Volkwagen is recalling 340k cars because they “may be missing required caps in the sockets of the low beam horizontal and vertical aiming screws.” We’re not sure why that is important, but we’re sure that they wouldn’t bother recalling the cars if it wasn’t.
Government Policy
By 9.28.07
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Mini Zooper Doll Strollers (severed fingers, entrapment), Estes-Cox X-15 Flying Model Rockets (impact injury), Colanta Cheese (Staphylococcus aureus).
Lead Recall Watch: 11,395,350 Items Recalled For Lead Contamination In 2007
By 9.28.07
Here at Consumerist we’ve been keeping an eye on the 2007 lead contamination recalls. Here’s September’s update:
Participating In A Clinical Study? You're On Your Own
By 9.28.07
The FDA’s own parent department, the Department of Health and Human Services, just issued a report that says the FDA “does very little to ensure the safety of the millions of people who participate in clinical trials,” according to the New York Times. The FDA has 200 inspectors, some of whom are part-time, to monitor 350,000 testing sites—and even when they reported “serious problems,” their findings were downgraded 68% of the time by higher-ups in Washington.
Minnesota Sues Sprint, Customers Would Like To "Give Their CEO A Big Kick Right In The Patootie"
By 9.28.07
Hey, Gary Forsee!
Play Yards Recalled Because Of Death Due To Design Flaw
By 9.28.07
The 425,000 play yards that were recalled yesterday were recalled because of a design flaw that caused the strangulation of a 10-month-old boy.
Toyota To Recall Floor Mats In 2007 Lexus And Camry
By 9.27.07
Toyota is recalling optional “all-weather” floor mats used in the 2007 Lexus and Camry because they could slip and trap the accelerator pedal. This, quite obviously, would be very, very bad.
FDA Issues Public Health Warning About Cancer Pain Drug Fentora
By 9.27.07
The FDA would like to let you know that a medicine meant to be used to control pain in patients who have become tolerant to morphine and other similar drugs is being used incorrectly and some patients have died as a result.
By 9.27.07
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Kolcraft’s “Sesame Beginnings” Travel Play Yard (strangulation).
Consumer Group Finds Lead In More Children's Toys
By 9.27.07
Extremely high levels of lead were found in a Go Diego Go backpack, a Superfly monkey and a pair of Circo Lulu boots, the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (a group dedicated to ridding the world of PVC) reported in a new study released yesterday. In all, 11 items they tested contained lead levels and/or heavy metals well over the safety standard, 10 of which contained PVC, or vinyl. The backpack had levels of 4,600 parts per million. The CPSC standard is 600 parts per million.
Is Fuze Violating Labeling Law By Making Bogus Health Claims?
By 9.26.07
The always entertaining Center for Science in the Public Interest is irritated with Coca-Cola’s Fuze drinks because they make ridiculous health claims on their labels.
RC2 Continued To Sell Lead Tainted "Thomas & Friends" Toys After Initial Recall
By 9.26.07
According to a recall notice just posted by the CPSC, RC2 is recalling additional “Thomas & Friends” toys that are contaminated with lead-based paint.
By 9.26.07
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More Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway Toys (lead), Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and Children’s Sunny Patch Chairs sold at Target (lead), Britain’s “Knights of the Sword” Series Toys (lead), Jo-Ann Stores Children’s Toy Rake (lead), Guidecraft Floor Puppet Theaters (lead), : Rhode Island Novelty Children’s Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces (lead), More TOBY N.Y.C. Children’s Metal Jewelry (lead), Quesos Sabrosos Mexicanos Queso Cincho de Guerrero (salmonella).
Retire Early By Suing Google For Anything
By 9.26.07
You’re likely reading The Consumerist in the middle of a workday, so we’re guessing you’re receptive to new ideas on how to make lots of money fast without actually doing any work. Here’s a great way: just make up some reason to sue Google.
Hamburger Recalled For E. Coli After 6 Illnesses Reported In New York
By 9.26.07
6 people have fallen ill due to e. coli contaminated frozen hamburger, according to the Associated Press. Three of the illnesses required hospitalization.
Liveblogging The House Energy And Commerce Committee Hearing On Food Safety
By 9.26.07
Starting today at 10 a.m., the powerful Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, John Dingell (D-MI), will hold a hearing on H.R. 3610, The Food and Drug Import Safety Act of 2007, or, as we have dubbed the bill, The Poison-Free Food Act. The bill would dramatically alter the FDA’s handling of imported foods, empowering the agency to:
- Issue mandatory recalls;
- Limit food imports to ports clustered near FDA inspection labs;
- Require a country of origin labels for food, drugs and medical devices;
- Subject exporters to a strict certification program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Committee will hear from two panels: The first will see FDA Commissioners and regulators defending their agency, while the second will host a panoply of foodies, including the Coalition for a Stronger FDA, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and Big Pharma.
How To Request Your Homeland Security Travel Dosiier
By 9.26.07
In its efforts to combat terrorism, fight human trafficking, and bust drug dealers, the Department of Homeland Security compiles a large database of where you go, who you travel with, what you read and more. If you’re curious about what this record contains, you can request a copy of your file under the Freedom Of Information Act. Unsecure Flight hosts two form letters for submitting this request, along with instructions for doing so.
Customer Sues Home Depot After Being Glued To Toilet Seat, Says Incident Gave Him Diabetes
By 9.25.07
Bob Dougherty went to Home Depot. He wasn’t feeling very well in a “Jo-Ann Fabrics” sort of way, so he used Home Depot’s bathroom.
