Flushmate settled a lawsuit for $18 million dollars after months of negotiations. Flushmate is a pressurized toilet flushing system that was available at most home improvement stores. They flushed fine; however, the pressure would build up in the water tank of the toilet causing many of them to explode. Consumers have been injured when the ceramic water tanks explode, sending …
3.7 Million Car Seats Recalled Over Defective Buckle
Over reports of what could possibly be a hazard to children’s safety, Graco recalls around 3.7 million car seats with defective latches. These car seats were manufactured and sold from 2009 to 2013. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking the company to recall an additional 1.8 million seats that use the same buckle. These numbers make the …
FDA Weighs in on the Safety of Dietary Supplements
Diet supplements are on the FDA’s cutting block again, with a new warning not to use these four products. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just announced they are warning consumers to stop using these products immediately and “throw them away”: Citrus Fit Gold Hot Detox Thingenics Tonic Life BP Citrus Fit Gold, Hot Detox, and Thingenics contain sibutramine, …
Caramel Coloring in Beverages and Foods Can Be Dangerous
The US Food and Drug Administration is currently testing foods including sodas for the chemical impurities found in caramel coloring and flavoring after a Consumer Reports study showed higher levels of dangerous substances in some products. Consumer Reports Study The Consumer Reports study showed levels of 4-methylimidazole or 4-MEI higher than 29 micrograms. At 29 micrograms, 4-MEI is considered potentially …
Prescription Drug Is Illegally Marketed, Has Harmful Side Effects
Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug prescribed to patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. It is also given to patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, insomnia, and depression. A study published in 2006 showed that Risperdal, when given to adolescents and young adults, caused an elevated level of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for breast development in …
What Is a Class Action Suit?
A class action suit is a lawsuit that includes a group of people. The group can be suing an individual or another group of people. The idea of a class action is predominantly an American phenomenon, although, in other countries, consumer groups are bringing claims on behalf of consumers. Most class action cases are filed in federal court, under Federal …
Another Bike Brake Recall
It seems like there are many bike components that fail, resulting in a recall. This time, SRAM LLC of Chicago, Illinois is recalling a hydraulic bicycle brake due to crash and injury hazard, according to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC). This recall affects over 23,000 bikes sold between May 2013 and December 2013, under various brands such as: ASI: …
Weight Loss Companies Are Having Their Own Fat Trimmed
Several companies that sell fraudulent and misleading weight loss products are going to have to dig into their profits and find $34 million to pay consumers who were victimized by their advertising lies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just reached a settlement in a class action case with four companies that use deceptive advertising to sell weight-loss products, including dietary …
Dietary Supplements and Liver Damage
Dietary supplements are a huge business in America. Annually more than $32 billion is spent on vitamins, diet pills and protein products, all promised to improve health and fitness. While there are some products on the market living up to their promises, many not only fail to produce any healthful result, but also have been linked to liver failure or …
Choking Hazards: How to Prevent and React
What is Choking? No matter how old you are, many of us have felt that moment of panic when we feel something momentarily lodge in our throat while talking or laughing with food in our mouth. Mine was a piece of gum that fell down my trachea after a friend of mine told a particularly funny joke. But, choking emergencies …
