Consumer Reports designated the Dream on Me Bistro high chair as “Don’t Buy: Safety Risk” on Tuesday because it lacks key safety features designed to prevent a small child from sliding out of the seat or possibly being caught and strangled during a fall. We recommend that current owners of this chair discard it.

Our tests showed that the Dream on Me Bistro, a folding metal-framed high chair that costs about $70, fails to meet two key points of our tests, which are based in part on the voluntary ASTM International safety standards for high chairs.

First, the Dream on Me Bistro lacks a “passive crotch restraint,” essentially a fixed post that sits between the child’s legs to prevent him from slipping under the tray and either falling or getting his head caught between the tray and seat, which can result in strangulation. The Dream on Me Bistro has a five-point belt harness that can be buckled to hold a child in place, but it doesn’t have the fixed post that the standard specifies.

The Dream on Me Bistro also failed our test based on the ASTM standard’s “side containment” requirement, because it has openings between the chair arms and seat that are large enough for a child’s leg or torso to slip through, also posing a risk of injury.

Consumer Reports engineers found other, less serious safety hazards, including places where fingers could get pinched while folding the chair or adjusting the seat height, and openings in the chair when it is set up that could catch little fingers.

Testers also found that the trays on all three Dream on Me Bistro chairs we purchased were difficult to install, adjust or remove. On one sample, the fold lock broke while we were adjusting the tray.

“This chair just lacks the basic features we think are critical for the safety of your child when he or she is sitting in that seat,” says Joan Muratore, program leader for family and child product testing at Consumer Reports. “So we advise parents who own one to stop using it immediately.”

Consumer Reports notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission of its findings, and Director of Communications Scott Wolfson says the agency has opened a formal investigation.

For advice on what to look for when buying a high chair, see our High chair buying guide.

Designs Direct of Covington, Ky., has recalled about 2,000 of its Living Traditions rooster lamps, because the electrical cord can fray near the base of the lamp, posing a fire or shock hazard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported today.

No incidents or injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

The recall applies to the 21-inch Living Traditions rooster-themed lamps. The brown polyresin lamps have an off-white shade and a carved 9-inch rooster affixed to the base. A label on the underside of the base reads "Distributed By Fred's Inc" and "SKU 61589."

The recalled lamps were manufactured in China and sold for about $20 at Fred's stores nationwide between October and November 2011.

Consumers should stop using the recalled lamp and contact Designs Direct for a refund. For more information, call Designs Direct at 888-770-7062, or visit www.regcen.com/roosterlamp.

Designs Direct Recalls Rooster-Themed Lamps Sold Exclusively at Fred's Inc. Due to Risks of Shock and Fire [CPSC]

Jammy Sammy Strawberry Jam & Peanut Butter Snack Size Sandwich bars are being recalled by its maker, Nest Collective, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. According to the food safety group, some of snack bars are individually wrapped with incorrect labels that do not warn the product contains peanuts, which can be a life-threatening allergen to consumers with severe food sensitivities.

The snacks were sold in packages of five bars which correctly identify the product as Jammy Sammy jam and peanut butter sandwiches. However, some of the individually wrapped bars identify the product as "Grammy Sammy Honey Graham and Strawberry Yogurt" and show the ingredient statement of that product.

While the the boxes and wrappers warn consumers that the products were produced at a facility that processes peanuts and other allergens, the Jammy Sammy product specifically contains organic peanuts and peanut butter. The FDA warns that consumers with allergies to peanut-based products should not eat the Jammy Sammy bars and return the snacks to the retailer for a full refund. Consumers should also seek immediate medical attention if they're experiencing any health issues after eating the mislabeled snacks. (For more information, see Consumer Reports' What to pack in an emergency kit and Consumer Reports Health's Best Buy Drug advice on Antihistamines for treating allergies, hay fever, and hives. [PDF])

The recalled snacks were sold online and at retail stores nationwide. The Jammy Sammy Strawberry Jam & Peanut Butter snack packages bear the Revolution Foods brand name, with a Best By date of June 28, 2012 and a UPC code of 89676600116-6.

No illness have been reported.

For more information, consumers can call Nest Collective's toll-free customer service line (866-362-1562) or send the company e-mail: info 'at' nest-collective.com.

Nest Collective Voluntarily Recalls Select Revolution Foods Jammy Sammy - Strawberry Jam & Peanut Butter Snack Size Sandwich Bars Due to a Labeling Error (Undeclared Peanut on Inner Wrapper) [FDA]
Jammy Sammy Voluntary Recall [Revolution Foods]

As Congress debates whether to reauthorize a statute governing medical devices, Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports is stepping up its campaign to strengthen the law.

Consumers Union wants Congress to require more rigorous testing before medical implants go to market, and establish a better monitoring system, including a national system of notificaiton for when safety problems arise.

Medical devices include every-day items such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as permanently implanted devices like artificial hip joints, surgical mesh, and cardiovascular stents, which can cause serious harm if they break, leak, stop functioning or disintegrate. Even low-risk devices, like contact lens solution and alcohol swabs have recently caused patients harm that could have been prevented, Consumers Union reports.

Unlike prescription drugs, more than 90 percent of medical devices do not require proof that they have been tested and found safe before the Food and Drug Administration clears them for distribution or sale. Each year, about 700 different medical devices are recalled, and in 2009, the FDA received reports of almost 5,000 deaths associated with medical devices.

Lisa McGiffert, director of Consumers Union’s Safe Patient Project said in a statement that most Americans would be surprised to learn of the lax oversight of medical implants.

Too many of these devices are allowed on the market without testing to determine whether they are safe and effective. Innovation is important but patient safety should be our first priority. A medical device isn’t innovative if it doesn’t work and hurts people.

This week, Consumers Union is bringing eight patient safety activists to meet with lawmakers in Congress and press for improvements in the Medical Device User Fee Act. For more on the reforms Consumers Union is urging Congress to adopt, see the Safe Patient Project’s Improve the Safety of Medical Devices fact sheet.

Previously: Lax oversight of medical devices puts patients at risk, Consumers Union says

Safe Patient Project: Improve the safety of medical devices and to save lives [Consumers Union]

A recall for Carter's Watch the Wear bodysuits and Carter's Sleep 'n Play one-piece garments are being recalled by its importer, Weeplay Kids LLC, of New York, N.Y. Small snaps used to close the garments can detach from clothing, posing a choking hazard to infants and young children, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

There have been no reports of injuries, but the CPSC says Weeplay Kids has received about 30 reports of snaps detaching from the garments.

Consumers should immediately discontinue use of the clothing for toddlers and contact the company for free replacement garments.

This recall involves H.W. Carter & Sons/Carter’s Watch the Wear bodysuits and sleep ‘n play one-piece garments. “Carter’s Watch the Wear” is printed on the front of the package and on the inside neckline. The garments are pastel blue, pink and yellow, and packaged as solids, stripes and patterns. They are sold in packages of two, three or five with the following style numbers (located on the rear of the packaging):

The garments were sold at Big Lots, Century 21, Conway, Cookies, Cost Mart, DD’s Discount, Edison Childrenswear, Gabriel Bros., Kiddy Time, Kids Place, Kidstown, National Stores, Pamida Stores, Real Value, Regine’s, R.H. Reny, Ross, Shoppers World, Valley Wholesale, Variety Wholesalers and Youngland stores nationwide.

Recalled garments sold from November 2010 through August 2011 for about $4 to $9.

For additional information, consumers should call Weeplay toll-free, 888-226-2200, or send an e-mail to info 'at' weeplaykids.com.

Weeplay Kids Recalls Infant Bodysuits Due to Choking Hazard [CPSC]

York International is re-announcing the recall of some 226,000 Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T gas furnaces for manufactured homes due to more than 300 incident reports since the 2004 recall involving the furnaces, which can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

York International has received reports of 393 incidents, including some involving extensive property damage that could be related to the fire hazard, 366 of those reports were received after the November 2004 recall announcement. No injuries have been reported.

The furnace can overheat and cause the heat exchanger to crack and create openings that allow flames to be exposed. When this happens, drywall and other nearby combustibles are exposed to the flames, posing a fire and smoke hazard.

Manufactured in the U.S. between 1995 and 2000, the recalled furnaces includes about 223,600 in the U.S. and 2,400 in Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada reported today.

The furnaces are silver with white access panels. The brand names Coleman, Coleman Evcon, or Red T are located on the middle of the front access panel. The model number is written on a faceplate, found by removing both front access panels. The faceplate is mounted on the left inside surface behind the lower panel.

Recalled models included:

• DGAM075BDD
  
• DGAM075BDE
  
• DGAM075BDF
  
• DGAT070BDD
  
• DGAT070BDE
  
• DGAT070BDF
  
• DGAT075BDD
  
• DGAT075BDE
  
• DGAT075BDF
  
• DLAS075BDD
  
• DLAS075BDE
  
• DLAS075BDF

The recalled gas furnaces were sold nationwide between 1995 and 2000 as original equipment in manufactured homes and as replacement furnaces in manufactured homes.

If your home has one of these furnaces, you should immediately stop using it until it has been both inspected and repaired. Contact UPG to schedule a free inspection and repair of any furnace involved in the recall.

For more information, including questions about installation issues that may lead to the fire hazard, call UPG at 888-665-4640 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.dgatprogram.com. UPG Technical Services is also conducting a comprehensive notification and communications program and working with its distributors to locate owners.

Health Canada's press release is available here.

Fire Concerns Prompt York International to Reannounce Recall of Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes [CPSC]
CPSC, York International Corp. Announce Recall of Gas Furnaces [CPSC]

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall alert for 2012 model year Honda Accord sedans and Honda Crosstour vehicles. The cars may have an air bag inflator that wasn't manufactured to specifications and may fail to deploy the driver's side- or passenger's side air bags during a collision.

According to the NHTSA, just under 350 of the Honda vehicles may have an issue with its side curtain air bag inflators. And American Honda Motors will begin notifying Accord and Crosstour owners affected by this recall on or about Feb. 10.

Honda says it will replace the side curtain air bags from the recalled Accords and Crosstalks free of charge.

For more information, consumers can call Honda's toll-free customer service line (800-424-9153) or visit the NHTSA's website: www.SaferCar.gov.

Recall: 2011 Honda Accord / 2011 Honda Crosstour - Side air bags      Campaign ID#: 12V030000 [NHTSA]

Toyota is recalling 427 of its RAV4 vehicles from model year 2011 because one or both curtain shield air bags may not deploy due to the inflator potentially not performing properly. In the even of a crash, the air bags may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.

In the curtain shield air bags, propellant with the incorrect specification was used for the initiator assembled in the air bag inflator. The recalled RAV4 vehicles were manufactured from November 24 through December 19, 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will check the vehicle identification number to identify the curtain shield assemblies and replace the assemblies as necessary with new ones free of charge. The Safety recall is expected to begin in early March.

Owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit www.SaferCar.gov.

427 2011 Toyota RAV4s for non-compliant curtain shield air bags [NHTSA]

LTD Commodities has recalled about 2,650 of its Fold-Out Sleeper Ottomans, because the welding joints on the legs can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said today.

LTD Commodities has received four reports of ottoman legs that have broken, including two reports of minor injuries.

The recall involves fold-out sleeper ottomans with a brown slipcover, which unfolds to three cushions on a black, steel frame. Velcro straps secure the cushions to the frame when in the unfolded sleep position. A tag with the manufacturer's registration number VA18265(CN) is attached to one of the three cushions.

Manufactured in China, the recalled ottomans were sold for about $170 by LTD Commodities, ABC Distributing and The Lakeside Collection both online and through catalogs between June and October 2011.

If you own one of these ottomans, you should stop using it immediately and contact LTD Commodities for instructions on how to get a refund. LTD Commodities is directly notifying known purchasers about the recall.

For more information, call LTD Commodities and ABC Distributing at 866-736-3654, or The Lakeside Collection at 866-847-4327. You can also visit www.ltdcommodities.com, www.abcdistributing.com or www.lakeside.com.

LTD Commodities Recalls Sleeper Ottomans Due to Fall Hazard [CPSC]

West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma, has recalled about 5,750 of its Overarching Floor Lamps, because a short circuit can occur in the lamp's wiring, posing a shock hazard, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported today.

West Elm is aware of at least 39 reports of short circuits in the lamp, including three reports of shock, one minor burn and two reports of minor property damage.

The recalled lamp is 77 inches tall with a 19-inch diameter base and a curving arm that extends the lamp about 5 feet from the base. It has a three-way on and off switch. The arm and base are made of polished nickel, and the linen shade comes in three colors: natural, white or charcoal.

Manufactured in China, the lamp was sold for about $250 at West Elm stores nationwide, online at westelm.com and through the company's catalog from March through November 2011.

You should stop using the lamp immediately and return it to West Elm for full store credit. For more information, call West Elm at 855-236-1941, or visit www.WestElm.com/pages/safety-recalls/.

The CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are related to this recall, or involve a different hazard (with the same product). You can report an incident at www.saferproducts.gov.

Overarching Floor Lamp Recalled by West Elm Due to Shock Hazard [CPSC]
Safety recalls [West Elm]

More than one million HP fax machines in North America are being recalled by the Hewlett-Packard company, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today. The machines—the HP Fax 1040 and the HP Fax 1050—have faulty internal electric components that can fail, causing the machines to overheat and possibly catch fire.

The CPSC says Hewlett-Packard has received seven reports—six in the U.S., another in Canada—of the HP fax machines overheating and catching fire. In one instance, a "significant" amount of property damage occurred and in another incident a consumer finger received a "minor burn injury."

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled HP Fax 1040 and HP Fax 1050 machines and disconnect them from the electrical outlet.

The flawed HP fax machines were sold at electronics, computer and camera stores nationwide, and online at HP's shopping website and other Internet retailers from November 2004 through December 2011 for between $90 and $120. Some of the recalled fax machines were replacement units for a previous recall of HP fax model 1010 in June 2008.

Both the HP Fax 1040 and Fax 1050 models being recalled bear the HP logo and its model number on the front of the fax machine.

The HP Fax 1040 (left) and HP Fax 1050 fax machines. (Note: NOT to scale.)

An estimated 928,000 of the machines were sold in the U.S. and 240,000 in Canada and Mexico.

After discontinuing use of the machines, consumers are urged to contact HP (toll-free: 888-654-9296 website: http://www.hp.com/go/faxrecall/US-en) for a rebate on the purchase of an authorized replacement HP fax machine or a partial rebate of certain HP ink jet printers.

HP Recalls Fax Machines Due to Fire and Burn Hazards [CPSC]
HP Fax Safety Recall [Hewlett-Packard]

Å small number—just over 200—Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks are being recalled by America Honda Motor Co. According to the U.S. National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, those 2011 and 2012 model year pickups have incorrect information regarding their spare tires, which could lead to tire failure and cause a crash.

The NHTSA says that the data printed on the tire information placards, mandatory on all vehicles in the U.S., don't match the data for the Honda Ridgelines' actual spare tire—a violation of federal safety standards.

Honda says in a press release that it has begun notifying customers affected by this recall to bring their Ridgeline pickups to local dealerships. Mechanics there will inspect the spare tires and placards and replace either the tire or the placard for free,

For more information, consumers can contact Honda (toll-free: 800-999-1009 Web: www.recalls.honda.com) or visit the NHTSA's website: www.SaferCar.gov.

Recall: 2011-2012 Honda Ridgeline - Tires    Campaign ID#: 12V025000 [CPSC]
Statement regarding recall of 2011-2012 Honda Ridgeline [American Honda]

About 4,500 hurricane style electric lights sold at Christmas Tree Shops are being recalled today. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an electrical short can occur in the light's internal wiring and pose a fire hazard.

There has been one report of smoke coming from the defective lights, imported from China by Nantucket Distributing Co. Inc., of Middleboro, Mass. No consumer injuries or property damage have been reported however.

The recall affects Hurricane Style Light, a circular lamp with a white metal basket and moveable handle for hanging or carrying at the top. It has a colored glass insert in blue, pink, or green and uses a mini light bulb. The model number “DML0593” and SKU/UPC number “000015806710” are printed on the price tag attached to the product.

The lights were sold at Christmas Tree Shops in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions from December 2010 through November 2011 for about $7.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and return it to any Christmas Tree Shops location for a full refund.

For additional information, consumers should call Christmas Tree Shops toll-free (888-287-3232) or visit the firm’s website: www.ChristmasTreeShops.com.

Hurricane Style Lights Recalled by Christmas Tree Shops Due to Fire Hazard [CPSC]
Product Safety and Recalls [Christmas Tree Shops]

Nantucket Distributing has recalled about 5,700 holiday-themed tea light candle warmers because they can catch fire because the warming bowl is positioned too close to the tea light candle, posing fire and burn hazards, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported today.

Nantucket Distributing has received one report of the Snowmen candle warmer catching on fire causing a minor burn injury to a consumer’s hand.

About eight inches tall, the recalled tea light candle warmers in the shapes of snowmen and gingerbread houses. A warming bowl with wax fragrance tablets is suspended above the tea light candle. The Snowmen model has SKU/UPC 000016005396 and the Gingerbread house model has SKU/UPC 000016005372 printed on a label on the bottom of the product.

Sold for about $8 at the Christmas Tree Shops in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest from November through December 2011.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled tea light candle warmers and return them to any Christmas Tree Shops store to receive a full refund.

For more information call the Christmas Tree Shops at 888-287-3232, or visit www.christmastreeshops.com.

Holiday Tea Light Candle Warmers Recalled by Christmas Tree Shops Due to Fire and Burn Hazards [CPSC]

The Container Store has recalled about 7,200 brightly colored Lush Life power strips because they fail to meet fire-resistance requirements, posing a fire hazard, Consumer Product Safety Commission reported today.

The specific hazard is that the recalled power strips have undersized wiring, and the wiring and plastic strip fail to meet the requirements for fire resistance. No incidents or injuries have been reported in relation to this recall.

This recall involves three different designs of brightly colored, six-outlet power strips with model number 8001-6 embossed on the back. The power strips have three-foot power cords. “Lush Life® power strips by design” is printed on the product’s packaging.

Power strip designs include:

• Pop Power Strip in Scroll (black with white scroll)
  
• Dot (blue with orange, white and lime green dots and a lime green cord)
  
• Zebra (black and white zebra stripes)

The recalled power strips were sold for about $15 at The Container Stores nationwide and on containerstore.com from October through December 2011.

Consumers should stop using the recalled power strips immediately and return them to any of The Container Store locations for a full refund plus a $15 merchandise card.

For more information call The Container at 888-266-8246, or visit www.containerstore.com.

The Container Store Recalls Brightly-Colored Power Strips Due to Fire Hazard [CPSC]

Pfizer has recalled 14 lots of its birth control pills Lo/Ovral-28, and 14 lots of the generic version Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol, because of a packaging error that could cause the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives to be incorrect, leaving women at risk for unintended pregnancy.

An investigation by Pfizer found that some blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and that the tablets may be out of sequence.

These birth control pills are distributed to clinics, retail pharmacies and warehouses nationwide, and are manufactured and packaged by Pfizer, commercialized by Akrimax Rx Products, and labeled under the Akrimax Pharmaceuticals brand.

Consumers taking the recalled birth control pills should begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately, and notify their physician and return the product to the pharmacy. For a full list of the lot numbers affected by this recall click here.

These products are packaged in blister packs of 21 tablets of active ingredients and seven tablets of inert ingredients. Correct dosing is important in avoiding the associated risks of an unplanned pregnancy. Adverse events that may be related to the use of these pills should be reported to Akrimax Medical Information at 877-509-3935, or to the FDA's Med Watch Program.

Pfizer Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Lo/Ovral®-28 and Norgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Due to Possibility of Inexact Tablet Counts or Out of Sequence Tablets [FDA]

Under a new settlement agreement in California, the maker of Brazilian Blowout products is required to warn consumers and hair stylists that two of its popular hair-straightening products emit formaldehyde gas.

The settlement requires GIB, which does business as Brazilian Blowout, to stop advertisements that describe two of its products as formaldehyde-free and safe. Brazilian Blowout must also make significant changes to its website and pay $600,000 in fees, penalties and costs. The settlement also requires that Brazilian Blowout disclose refund policies to consumers before the products are purchased.

In its announcement of the settlement, the California Department of Justice said it was the first government enforceable action in the U.S. to address exposure to formaldehyde gas associated with Brazilian Blowout products, and also the first law enforcement action under California's Safe Cosmetics Act, which went into effect in 2005.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. The Food and Drug Administration received a number of inquiries from consumers and salon professionals concerning the safety of Brazilian Blowout and similar "professional use only” hair smoothing products. In August 2011, the FDA issued a warning letter citing Brazilian Blowout for safety and labeling violations. The action followed a hazard alert the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued in April 2011 to hair salon owners and workers about potential formaldehyde exposure from working with these products.

In 2010, Brazilian Blowout sued the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services after that agency sampled more than 100 “formaldehyde-free” products from 50 salons and found “significant levels” of formaldehyde.

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Announces Settlement Requiring Honest Advertising over Brazilian Blowout Products [California Department of Justice]
Oregon OSHA reiterates caution to salons using hair-smoothing products [OSHA]
Brazilian Blowout Sues Oregon OSHA over False and Misleading Test Results [Brazilian Blowout]
FDA, OSHA Act on Brazilian Blowout [FDA]

The Consumer Products Safety Commission announced today that Arctic Cat of Thief River Falls, Minn., is recalling 19,000 snowmobiles for a lower steering tie-rod attachment which can loosen and cause a rider to lose control and crash the vehicle.

Arctic Cat has received four reports of its snowmobiles with loose tie-rods. While one incident involved a complete loss of steering control, no injuries have been reported in any of the cases.

The snowmobiles were sold at Arctic Cat dealerships nationwide from May 2011 through December 2011 for between $10,500 and $14,500. The models were available in a variety of color combinations, including: black, white and orange, black and orange, black and green and white and green.

The recall involves the 2012 model year of the following F, XF, and M model snowmobiles:

Consumers should immediately stop using these snowmobiles and contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. Arctic Cat has notified owners of these snowmobiles directly by mail.

For additional information, consumers can call Arctic Cat (toll-free: 800-279-6851) or visit the firm's website: www.arctic-cat.com.

Arctic Cat Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Crash Hazard [CPSC]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into incidents of inadvertent air bag deployment without a crash in 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles.

According to NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigations, 87 reports of inadvertent air bag deployment resulted in 50 alleged injuries. The injuries included burns, cuts and bruises. Forty two of the 87 incidents involved the front driver air bag, and the other 45 involved both the driver and passenger front air bags inadvertently deploying.

The incidents occurred both at vehicle startup or while the vehicle was being operated on the road. Some owners noted that the air bag warning light had illuminated, or had intermittently illuminated, and occurred just prior to the air bag deployment, while others stated they did not observe any illumination of the air bag light.

Inspection of the occupant restraint control module by Chrysler indicates that an internal electronic circuit (an ASIC chip) that controls air bag deployment failed due to an electrical over stress condition, possibly caused by a transient voltage spike.

Chrysler is in the process of identifying potential root causes of the component failure and the source for electrical over stress. In addition, Chrysler noted that there have been no reports of inadvertent air bag deployment in vehicles manufactured after March 19, 2003. However, Chrysler has not identified a component or other change that would explain why the inadvertent deployments ceased. Accordingly, the engineering analysis is being opened in order to further study the alleged defect and its consequences.

The ODI reports can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification numbers:

• 10435710
  
• 10429579
  
• 10429306
  
• 10428411
  
• 10407276
  
• 10399551
  
• 10335637
  
• 10283484
  
• 10249231
  
• 10166706
  
• 10055405

More than 2,000 tubes of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion are being recalled by its maker, Johnson & Johnson. According to a company press release issued on Friday, a test by the Food and Drug Administration found high levels of a common bacteria within the baby lotion.

The bacteria reportedly discovered by the FDA is coagulase-negative Staphylococci, a "common bacteria often found on the skin and scalp of babies and adults, and found in commonly used household and cosmetic products, at very low levels," said the press release.

The undisclosed levels of bacteria are found in Aveeno baby lotion tubes bearing the lot number 0161LK. The company said the affected tubes of baby lotion were primarily sold in retail outlets in nine states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.

Although there have been no reports of illness or injuries from the affected bottles of baby lotion, Johnson & Johnson has already asked retailers to pull the item from store shelves.

And while the company claims the tubes of recalled Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion are still safe to use, if consumers would like a refund, they can call Johnson & Johnson toll-free at 877-298-2525.

Maker recalls 2,200 tubes of Aveeno baby lotion [CNN]
Johnson & Johnson recalls baby lotion after tests discover it contains too much bacteria [UK Daily Mail]

Shipments of orange juice from Canada have been stopped at the border after testing by the Food and Drug Administration found low levels of the fungicide carbendazim, which is banned in the U.S. and was previously found in orange juice product shipments from Brazil.

Fungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores that can damage agriculture.

After fungicide was discovered in the orange juice products from Brazil, the FDA blocked all imports, so that it could test for carbendazim, which studies have linked to a higher risk of liver tumors in animals. The FDA stated previously that for its current testing, if levels of carbendazim are greater than 10 parts per billion, the orange juice product would be destroyed or returned to its country of origin.

On Friday, the FDA said that six shipments from Canada had tested positive for the fungicide. And to date five shipments from Brazil have tested positive.

Thus far, the FDA has collected samples from 80 shipments of orange juice or orange juice concentrate. Of these, 29 shipments tested negative for carbendazim Of the 29 samples.

To date, the samples that have tested positive for carbendazim had levels between 10 and 52 parts per billion. The Environmental Protection Agency has said that levels under 80 parts per billion are not a safety risk. FDA testing of samples from domestic manufacturers is ongoing.

The majority of orange juice for sale in the U.S. is from oranges grown domestically, and about 25 percent is imported, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

It was teh Coca Cola Company, owner of the Minute Maid brand, that originally alerted the FDA that their orange juice and that of their competitors carried residues of the chemical. Coca Cola was legally required to come forward, under the 2008 Amendments to the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act creating a Reportable Food Registry.

If you're concerned about the orange juice that may be currently sitting in your fridge you can look at the label to find its country of origin, and don’t use it if you don’t want to. You can also purchase organic juice.

PREVIOUSLY:
More orange juice imports deemed safe by FDA fungicide tests
U.S. stops orange juice imports due to fungicide

Orange Juice Products and Carbendazim: Addendum to FDA Letter to the Juice Products Association [FDA]
FDA blocks orange juice shipments from Canada [CNN Money]

Nearly 52,400 Mazda Tribute sport-utility vehicles are being recalled, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2001-2002 model year SUVs from Mazda may leak brake fluid from the master cylinder. If the fluid comes into contact with wiring for the anti-lock brake system (ABS), an engine fire could occur says the NHTSA.

According to the NHTSA, the problem affects 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute vehicles made from April 20, 2000 through July 19, 2002. And until Mazda can perform repairs, the safety agency advises consumers to park their Mazda SUVs outside of garages or other enclosed spaces.

Starting today, Mazda is expected to begin notifying Tribute owners affected by this recall, which the company has identified as "safety recall campaign number 6712A." Mazda will replace the vehicle's brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS electrical system free of charge.

For more information, Mazda Tribute owners can call the company at 248-393-5990. Consumers can also contact the NHTSA (toll-free: 888-327-4236) or visit the agency's website: www.SaferCar.gov.

Recall: 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute - Brakes     Campaign ID #: 12V016000 [NHTSA]

Britax Child Safety is recalling about 14,220 Chaperone infant car seats because a defect in the harness adjuster can result in ineffective safety harness straps, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported today.

A defective rivet can cause the harness adjuster to detach from the seat, rendering the safety harness straps used to secure an infant in the seat unable to properly restrain the child.

NHTSA is not aware of any deaths or injuries related to the recall.

The Britax recall affects the following Chaperone infant car seat models:

• E9L692J
• E9L692K
• E9L692L
• E9L692M

The harness adjuster is located at the foot of the car seat and can be accessed by lifting the fabric and checking that the adjuster is secured in place by the rivet.

The recalled child safety seats were manufactured from September 2010 through April 2011.

Britax intends to provide consumers and retailers with a remedy kit to ensure the harness adjuster is securely attached by Feb. 6, and will continue to replace seats with detached harness adjusters until that date.

Owners of the recalled car seats whose harness adjuster is detached from the seat are advised to stop using it and contact Britax to have the issue resolved.

Consumers who have a detached harness adjuster or that would like further information about this recall should contact Britax Child Safety at 888-427-4829 or www.britaxusa.com.

For more information and to sign up to receive e-mail alerts about recalls for child safety seats, vehicles, and tires visit www.SaferCar.gov.

Consumer Advisory: Britax Recalling 14,220 Child Safety Seats for Safety Harness Straps That Will Not Properly Restrain Child [NHTSA]

An increasing number of U.S. consumers are turning to "cutting the copper" when it comes to home telephone service, relying instead on their cell phones or Voice over IP (VoIP) service that uses their home's high-speed Internet connections. However, such systems can stop working during an emergency such as a power blackout, hurricane or other natural disaster.

Unlike traditional copper-wire based telephone services, VoIP and mobile phone services are highly dependent on electricity—and Internet connections—to work. (Read: Surprise! Your high-tech home phone system could go dead in an emergency.) If you've already ditched your old landline for mobile phones or VoIP telephone service as part of your home's bundled TV and Internet services, consider these tips to ensure you'll have a working home phone during emergencies:

Know your system. Find out which kind of landline phone service you have and how it functions during a power outage, if at all.

Keep extra batteries on hand. They can extend the amount of time the backup system powers your phones. In a pinch, you may also be able to power the phone system for a brief time using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Check with your carrier for more information.

Subscribe to copper phone service. Consider keeping (or returning to) copper service, if it’s available. If you’ve switched to a fiber-based VoIP service with a telephone company ask if there are any difficulties in adding plain-old telephone service back. Sometimes companies, for example, remove the copper line to your home.

Keep a corded phone. Most cordless phones will not work if the power is out, even if the phone line is active. Make sure the phone you’re buying doesn't need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Consider a generator. If you have a backup generator that provides power to only some appliances, make sure one of them is your VoIP or fiber phone system. Run an extension cord from the generator to your modem or network interface. A whole-house generator is even better than a portable one but considerably more expensive.

For more tips, read the How to stay in touch section of Surprise! Your high-tech home phone system could go dead in an emergency. Aslo check out more tips from the FCC blog, How to Communicate Before, During and After a Major Disaster.

As the nation debates adopting a 54.5 mpg fuel economy standard for 2025, California is planning to leap ahead once again in requiring greener vehicles than does the federal government.

Under federal law, California has a special exemption to set tighter air-quality regulations than the rest of the nation. (Its warm climate and geography may be particularly friendly to beachgoers, but unfortunately is also particularly hospitable to smog.)

In this case, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is planning to tighten air pollution standards 75 percent by 2025. This governs exhaust pollution such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and sulphur, particulate matter, and unburned fuel, as well as vapor emissions from refueling and fuel system leaks.

CARB standards also govern emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that can only be controlled by reducing fuel consumption. The state has signed onto a bargain with the Obama administration to set these targets at the same levels as the federal government’s 54.5 mpg requirement, as long as that rule goes through.

But the state is increasing the number of “zero-emissions vehicles” it will require automakers to sell to meet the requirement from about 4 percent to about 15 percent of all vehicles sold in the state. In total it would require automakers to sell about 1.4 million plug-in hybrid, electric, and fuel-cell vehicles in the state by 2023. The bulk of these, about 900,000 would be plug-in hybrids, such as the Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma.

CARB will create a new designation for these plug-in hybrids: Transitional Zero Emission Vehicles, or TZEVs.

Meanwhile, Arizona has announced it will pull out of the coalition of 15 states that follow California standards, saying higher national fuel economy standards make it unnecessary.

Learn more about fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicles.