Tainted formula (potentially) causes newborn death

A baby being bottled fed.
Creative Commons Photo by Smmchapman

It is being reported the Mead Johnson, the maker of Enfamil is being sued after a 10 day old baby died back in December. This may be "old" news since we've previously discussed this issue, but this lawsuit indicates that there was known bacteria and if the water is not hot enough, the bacteria can grow and cause death.

Check out this Business Week article for more information.

Remember, formula companies are businesses and may decide risk of suit/negative publicity over doing the right thing. Cronobacter sakazakii, aka Enterobacter is "naturally" in the environment and trace materials can be found in powdered formula. According to NIH, Nestle researchers helped discover the potentially deadly bacteria. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17439656 and the fact that it may thrive in powdered formula,

"The high tolerance to desiccation provides a competitive advantage for Ent. sakazakii in dry environments, as found in milk powder factories, and thereby increases the risk of post-pasteurization contamination of the finished product."

Such a sad situation for babies, especially premature infants. I know I've seen caregivers shaking powdered formula into a bottle using water from a thermos (hopefully hot enough) but also directly with tap water.

If only more women had the support to feed their babies naturally in public. There's such a public outcry and lack of support for women and reports indicate women don't make their own breastfeeding goals. If a woman wants to breastfeed, whether it is for financial, health or other benefits, or even to avoid potential issues like the above, they should have that right and be protected by law.  

Recalls - Did you know you can make comments for rule making

Pretty much all medicines that have been recalled (at least the regulated ones) were approved at one point. At the same time there are products out there that we are worried about and think "whoa, that can't be safe" and sure enough... we hear later of a recall of the item.

Did you know that there is a way for you to comment on items that are looking for "new" or "additional" regulations?

Regulations.Gov is now taking comments on making "playards" or non-full size cribs safer for infants. You can make your opinion known, just click here and start!

You can now also keep up-to-date with CPSC recalls by seeing the feed on the lower right of this page!

Bumbo recall - add the seatbelt for free

This super popular baby product is being recalled to add more safety. Babies are wiggly, so the company is voluntarily adding a seatbelt. If you own one, have it retrofitted:

Consumer Contact: Order the free repair kit by visiting www.recall.BumboUSA.com or calling (866) 898-4999 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CT on Friday. Do not return the Bumbo seat to retailers as they will not be able to provide the repair kit.

There's also a warning that these seats, even with the belt, should NOT be used on a raised surface. 

Stopped at import - Lead in children's items and more

Since US-based manufacturing has declined, import is the mode by which we receive our products. Each shipment of products that arrive at US ports are not inspected... but when they are inspected, some items are refused entry, which helps keep our children (and us) safe.

Now with hopeful new laws preventing more than just lead and a few other chemicals, etc may be we'll see our children protected more. 

To see what 319 products have been inspected and refused in the last half year, check out this link. A lot of the items are from China. Those from other countries tend to due to "flammability" issues... something I am less concerned about... after all, hopefully we'll find other ways to protect children from burns. Chemicals aren't the answers to safety for children, in fact, for other reasons, they're the problems!

BPA backtrack from 2008

Recall Round up for July 30th

As you may have heard some onions have been recalled due to listeria... included in that list of onions are

Simmering Soup Voluntarily Recalls Salsa & Balela 

by Trader Joe's - apparently they used those recalled onions. Only in certain states, but check out more info here. There are TONS Of items out there that used these onions, so be aware and be sure to cook thoroughly and are expiring this week... if in question, ask your grocer.

Home Depot Motion Sensing Security lights recalled due to electrical shock risk.

More strollers are being recalled!

Kolcraft Recalls Contours Tandem Strollers Due to Fall and Choking Hazards

Call to get replacement wheels to prevent this issue! 

A death was reported in the Peg Pereggo recall. Watch specifically for the strollers with a single cup holder in the middle.

Also know that it is ILLEGAL to resell these recalled items! If you see them at a rummage sale or second hand store. Notify them that you believe that item has been recalled - don't let them sell it to someone unknowingly.

Peg Perego Recalls Strollers Due to Risk of Entrapment and Strangulation

Some additional food recalls:

Tyson Canned chicken may contain beef with wheat stock!

Recall round up for July 22, 2012

Wellements LLC Recalls Baby Move™ Prune Concentrate Because 0f Possible Health Risk 

On July 13, 2012, Wellements LLC was informed by their contract manufacturer who was informed by raw ingredient supplier Ingredion (formerly Corn Products International Inc.) that retain samples of five lots of a raw material Purimune (Galacto Oligosaccharide) had tested positive for Salmonella contamination. To date, no lots of Wellements Baby Move™ final product have tested positive for Salmonella contamination.

Expanded Voluntary Recall of Land O’Lakes Purina Feed Products Due to Potential Elevated Vitamin D Level

New Jersey Firm Recalls Various Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due To Potential Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

Burlington Coat Factory Recalls Power Strips Due to Fire Hazard

Children's Beach Chairs Recalled by Downeast Concepts Due to Laceration Hazard

Samuel Lawrence Furniture Expands Recall of Sleigh Beds Due to Fall Hazard

really these are breaking, not just people falling out of bed :)

Trampolines Recalled by Panline USA Due to Fall Hazard

And a reminder on the 

Chicco Polly High Chairs Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard

Recall round up for July 9, 2012

Here are a list of recalls of which you may want to be aware.

A large number of meat products (ie meatballs) have been recalled due to listeria risk. Please see the list here.

Discovery Kids lamps have been recalled due to fire and burn risk













Bath Petals candles risk overheating.


Twist N Sparkle beverage fillers may explode.

If you have a motorcycle rider in your family, check the recalls for Zero Brand motorbikes. Since it is an issue with brake lights showing, be more aware on the road as well. Give motorcyclists space!


Oh and your local fire department may have a fire engine on recall... oops!

Recalls as of July 2, 2012

Here is a list of some recalls that may affect your family:

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 LEXUS RX350 AND RX450H VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 28, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2010. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.


Queso Fresco, Fresh Cheese” products made by Mexicali Cheese Corp. located at 91-52 87th Street in Woodhaven, New York due to possible Listeria contamination.


Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of a limited range of three varieties of PEDIGREE® weight management canned dog food products due to a potential choking risk (plastic in the food)


VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AUDI Q5 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 21, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT SUNROOF GLASS PANEL THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BREAKAGE IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER/TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.
No new carseat or child products recalled! 

June 25, 2012 Product Recalls

It is product recall round up time. I plan to move this update to Mondays beginning today. Start the week off "right" :)

June 22, 2012 - Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling 1,077 cases of bagged salads. The products being recalled are Kroger Fresh Selections Greener Supreme coded N158 211B 1613 KR04 with Use-by date of June 19 and UPC 11110 91039, Kroger Fresh Selections Leafy Romaine coded N158 111B KR11 with Use-by date of June 19 and UPC 11110 91046 and Wal Mart Marketside Leafy Romaine coded N158111B with Use-by date of June19 and UPC code 81131 02781 due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Dole Fresh Vegetables is coordinating closely with regulatory officials. No illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.

The Product Code and Use-by date are in the upper right-hand corner of the package; the UPC code is on the back of the package, below the barcode. The salads were distributed in six U.S. states (Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia).

Square-H Brands, Inc., a Los Angeles establishment, is recalling approximately 1,350 pounds of a ground smoked bacon product that may contain pieces of cardboard and plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. 

The following product is subject to recall: 

• 25-lb. cases of "Coarse Ground Smoked Bacon Ends and Pieces"

The ground smoked bacon was packaged on April 25, 2012 and was distributed to a separate federally inspected establishment in Hawaii for further distribution and use in other products. The cases can be identified by establishment number "EST. 748" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the case code "1410070" located in the top right corner of the label. 

Recall round up - June 14th- Carseats

What has been recalled recently? Not breastmilk :)

But here's the recall list.

Golden Glen Creamery Issues Voluntary Recall Of Red Pepper Onion & Garlic Cheddar Because Of Potential Health Risk - Listeria

Trader Joe's Recalls Raw Stuffed Chicken Product Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens 

Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Nougat Crunch Ice Cream: Sweet Cream Ice Cream with Fudge Covered Wafer Cookies  Chocolate Nougat Swirl (“Chocolate Nougat Crunch”) that are missing the allergen advisory statement, “Allergy Information: Fudge covered wafer pieces have been manufactured on shared equipment that processes peanuts and tree nuts.” 

Recall Notification Report 039-2012 (Pork Dumplings) (Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:17:36 -0400) CB Foods, Inc., an El Monte, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 55,757 pounds of pork dumpling products because it contains monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is not declared on the label.

NEW!! Kolcraft strollers recalled

Stroller may amputate finger 

(babywear!)

Carseat recalls Updated June 14, 2012 - last 6 months

DJG ( 12C002000 ) Dated: MAY 02, 2012 DOREL JUVENILE GROUP (DJG) IS RECALLING CERTAIN INFANT CHILD RESTRAINTS, MODELS IC124FSM (ONBOARD 35) AND IC123FSM (COMFY CARRY), PRODUCED FROM MAY 2011 THROUGH APRIL 2012

BRITAX ( 12C001000 ) Dated: JAN 25, 2012 BRITAX IS RECALLING CERTAIN CHAPERONE INFANT CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 30, 2011. THE HARNESS ADJUSTER CAN DETACH FROM THE SEAT SHELL.

Convertible high chairs recalled

Please be aware of the latest recalls!

Evenflo Recalls Convertible High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

Model Name	Model Number
Dottie Lime	29111259
Dottie Rose	29111271
Marianna	29111234

Sold at: Toys "R" Us and Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com and Wayfair.com between December 2011 and June 2012 for about $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers with the recalled highchairs should immediately contact Evenflo for a replacement tray with installation and use instructions.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 between 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at http://safety.evenflo.com

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Voluntary Recall
Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have issued a voluntary recall involving certain Safety 1^st rear-facing infant child restraints. Our data indicates some consumers purchased an infant child restraint that did not include a base with the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). The models affected are IC123 FSM Comfy Carry Infant Child Restraint and IC124 FSM OnBoard 35 Infant Child Restraint manufactured from May 1, 2011 through April 25, 2012.


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While we are on the topic, summer is here - KEEP YOUR POOL SAFE!

17' x 48" Metal Frame ...$405.89 Sam's Club

swim lessons are one step, making sure the kids know to ASK to enter the pool is the next!

http://www.poolsafely.gov/

Teach your children to ASK to go into the water EVERY time. From the start. Keep doors latched shut, have a pool cover (that stays covered) and add a gate if necessary - with that gate, make sure it is not easy to open by a non-swimmer or any child under age 6.

Breastmilk recall - Nope its Nestle

Nestle again has to recall formula. Their Gerber brand baby formula is being recalled. Apparently having an off order and causing gastro issues in newborn babies isn't a "real" issue... For those uninterested in clicking, here's the info:

RECALL: Good Start® Gentle powdered infant formula 23.2 ounce plastic package from batch GXP1684 expiration date of March 5, 2013. Possible list of ingredients: WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (FROM COW\'S MILK, ENZYMATICALLY HYDROLYZED, REDUCED IN MINERALS), vegetable oils (, PALM OLEIN, SOY, COCONUT, AND , HIGH-OLEIC SAFFLOWER, OR , HIGH-OLEIC SUNFLOWER) , LACTOSE, CORN MALTODEXTRIN, AND LESS THAN 2% OF: , POTASSIUM CITRATE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM CITRATE, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, COPPER SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, MANGANESE SULFATE, SODIUM SELENATE, M.ALPINA OIL, C.COHNII OIL, SODIUM ASCORBATE, INOSITOL, CHOLINE BITARTRATE, ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, NIACINAMIDE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, RIBOFLAVIN, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, FOLIC ACID, PHYLLOQUINONE, BIOTIN, VITAMIN D3, VITAMIN B12, TAURINE, NUCLEOTIDES (, CYTIDINE 5\'-MONOPHOSPHATE, DISODIUM URIDINE 5\'-MONOPHOSPHATE, ADENOSINE5\'-MONOPHOSPHATE, DISODIUM GUANOSINE 5\'-MONOPHOSPHATE) , ASCORBYL PALMITATE, MIXED TOCOPHEROLS, L-CARNITINE, B. LACTIS CULTURES, SOY LECITHIN

And you can bet... a healthy momma who may even have a glass of wine and pizza, will still make better milk than an artificial milk! Oh and I don't see any recalls! Oh and its cheaper :)

Homeopathic medicines

There are various branches of madicine. Many in the US seem to consider anything other than the run of the mill allopathic "doctor" to be less reliable or less educated. However, "other" types of doctors, whether it is osteopathic, homeopathic, ayurvedic or other branches or complimentary medicine. Of course, allopathic doctors do not want you to call them that, they're just doctors, damnit!

Recently the FDA issues a stern warning when they forced the recall of Hyland's Teething Tablets. While, yes, in the US we do have standards so that we need to say what is in an item - that is good, it appears that the individual levels in the individual tablets of the Hyland's Teething tabs were not consistent, thus sparking the recall.

However you see it, the fact remains that the basis of homeopathy is that there are SUCH minute amounts of the item that is needed for balance, it is very difficult to overdose or have a negative reaction from homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy sees the need for balance of various in the body. Most of the parts we find in homeopathy are natural items, but obviously natural doesn't always mean safe. However, the minute amounts generally make the amount negligible and just enough to make an impact. For those who use homeopathic medicines, most will say it works. How, may not be explainable by science (NIH), but it shouldn't be a witch hunt, which is a fear many have with this recall.



http://www.hylands.com/news/hylands-teething-recall.php