Pine nuts are usually sold raw for use in many tasty dishes. They are one of the main ingredients in most pesto sauce recipes. Adding to the list of nuts and nut products recently recalled for possible Salmonella contamination, Hines Nut Company is recalling its Harris Teeter Farmers Market pine nuts.

The recalled pine nuts were sold between December 30, 2009 and January 14, 2010, and only in Harris Teeter Markets in North Carolina. 270 packages have been recalled. The recalled nuts were packaged in 8oz, cellophane wrapped, foam trays. They are labeled with the UPC code 0 72036 88121 0.

The possible contamination was discovered by Red River Foods, in California, during routine sampling. Red River sold the nuts to Hines Nut Company of Dallas, Texas. Hines Nut Company then distributed the nuts to Harris Teeter Markets in North Carolina.

Do Not Consume the Recalled Pine Nuts
If you have the recalled pine nuts in your possession you can contact Hines Nut Company to find out how to return them for a full refund.

Although some people do snack on raw pine nuts, they are more often used as an ingredient in foods and sauces. Cooking to a high enough temperature will kill Salmonella, but it is not recommended that you eat the recalled nuts, even if you use them in a cooked dish.

Contaminated nuts can also lead to cross-contamination of other foods. If you have used the nuts, be sure to thoroughly clean any containers, surfaces, and utensils that may have come into contact with the nuts.

If believe that you or a loved one has become ill from consuming contaminated pine nuts or if you have taken a product that was later discovered to be defective or dangerous in any way, please contact the experienced defective products attorneys of Bogard & serving clients nationwide.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and e3 Endovascular, Inc. have announced a Class I Recall of the Trailblazer Support Catheter. So far, no deaths have been linked to the defective catheters, but this is the most serious classification of recalls, and was issued in connect with reported adverse events. So far, no deaths have been linked to the recalled, defective catheters. A class I recall means that the product carries a reasonable possibility of causing a serious adverse health event or death.

Recalled Catheters
The recalled catheters were used in endovascular applications. That means that they were inserted in veins or arteries, rather than being used in other types of applications such as for bladder evacuation.

The recalled Trailblazer Support Catheters may crack near the radioplaque marker band resulting in serious complications including:

• Insufficient oxygen supply to tissues
• Damage to blood vessels
• Heart attack
• Limb amputation
• Unplanned surgery
• Death

No deaths have been reported in connection with the recalled medical devices, but adverse health events have occurred. According to the press release, all of the recalled devices have been returned to ev3, Inc.

If You Have Been Injured By a Defective Medical Device
Injury by a defective medical device can have severe health consequences and can be fatal. If you have been injured by a defective medical device or a defective drug, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and more.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been injured by a medical device that was discovered to be defective or dangerous in any way, please contact the experienced defective drug attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton serving clients nationwide.

Thermoflect blankets and other Thermoflect products are used to treat and prevent hypothermia. Preventing hypothermia reduces the risk of surgical site infections and other medical problems and complications. The Thermoflect products are being recalled for re-labeling after a report of an injury to a patient who was using a Thermoflect blanket during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

At this point the recall and relabeling is a precaution and it is not known for sure if the Thermoflect product caused the injury. However, Encompass Group the company that sells Thermoflect products, is relabeling the products and has sent letters to hospital, doctors, and other customers asking them not to use Thermoflect products in the MR environment until the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) establishes a standard for testing the safety of the products in that environment.

Thermoflect blankets and other Thermoflect products are still considered to be safe and effective for prevention and treatment of hypothermia outside of the MR environment.

How Thermoflect Works
Thermoflect products include blankets, pants, vests, transport cocoons, caps, and other products. They prevent heat loss due to airflow in the same way that other blankets and clothing items would, but they also reflect the heat radiating off of a patient's body back to them, helping to maintain core body temperature. The science behind Thermoflect products was pioneered by NASA as an alternative to electric heat as a way to maintain body temperature.

If you have been injured by a defective medical device or defective drug, please contact the experienced defective drug attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton serving clients nationwide.

Bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, is a chemical that has been used for more than 40 years in the manufacture of many hard plastic food containers such as baby bottles and reusable cups and the lining of metal food and beverage cans, including canned liquid infant formula. According to the FDA, trace amounts of BPA can be found in some foods packaged in these containers.

In 2008, the FDA judged food-related materials containing BPA on the market to be safe, however, recent studies showing health effects of low doses of BPA in laboratory animals have lead the FDA to express some concern about the safety of BPA. Because of this, the Department of Health and Human Services is investing in new studies for both animals and humans to determine and evaluate the potential health effects of BPA exposure.

In the meantime, the FDA is recommending the following step in reducing exposure to BPA, especially to parents:

Plastic containers that contain BPA are usually marked with the number 3 or 7 on the bottom.

Discard scratched containers, especially baby bottles and infant feeding cups because the chemical can seep through any scratches.

Do not put boiling or very hot water or other liquids in a BPA-container. Traces of BPA are transferred when hot or boiling liquids or food comes in contact with a BPA-container.

Use only containers marked “dishwasher safe” or “microwave safe”.

For general information regarding BPA go to www.fda.gov. For information on ways to prevent BPA exposure to children, go to www.hhs.gov.

Labels: bisphenol A, BPA, plastic

La Espiga de Oro, Inc. is recalling its Fiesta brand Flour Burrito Tortillas. This product is packaged in 12 count bags with a UPC code of 51022 00060 and the packages bear dates of 30, 2009 through December 20, 2009. The recalled products fail to list whey as an ingredient, which is a milk product that can be an allergen to certain people.

Milk allergies are a common food allergy triggered by one or more of the proteins found in milk. Some of the systems affected by reaction to milk allergens include:

• Gastrointestinal – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ache
• Dermatological – hives, rashes, and itching skin
• Respiratory – wheezing, shortness of breath, and respiratory arrest

The primary defense of people suffering from any food allergy is avoidance. They rely on accurate ingredient labels to know what foods to avoid. When food labels do not properly list allergenic ingredients, these people may inadvertently consume something dangerous.

The recall of the flour tortillas was initiated by the discovery that the labels did not indicate the presence of whey. Apparently, the production and packaging department of La Espiga De Oro, Inc. made this critical mistake, resulting in this voluntary recall of this potentially dangerous product. So far, no illnesses are reported. Consumers may call the company at 713-861-4200 to find out more information.

If you or a loved one suffered an allergic reaction to this product, you may be eligible to seek monetary damages from the responsible party. To find out more about the legal options available to injured persons, please contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

Five Crowns Marketing is issuing a voluntary recall of cantaloupes distributed under the Majesty Label due to confirmed salmonella contamination discovered on November 4, 2009. As a cautionary measure, all cantaloupes in the same lot are included in the recall. The lot numbers included in the recall are 198 1 and 198 3. The cantaloupe lots in question were distributed to the following states:

• California
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New York
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee

The cantaloupes may be individually marked with the Majesty Label, but all containers are marked. IConsumers who want to find out if their fruit is included in the recall are asked to contact the company at 760-344-1930.

Salmonella is a enterobacteria that causes salmonellosis in individuals who are infected. Some of the symptoms of salmonellosis include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps

Many people who suffer from the above symptoms may become severely dehydrated and need intravenous fluids. In severe cases, salmonellosis may spread into the bloodstream and may even prove to be fatal. Children, elderly, and immune compromised individuals are most susceptible to severe cases of salmonella infection. Tainted fruits and vegetables are among the leading agents of infection.

If you or a loved one suffered any of the above symptoms due to consumption of the listed products, you may be able to seek damages. To find out more about your legal options, please contact the knowledgeable product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

On January 5, 2010, The FDA issued a MedWatch safety and information report including information about a Class 1 recall of the Trailblazer Support Catheter device.

The recalled catheter is a medical device used to help with the delivery of solutions in the veins or arteries for the treatment of patients.

Class 1 recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Specifically, this device may crack near the radiopaque marker band which may result in serious patient injury, including insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues, damage to blood vessels, heart attack, limb amputation, unplanned surgery, and/or death.

Ev3 Endovascular, Inc., has sent a letter to all of its consumers summarizing the problem with the device and requesting the product be returned to their company.

Model Numbers recalled include: SC-014-135, SC-018-090, SC-035-065, SC-035-135, SC-014-150, SC-018-150, SC-035-090, SC-035-150.

Labels: Class 1 recall, FDA, MedWatch

The maker of Shedd's Country Crock chilled side-dish products is recalling two of its side dishes because they contain undeclared sulfites in the ingredients. The recall was initiated after a report of four family members who suffered adverse effects associated with the side-dish products. The products in question include:

• Deluxe Cheddar Broccoli Rice, best by dates 11/29/09 through 1/16/10, upc code 027400218316.
• Deluxe Four Cheese Pasta, best by dates 12/05/09 through 1/16/10, upc code 027400230875.

No other Shedd's Country Crock side dishes are affected by the recall.

Sulfites are frequently used as food preservatives, but are also allergens for many susceptible people. People with sulfite allergies may suffer the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Swelling of the throat
• Hives
• Death

People who suffer from sulfite allergies rely on proper labeling of food products to avoid suffering adverse reactions. When food products are mislabeled allergy suffers may experience needlessly.

If you or a loved one suffered a reaction as a result of consuming one of these products, you may have legal recourse to collect damages. To find out more about your legal options, please contact the product liability litigators at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare has voluntarily recalled all available product lots of Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplet 100 count bottles. In November 2009, five lots of this product were recalled due to consumer reports of an unusual moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor that was associated with nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The odor is caused by the presence of a chemical believed to be the breakdown of a chemical used to treat wooden pallets that transport and store packaging materials.
But consumers beware: this phenomenon is not unusual. Packaging not only acts as a barrier against contamination but it is also a source of contamination. In most cases, it is not a question of whether packaging components will leach into a product, it’s a question of how much. And pharmaceutical products are not immune to leaching. As a result, regulatory agencies collect information in order to document the safety margins of these food and drug “leachables”. Still, there is no set guideline among the governmental agencies. For instance, last year, the Canadian government banned the use of BPA in baby bottles as a precautionary measure against the risk that its presence could cause endocrine disruption in children--the FDA and other foreign agencies dispute the Canadian’s safety margins.
Still, scientists are trying to come up with a packaging material that prevents leaching of products. While a fool proof solution is yet to be found, the most successful anti-leaching products are available, at a price--the containers sometime cost several times the price of the components they replace.
In the meantime, pharmaceutical companies like McNeil Consumer Healthcare will continue to voluntarily recall their contaminated products. For all contaminated products, the consumer should stop using the product and contact the manufacturer for instructions on a refund or replacement.

Labels: drugs, FDA, products, recall

The FDA announced today that Norpramin (desipramine), an antidepressant made by Sanofi Aventis can cause disturbances in the heartbeat, including sudden cardiac death in people who have a family history of this or other heart rhythm disturbances. Also known as arrhythmia, the FDA says that this problem is often preceded by seizure in those taking Norpramin. MedWatch, the safety information arm of the FDA and the Sanofi Aventis sent this new warming to healthcare professionals. The new warning stated, if you take this drug, be sure to mention this warning to your doctor. Both Sanofi Aventis and the FDA said that Norpramin overdose is more likely to result in death than other tricyclic antidepressants.

According to the FDA, antidepressants are one of the most widely prescribed class of medications and many have side effects which include worsening depression, other mental or mood symptoms, suicidal thoughts or attempts and sometimes new or worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile or angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, and very rapid speech. But, the heart rhythm disturbance at this time is unique to Norpramin and not associated with other antidepressants.

For more information regarding adverse events and deaths related to desipramine, contact: MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, or online at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch..

Labels: American Heart Association, desipramine, FDA, Norpramin

The Service Smoked Fish Corporation is recalling specific lots and "use by" dates of Brooklyn's Best brand Smoked Nova Salmon because of bacterial contamination. The recall came after the FDA took some samples and discovered the presence of listeria monocytogenes an organism that causes illness and even fatalities in children and adults with immune deficiencies.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial infection that causes listerosis. The symptoms of listerosis last from 7 to 10 days and if left untreated may result in bacterial meningitis. Pregnant women are more susceptible to the disease, which as been known to cause premature birth and even stillborn babies.

Healthy individuals who ingest listeria may suffer from the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• High fever
• Severe headaches
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

The Smoked Nova Salmon recall is limited to the lots numbered 060 through 043 with a use by date range from 12/03/09 to 12/19/09. The fish is packaged in the following sizes:

• 3 oz.
• 4 oz.
• 8 oz.
• 12 oz.
• 16 oz.

No other date ranges or lots are being recalled, but the underlying problem is still being investigated by the company and the FDA. To find out more about the recall and request a refund of the product, please contact the company at 718-388-4067.

If you or a loved one suffered any illness or injury after consuming this product, you may have legal recourse to seek damages. To find out more about your legal options, please contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market initiated a voluntary recall of its Pumpkin Cheesecake Pies due to improper labeling. Some of the pies were marked with labels for regular Pumpkin Pies and that failed to mention pecans as an ingredient. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pies that have proper labels are not affected by the recall.

Tree nut allergies, including pecans, are one of the more common food allergies next to peanut allergies. Tree nut allergies occur most commonly in children. Medical problems that occur with tree nut allergies include:

• Hives
• Rash
• Shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

Prevention, i.e. avoiding allergens, is the best treatment for allergies. People with allergies rely on proper labeling to avoid ingesting dangerous food products.

The mislabeled pies with an "Enjoy By" date of November 21st have been removed from all retail locations. Customers may return any unused product or empty product container for a refund from the company, which is trying to limit dangerous product liability. To find out more about this recall, contact Fresh & Early at 1-800-648-8622.

If you or a loved one suffered from any physical ailments due to the mislabeling of these pies, you may have legal options for redress. To find out more, please contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP. Nationwide legal consulting is available to help you get compensation for your injuries.

P&G has announced a recall of three lots of Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray when it discovered the bacteria B. cepacia in small amounts of product manufactured in Germany. The bacterium was discovered during routine quality control testing at the plant. The lot numbers included in the recall are:

• 9239028831 sold in the United States
• 9224028832 sold in the United Kingdom
• 9224028833 sold in Germany

The contamination was found in the lot distributed in the U.S. and is testing the other lots, which were made in the same factory.

The bacterium, B. cepacia is a human pathogen that causes pneumonia in immunocompromised people with an underlying lung disease. Healthy people should not be affected by this bacterium.

People with this particular item can safely dispose of it in a normal manner. To obtain a refund or replacement product in the United States, please call 1-877-876-7881.

Adverse events associated with these contaminated drugs should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program online at, www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If you or a loved one suffered illness after using this product, you may be able to seek damages in a personal injury claim. To find out more about your legal options, please contact the knowledgeable medical negligence attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

Nassau Candy Distributors issued a recall for unlabeled snack tubs that do not properly list ingredients linked to severe allergies. The Tasty Dish Snack tubs were sold nationwide at Bed Bath & Beyond retail stores throughout the country. The specific products included in the recall are:

• Chocolate Almonds
• Chocolate Raisins
• Sour Neon Worms

Apparently, the problem occurred when one of the labeling machines failed to apply the appropriate label to the packages. The retailers have been notified and all packages that are missing labels were removed from the shelves. So far, no illnesses are reported in relation to the missing labels. As a precaution to mitigate potential medical negligence, the company issued its voluntary recall.

People with food allergies must avoid those ingredients that cause allergic reactions. Some of the most common are:

• Tree Nuts
• Peanuts
• Milk
• Soy

Improperly labeled products put people in danger of suffering mild to severe allergic reactions, even death. People who purchased this product without a label on the back of the package are urged to return the product to Bed Bath & Beyond for a full refund.

If you or a loved one suffered any level of allergic reaction due to this labeling error, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. Please contact an experienced product liability attorney at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP to find out more.