The following safety alert from the FDA on November 17, 2012.
Focus Products Group International, LLC announces the following voluntary recall. Consumers should immediately stop using the Cocoa Latte™ Hot Drink Maker and contact the Focus Products Call Center for instructions on how to return the product and receive a replacement. The machines were sold under the following makes and model numbers:
- West Bend
- 65032
- Back to Basics
- CM300BK, CM300BKL, CM300BLSS, CM300BR, CM300BRBRL CM300BRL, CM300W
Focus Products of Lincolnshire, IL, is voluntarily recalling Cocoa Latte Hot Drink Makers because a small bushing inside the container has the potential to leach lead. To date, Focus Products has received no notice of any consumer complaints. However, the company’s independent testing revealed the potential problem, and out of an abundance of caution, the company voluntarily decided to recall the product.
The only affected products are the Cocoa Latte Hot Drink Makers, makes and model numbers listed above. The Cocoa Grande™ Hot Drink Maker is NOT affected by this recall. The Cocoa Latte Hot Drink Makers shipped nationwide starting in 2004 through October 12, 2012. The affected products come in a variety of colors with transparent pitchers, and were sold primarily in the United States through various retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, through various e-retailers such as Amazon.com and through Focus Products’ online store.
Consumers in possession of a Cocoa Latte Hot Drink Maker should contact Focus Products’ Call Center at 1-888-943-5202. Further information will be available on Focus Products’ websites, www.focuspg.com disclaimer icon and www.westbend.com disclaimer icon .
The following safety alert from the CPSC on November 8, 2012.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling the following LG Electronics Inc., South Korea ranges because burners on the electric ranges can fail to turn off after being switched off and the temperature setting can increase unexpectedly during use, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers. The recalled ranges involve models LRE30451, LRE30453, LRE30755, LRE30757, and LRE30955ST. They were sold in black, white and stainless steel and with a smooth black ceramic glass top cooking surface. The recalled ranges have serial numbers starting with 512, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, and 906. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label that can be seen by opening the storage drawer at the base of the unit. The electric ranges are about 47½ inches tall to the top of the backguard, 29 inches wide and 28 inches deep. Sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Sears, and regional appliance retailers nationwide from January 2006 to June 2010 for between $800 and $1999. Manufactured in: South Korea and Mexico Consumers should immediately contact LG to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers whose burner heat setting cannot be regulated by using the controls or who experience problems with a cooktop burner remaining on, should immediately stop using the recalled electric range until it is repaired. Consumer Contact: LG; toll-free at (855) 400-4638, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, or www.LG.com/us and click on Public Notices in the Customer Services section for more information.
The following safety alert from the CPSC on October 9, 2012.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Graco Children's Products Inc., Atlanta, GA, today announced a voluntary recall of Graco Classic Wood Highchairs because the high chair's seat can loosen or detach from the base, posing a fall hazard to the child.
Graco has received 58 reports of the high chairs' seats loosening or detaching from the base. There have been nine reports of children falling as the seat detached from the base, resulting in reports of bumps, bruises and scratches. Graco has received one report of a concussion in Canada.
This recall involves all Graco brand Classic Wood Highchairs sold in three wood finishes. The high chair has a top seat, bottom leg assembly and removable tray. The high chair is sold with a beige fabric seat cover. Model number 3C00BPN, 3C00BPN TC, 3C00CHY, 3C00CHY TC, 3C00CPO or 3C00CPO TC is printed on a label on the underside of the seat assembly.
It was sold at Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory and other retail stores nationwide and at Target.com and Walmart.com and other online retailers between September 2007 and December 2010 for about $130.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled high chairs and contact Graco for a free repair kit.
For additional information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and, or visit the firm's website at www.gracobaby.com
The following alert concerning information is from the Jerusalem Kosher News on September 24, 2012.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued further information and guidance regarding registration requirements for domestic and foreign manufacturers, processors, packers or holders of food for human or animal consumption based on changes made by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The updated food facility registration system will become available at 12:01 a.m. Monday morning, October 22, 2012.
Food producers and manufactures have long been required to register with the Food and Drug Administration. There is no fee to register or renew the registration of a food facility. Facilities can register online, via mail or fax. FDA encourages online registration as a quick and efficient means for food facility registration.
The Food Safety Modernization Act improves the registration process by ensuring, among other things, that the FDA has accurate contact information for each facility. The new registration form also includes new categories of foods. These new categories will help FDA rapidly communicate with the right facilities in the event of an emergency.
Information on registration is found at www.fda.gov/food/guidancecomplianceregulatoryinformation/registrationoffoodfacilities/default.htm.
The following alert concerning Sukkos is from the Jerusalem Kosher News on September 24, 2012.
The Badatz Eida Chareidis posted signs to warn shoppers regarding esrogim purchased in sealed boxes with its hechsher. The hashgacha explains that the kashrus certification is ONLY to verify the source of the esrog, guaranteeing it is not grafted and not orla. The badatz DOES NOT inspect each individual esrog regarding its kashrus (black spots, holes & etc). Therefore, one must determine the level of one’s esrog oneself or in consultation with one’s rav.
Additional information concerning purchase of the minim in Israel from Jerusalem Kosher News can be found here.
The following alert concerning Sukkos is from the Star-K on August 29, 2012.
Some companies are claiming to sell Star-K certified Schach, however the only schach Star-K certified is the monofilament bamboo schach manufactured by National Sukkah Outlet and only when bearing the Star-K Letter of Kosher Certification.
The following news from the Foodmanufacturing.com on September 13, 2012.
New York City's Board of Health passed a rule banning sales of big sodas and other sugary drinks at restaurants, concession stands and other eateries.
The regulation, which was proposed in the spring by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and approved by panel of health experts after several months of review, puts a 16-ounce size limit on cups and bottles of non-diet soda, sweetened teas, and other calorie-packed beverages.
The ban will apply in fast-food joints, movie houses and Broadway theaters, workplace cafeterias, and most other places selling prepared food.
The ban does not cover beverages sold in supermarkets or most convenience stores.
The rule wouldn't apply to lower-calorie drinks, such as water or diet soda, or to alcoholic beverages or drinks that are more than half milk or 70 percent, unsweetened juice.
Enforcement would be conducted by an existing corps of city restaurant inspectors. A violation would lead to a $200 fine.
The following safety alert from the CPSC on August 30, 2012.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Sunbeam Products Inc. d/b/a Jarden Consumer Solutions ("JCS"), of Boca Raton, FL announced a voluntary recall of the Mr. Coffee® Single Cup Brewing System. Consumers should stop using this product because a build-up of steam in the water reservoir can force the brewing chamber open and expel hot coffee grounds and water, posing a burn hazard.
JCS has received 164 reports of the brewing chamber opening due to steam pressure, including approximately 59 reports in the U.S. and two in Canada of burn injuries to consumers' face, upper torso and hands.
The recalled coffeemaker comes in black with silver, red or white trim. It stands about 11 inches tall and has a Brew Now /Off button and a removable drip tray. The water tank is located on top of the unit towards the back. The model number is printed on the bottom of the brewer. Recalled model numbers are:
| BVMC-KG1 | BVMC-KG1A-001 | BVMC-KG1-WM-001 |
| BVMC-KG1-001 | BVMC-KG1-BEA | BVMC-KG1R-001 |
| BVMC-KG1-044 | BVMC-KG1BP-PAL | BVMC-KG1R-006 |
| BVMC-KG1A | BVMC-KG1-WM | BVMC-KG1W-001 |
Mass merchandisers nationwide, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Brandsmart, JC Penney, Kmart, Lowe's, Target and Walmart, and online at www.mrcoffee.com from September 2010 through August 2012 for between $60 and $80.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled coffee brewer and contact JCS to receive instructions on how to obtain a free replacement unit. For additional information, contact JCS at (800) 993-8609 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.mrcoffeerecall.com.
The following safety alert from the CPSC on August 9, 2012.
he U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with GE Appliances, of Louisville, KY announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
An electrical failure in the dishwasher's heating element can pose a fire hazard. GE has received 15 reports of dishwasher heating element failures, including seven reports of fires, three of which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.
This recall involves GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile and Hotpoint brand dishwashers. They were sold in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and CleanSteel™ exterior colors and finishes. The model and serial numbers can be found on a metallic plate located on the left tub wall visible when the door is opened. Model and serial numbers will start with one of the following sequences:
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| Brand | Model Number Begins With: | Serial Number Begins With: |
|---|---|---|
| GE GE Adora GE Eterna GE Profile | GLC4, GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, GSD61, GSD62,GSD63, GSD66, GSD67, GSD69, GLDL,PDW7, PDWF7, EDW4, EDW5, EDW6,GHD4, GHD5, GHD6, GHDA4, GHDA6 | FL, GL, HL, LL, ML, VL, ZL, AM, DM, FM, GM, HM, LM, MM, RM, SM, TM, VM, ZM, AR, DR, FR, GR |
| Hotpoint | HLD4 |
Sold at: Appliance dealers, authorized builder distributors and other stores nationwide from March 2006 through August 2009 for between $350 and $850.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire. For all dishwashers, contact GE for a free in-home repair or to receive a GE rebate of $75 towards the purchase of a new GE front-control plastic tub dishwasher, or a rebate of $100 towards the purchase of a new GE front-control stainless tub dishwasher or GE Profile top control dishwasher. Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where they purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back.
For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (866) 918-8760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.geappliances.com/recall.
The following Canadian regulatory news from the Health Canada posted on August 6, 2012.
Canada's new food allergen labelling regulations came into force on August 4, 2012. The Food and Drug Regulations require that most prepackaged foods carry a label and that the ingredients appear on labels in decreasing order of proportion. However, some ingredients used in food products which were previously exempt from declaration in the list of ingredients, (e.g., components of margarine, seasoning and flour) will now be required to appear on food labels also. M9ore information can be found at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/allergen/guide_ligne_direct_indust-eng.php.