch fire. Dealers were notified of the recall on Monday, and GM will be mailing letters to vehicle owners on July 24.

    The vehicles involved include the 2006 and 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer; 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT; 2006 and 2007 GMC Envoy; 2006 GMC Envoy XL; 2006 and 2007 Buick Rainer; 2006 and 2007 Isuzu Ascender, and the 2005, 2006, and 2007 SAAB 9-7x.

    The recall involves a defect in the vehicles’ power door lock and power window mechanisms. It is possible that fluid could enter the driver’s door module. This could cause the power door lock and power window switches to break or it could cause overheating, melting door module components and, possibly, starting a fire. Such a fire could occur even when the vehicles are not in operation.

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is advising owners of these vehicles to park outside until the defect can be corrected. The free repair will involve applying a protective coating to the vehicles’ driver side door module.

    This recall is a follow-up to an August 2012 recall of 278,174 of the same vehicles. At the time, it was thought that only fluid such as melted snow containing road salt could cause fires in the door module. The recall has now been expanded to the entire U.S.

    (Image courtesy HumanZoom/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Wii U Basic Being Discontinued? Nintendo Says No

    It seems that in the run-up to this year’s E3 Conference, there is some uncertainty about the future of the 8GB Basic version of Nintendo’s Wii U console. It seems that GameStop has issued orders recalling unopened consoles.

    According to a report yesterday on Kotaku, GameStop has been sending word to certain stores that all new and unopened Wii U Basic consoles will have to be returned to corporate if they are not sold by June 18th. Initial attempts to get some explanation from either Nintendo or GameStop were unsuccessful, but Kotaku speculated that the console was being discontinued. The $300 Basic model has only 8GB of onboard storage, while the Deluxe console has 32GB, comes with Nintendo Land bundled, and is only $50 more expensive. It seems that the Deluxe model has consistently sold better than the Basic version.

    Today, however, Nintendo denied rumors that the Wii U Basic was being discontinued. The company said in a statement that only some Basic consoles will be recalled. The goal, Nintendo spokesman Charlie Scibetta said, is to “rebalance” stocks of the poorer-selling console.

    Scibetta said that customers who prefer the Basic console will still be able to find it, even after the June 18th recall.

  • Ford Recall Affects 465,000 Vehicles, Fuel Leak To Blame

    Ford Recall Affects 465,000 Vehicles, Fuel Leak To Blame

    Vehicle recalls are nothing new, but a recent Ford recall is definitely one of the biggest of the year.

    Ford announced today that it was recalling 465,000 vehicles over concerns that a fuel leak could start a fire. There have been no reports of fires from the fuel leak, but Ford wants to stay on the safe side.

    The current Ford recall affects the following 2013 vehicle models: Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Interceptor Utility, Interceptor Sedan, Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ. If you bought any of the 2013 models of these vehicles, you are strongly urged to hit up this Web site to check if your vehicle is included.

    Besides the massive fuel leak recall, Ford also announced two smaller recalls that only affect a few hundred vehicles. The first is 500 2013 Lincoln MKZs – the insulation on the engine block heater may crack under cold temperatures. The second is 25 Ford 2013 Fusions – these did not have an internal retaining clip installed so drivers may be faced with impaired steering.

    Last summer, Ford was hit with two recalls in July over issues with its line of Escape SUVs. The first problem involved misplaced carpet while the second involved a gas pedal that could become stuck.

    [h/t: CNN Money]

  • Frozen Pizza Recall Expanded Over E. Coli Concerns

    Back on March 28, Rich Products Corporation issued a recall for Farm Rich-branded products such as Mini Quesadillas, Mini Pizza Slices, Philly Cheese Steaks, and Mozzarella Bites. The recall was issued over concerns that the food could be contaminated with E. Coli, and included nearly 200,000 pounds of frozen food made between November 12, 2012 and November 19, 2012. Rich Products stated that it would continue to work with the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

    This week, the recall has been expanded to include over 10.5 million pounds of frozen snacks.

    Rich Products has voluntarily recalled all products produced at its Waycross, Georgia plant with “Best by” dates from january 1, 2013 to September 29, 2014. The recall includes all sizes of Farm Rich-branded Mini Quesadillas, Mini Pizza Slices, Mozzarella Bites, Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers, and Philly Cheese Steaks. Other products from Farm Rich, such as Mozzarella Sticks and Stuffed Pretzel Bites, are made in separate plants and are not part of the recall.

    The recall was expanded when the source of the contamination could not be determined. Farm Rich called this “unacceptable” and voluntarily recalled everything made in the Georgia plant.

    “It saddens us deeply that anyone has become ill after consuming Farm Rich products,” said Bill Gisel, CEO of Farm Rich. “When it became apparent to us that despite the expertise of the USDA, FDA, the scientific community and our own experts, that identification of a specific cause was not going to be a simple or short process, we decided to act proactively to expand the recall.”

    No reports of sickness due to the products have been reported. Farm Rich has stated that customers can call the company’s customer relations helpline to receive a refund or replacement of the potentially-contaminated products they have had to throw out.