FDA says no increased rates of cardiac events from Prilosec, Nexium

Based on everything now known at the agency, the reported difference in the frequency of heart attacks and other heart-related problems seen in the earlier analyses of the two small long-term studies does not indicate the presence of a true effect. Therefore, FDA continues to conclude that long-term use of these drugs is not likely to be associated with an increased risk of heart problems. FDA recommends that health care providers continue to prescribe, and patients continue to use, these products as described in the labeling for the two drugs.

Read the full press release here.

Parents and grandparents still wary of Chinese goods

It will interesting to crunch the sales numbers after the holiday season is over. Witness this:

"If it says China, I don't trust anything about it," said grandmother of six Theresa Stevens while shopping at L.T. Kids, a locally-owned speciality toy store. When her 2-year-old grandchild asked for a recalled Thomas the Train toy, Stevens said she went directly to an independent toy store to find a safe alternative.

"I'd rather spend more money or buy less toys if that's what it takes to be safe," Stevens said.

California Department of Public Health Warns Consumers Not to Drink Metromint Flavored Water

December 5, 2007 -- Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to drink Metromint brand flavored water because it may be contaminated with a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, a microorganism that may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Soma Beverage Co., LLC., of San Francisco is voluntarily recalling all bottles of Metromint brand flavored water (Peppermint, Spearmint, Orangemint and Lemonmint) with a "Best Before" date prior to 2008/12/21 (Dec. 21, 2008) and produced at its California facility because they may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus. The "Best Before" date is on the shoulder of the bottle.

The product was distributed nationwide to grocery stores, including those in California, and sold on the Internet.

There have been no confirmed illnesses in California associated with this product to date. There is an illness complaint in Illinois that is possibly linked to consumption of this product.

The products were packaged in clear plastic 16.9-ounce bottles with a black M on the front and the lettering "KSA" in a rectangle located on back of the bottle in the lower right-hand corner.

The products were sold at the following locations in Northern California: Albertson's, Andronico's, Berkeley Bowl, BevMo!, Brown and Cole, Central Markets, Cost Plus World Market, Draeger's, Elephant Pharmacy, Fiesta Markets, Fred Meyer, Food Emporium, Haggen, Harmon's (UT), Lunardi's, Marlene's, Super Supplements, Mollie Stone's, New Seasons, PCC, Pharmaca, PW Markets, QFD, Rosauers, Safeway, Thriftway, Top Foods, Town and Country, Uwajimaya, Whole Foods Market, Wild Oaks Market, Yokes and Zupans.

In Southern California, the products are sold at AJ's Fine Foods, Albertson's, Baron's Markets, BevMo!, Bristol Farms, Clark's Nutrition, Cost Plus World Market, Erewhon Market, Fry's, Gelson's, Henry's, Jensen's, Jimbo's Naturally, Lazy Acres, Mother's Market, New Frontiers, One World Fine Foods, Organic To Go, Pacific Coast Greens, Pavillions, Pharmaca, Ralph's, Sprouts, Sunflower, Vitality Juice and Java Bar, Vons, Wally's Win and Spirits, Wild Oats Market and Whole Foods Market. Illness caused by Bacillus cereus may be either a vomiting or a diarrheal type. The vomiting type is characterized by nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption of contaminated foods. Duration of symptoms is generally less than 24 hours. The diarrheal type usually includes onset of abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea six to 15 hours after consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms may last for 24 to 48 hours.

Consumers in possession of the recalled product should discard it or return it to the point of purchase. Individuals who have become ill from drinking the product should contact their health care provider for evaluation.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (415) 979-0781, Ext. 101.

Nautilus Recalls Bowflex® Ultimate 2 Home Gyms Due to Risk of Injury

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bowflex® Ultimate 2 Home Gyms

Units: About 68,000

Importer: Nautilus Inc., of Vancouver, Wash.

Manufacturer: Land America Ltd., of China

Hazard: The fasteners used to secure the rod box to the frame of the equipment can come loose, allowing the resistance rods or rod box to separate and strike the user or a bystander.

Incidents/Injuries: Nautilus has received ten reports of rod box separation, including three reports of consumers suffering bruised arms, sore elbows, and a sore back.

Description: The recalled home gyms are equipped with pulleys, resistance rods, and other equipment, which allow the user to perform a variety of exercises. “Bowflex Ultimate 2” is written on the vertical part of the frame.

Sold at: Specialty fitness retailers nationwide and through direct sales from June 2005 to August 2007 for about $2,300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled home gym until a repair kit is installed. Registered owners are being sent a free repair kit. Owners who have not received a repair kit by the end of the first week in January 2008 should contact the firm.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Nautilus at (800) 259-9019 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.bowflex.com

Polaris Recalls Certain Ranger Utility Vehicles Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Model Year 2008 Polaris Ranger RZR 800 EFI Utility Vehicles

Units: 330

Manufacturer: Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn.

Hazard: The utility vehicle’s fuel tank can leak, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of the fuel tank leaking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: Model Year 2008 Polaris Ranger RZR 800 EFI utility vehicles with model number R08VH76AD (red), and model number R08VH76AG (green) are included in this recall. They were manufactured between August 21, 2007 and October 3, 2007. The model number decal is located under the passenger seat.

Sold by: Polaris dealers nationwide from August 2007 through November 2007 for about $10,300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled utility vehicles immediately and contact their local Polaris dealer to arrange for a fuel tank inspection free of charge, and if necessary, a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Polaris at (888) 704-5290 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT every day, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.polarisindustries.com

Collins International Co. Recalls Oscillating Ceramic Heaters Sold at Menards Retail Stores Due To Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Oscillating Ceramic Heaters

Units: About 20,000

Importer: Collins International Co., Ltd., of Fair Lawn, N.J.

Hazard: The heaters can overheat, smoke, or ignite which could pose a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Collins International has received seven reports of the heaters overheating, smoking, or igniting, including four reports of minor property damage to carpets and floors. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves 1500 watt oscillating ceramic heaters model EB38005. The heater has a white plastic housing with the name "Heat-Wave" in black on its top. A label on the bottom of the product contains the model and the control number "ETL 3090262."

Manufactured in: China

Sold at: Menards’ stores nationwide from September 2006 through March 2007 for about $25.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the heaters and return them to the nearest Menards’ store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Collins International toll-free at (866) 877-1889 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web Site at www.collinsinternational.com

TKS Children’s Pants Recalled by Sears; Drawstrings at Waist Pose Entrapment Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: TKS-brand children’s pants

Units: About 6,100

Importer: E.S. Sutton Inc., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The recalled pants have a ribbon belt at the waist that can pose an entrapment or entanglement hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled pants were sold in two styles. The first style (model numbers 62240 and 62254) is denim with a brown ribbon belt on the waistband. These pants have a sewn-on patch and an embroidered butterfly. They were sold in infant sizes 12 months, 18 months and 24 months and toddler sizes 2T, 3T and 4T. The second style (model number 62226) is khaki with a fabric belt on the waistband. They have two cargo pockets, one with an embroidered heart. The cuffs have buttons and plaid trim on the underside. They were sold in toddler sizes 2T, 3T and 4T.

Manufactured in: China

Sold at: Sears stores nationwide from July 2007 through August 2007 for about $16.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the belt to eliminate the hazard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Sears at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.sears.com

Basic Editions Girls' Clothing Sets Recalled by Kmart; Drawstrings at Waist Pose Entrapment Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Basic Editions-brand girls' clothing sets

Units: About 13,000

Importer: Millennium Apparel Group, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The recalled pants have a drawstring at the waist that can pose an entrapment or entanglement hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled two-piece clothing set has olive-colored knit pants with a fully-tunneled waist drawstring and a pink short-sleeved top with necktie. The set was sold in the following girls' sizes: 4/5, 6/6X, 7/8, and 10/12.

Sold at: Kmart stores nationwide during July 2007 for about $17 per set

Manufactured in: Pakistan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kmart at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kmart.com

Sears recalls Personal Identity Children’s Sweaters with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Personal Identity-brand V-neck sweaters with hood

Units: About 5,200

Importer: A & R Knitwear, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The recalled sweaters have a drawstring through the hood, posing a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled sweaters have a V-neck, hood and kangaroo pocket. The sweaters are either pink with charcoal stripes or blue with white stripes. They were sold in the following girls’ sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large.

Sold at: Sears stores nationwide during September 2007 for about $34.

Manufactured in: Pakistan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Sears at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.sears.com

Note: CPSC was alerted to this hazard by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection.

RC2 Recalls Potty Training Seats Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: The First Years 3-in-1 Flush and Sounds Potty Seats

Units: About 160,000

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.

Hazard: Decorative plaque inserted into the back of the potty seat could have orange paint that contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves the First Years 3-in-1 Flush and Sounds potty training seats. Each seat has either a yellow chair with a green removable seat and a purple lift out-pot or a blue chair with a white removable seat and green lift out-pot. The words "100 Acre Wood" are molded on the chair back. The plaque inserted into the back of the seat contains molded Winnie the Pooh and Tigger characters.

Manufactured in: China

Sold at: Mass and specialty retailers nationwide from April 2006 through August 2007 for between $20 and $25.

Remedy: Consumers should keep these recalled items away from young children and should contact RC2 to receive a permanent clear protective cover that covers the plaque. The unit can still be used as a potty seat.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.recalls.rc2.com

RC2 Recalls The First Years™ Children’s Feeding Seats Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: The First Years Newborn-to-Toddler Reclining Feeding Seats

Units: About 100,000

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.

Hazard: The restraining straps can pull out of the waist strap slots, posing a fall hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: RC2 has received 38 reports of straps pulling out or nearly pulling out of waist strap slots. There have been 12 reports of children falling out of the chairs.

Description: The First Years Newborn-to-Toddler Reclining Feeding Seat can be adjusted between reclining and upright positions. The seat includes a tray, reversible cushion and a three-point safety belt. One side of the seat cushion has a sewn-in label at the top which says "the first years by Learning Curve." This recall includes all feeding seats except those with an "R" stamped inside a raised circle located on the far left and right of the back of the seatback or those with waist strap slots that are nine inches apart.

Manufactured in: United States

Sold at: Various retailers nationwide from November 2006 through October 2007 for about $30.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the feeding seat immediately and contact RC2 to obtain free replacement straps.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.recalls.rc2.com

Scope Apparel recalls hooded sweatshirts for strangulation hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Boys’ hooded sweatshirts

Units: About 72,000

Distributor: Scope Apparel L.P., of Houston, Texas

Hazard: The garments have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The boys’ small and medium sized hooded zip-up sweatshirts have various designs on the front, and were sold in charcoal, navy blue and brown colors. “Whatever” and “RN#39209” are printed on the tag sewn into the jacket.

Manufactured in: Bangladesh, India, China and Pakistan

Sold at: Mass merchandise and specialty children’s clothing retailers nationwide from August 2007 through November 2007 for between $20 and $40.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard, or return the sweatshirts for a full refund to either the place of purchase or Scope Apparel.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Scope Apparel toll-free at (888) 692-7129 ext. 0 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.scopeimp.com

Note: CPSC was notified about these garments by the Wisconsin Department of Consumer Protection.

Starbucks Recalls Coffee Mugs Due To Burn Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Starbucks Fusion Coffee Mugs

Units: About 167,000

Importer: Starbucks Coffee Co., of Seattle, Wash.

Manufacturer: lab921, Seattle, Wash.

Hazard: The plastic handle can detach from the body of the mug when filled with hot liquids, posing a minor burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Starbucks has received 23 reports of handles detaching from the mug, including nine that resulted in minor burns.

Description: This recall involves two styles of Starbucks 14-ounce Fusion Coffee Mugs. The mugs are white and have a black plastic handle, and a stainless steel base. The cups have “Starbucks Coffee” printed on a black stamp or a brown original Starbucks logo stamp.

Manufactured in: China

Sold at: Mugs with the “Starbucks Coffee” stamp were sold at Starbucks stores nationwide from February 2007 through November 2007 for about $11. Mugs with the original logo stamp were sold only at Starbucks Pike Place store in Seattle, Washington during the same period and for the same price.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the mugs and contact Starbucks for instructions on returning the cups for a full refund. Starbucks is also offering a free beverage as an incentive to return the recalled mugs.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Starbucks at (800) 624-8678 anytime or visit the firm’s web site at www.starbucks.com

Home Depot Recalls Holiday Figurines Due to Lead Paint Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Holiday Figurines

Units: About 64,000

Importer: The Home Depot, of Atlanta, Ga.

Manufacturer: Creative Design, of Hong Kong

Hazard: Surface paint on the holiday figurines contains lead.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled holiday figurines are painted plastic snowmen and bears. The SKU number is printed on the bottom of the product.

Product	Size	SKU Number
Holiday Bear Door Greeter	17” x 16”	894-825
Snowman with “Let it Snow” Sign	Tabletop item	894-893
Three Snowmen with “Joy” Sign	13” x 17”	898-964
Snowman Votive Holder	7.5” x 7.5”	967-467

Manufactured in: China

Sold exclusively at: The Home Depot stores from October 2007 through November 2007 for between $10 and $20.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the holiday figurines and return them to any Home Depot store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Home Depot at (800) 394-2064 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.homedepot.com