Texas updates in category: Defective & Dangerous Products

Over the Easter weekend the FDA issued an alert to consumers and grocers about a possible risk of salmonella associated with cantaloupes imported by Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer. Research has lead health authorities to believe that cantaloupes imported by this company may be associated with over 50 reported cases of salmonella. All cantaloupes imported by this company...

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This week a wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of the family of a New Jersey mother of two who tragically died after suffering a seizure on December 7, 2007. Jackie Kelly Bozicev, 32, had recently moved into a new home with her husband, Robert, and two young children Mary Kelly and Matthew. Jackie and Robert planned two have more children in the future, but wanted to hold off for a...

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Today MEGA Brands in conjunction with U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of two magnetic toys that could pose a serious risk to children. The Magnastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School Magnetic Toys were recalled due to the risk that small magnets contained in some parts may become dislodged from their housing and can cause severe, even fatal, injury if ingested. If...

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In August 2006, Synthes gained F.D.A. approval for its product, Prodisc. Prodisc is an artifical disc used in spine surgeries. Since that time, severe injuries have been caused by the Prodisc failing after surgery.In fact, because of concerning surrounding the test trials of the Prodisc, Medicare decided last August not to cover the disk for most Medicare patientsBefore considering any surgery...

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If you or someone you know has an artificial spinal disc, or more specifically a Prodisc implant manufactured by Spinal Solutions, you may be at risk for complications or injuries because of a defective product. At least one patient had the disc come apart and had to have it surgically removed and is now suffering severe pain from his ordeal.

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Gorton's Inc. is recalling around 1,000 cases of Gorton's Crispy Battered Frozen Fish after a woman found pills in the fish she had cooked for dinner. After the company confirmed the Pennsylvania woman's claims the company decided to recall the products as a precaution until tests determine the nature of the pills.Tracy Rowan, of New Freedom, called police after she bit into one of the pills...

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In the "better late than never" cateogory, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is finally acting on dangerous toys. I have often lamented on here that the CPSC has been letting the American public down with its lax oversight of imported products. But last week, the head of the CPSC finally stepped up to the plate. From the article:"I will not tolerate this industry or any other not...

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Today the FDA issued a warning to consumers about the safety of denture cleaning products. The warning was prompted by the death of one person and allergic reactions experienced by at least 72 others. The FDA said that some but not all of the reactions resulted from improper use of the products. The likely culprit is a bleach called persulfate, an allergen found in nearly every denture cleanser...

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Rinnai America Corp., in conjunction of the CPSC, is recalling about 52,000 Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556 due to carbon monoxide hazard. A gasket in the unit can fail which can cause carbon monoxide to leak from the furnace and into the home.So far Rinnai has received 11 reports of carbon monoxide leaking, but there have not been any injuries or illnesses reported.The...

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A Texas housewife has filed a lawsuit against DuPont, Union Carbide and others alleging that she was exposed to asbestos over a 27-year period from washing her husband's work clothing. The plaintiff, Frances Barras, who suffers from an asbestos related illness, claims that her sickness results from the washing of her husband's contaminated clothing. The lawsuit claims that Barras inhaled great...

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On Wednesday the Supreme Court sided with medical device makers; delivering an 8-1 decision in favor not allowing patients injured by an FDA approved medical device to file lawsuit against the manufacturer. The Court cited a 1976 law that they say bars state-law claims challenging the safety and efficacy of medical devices that have been received pre-market approval from the FDA. The ruling only...

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Kimlyn Cline of Kilgore, Texas has filed a product liability lawsuit against Advanced Medical Optics, the makers of Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose disinfectant contact lens solution, alleging that the solution did not disinfect as advertised causing her to develop an eye infection. Cline's infection even with treatment worsened and she is now in need of corneal transplant surgery. The...

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Yesterday Johnson & Johnson announced a voluntary recall of a popular version of their Duragesic pain patch. About 32 million patches sold by PriCara, a unit of J & J, are being recalled due to concerns that a defect could expose patients to excess doses of the powerful opioid, fentanyl, leading to respiratory difficulties and even death. The company estimates that defects exist in two out of...

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Chattem, Inc., manufacturer of Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, has recalled its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, including consumer "samples" that were included on a limited promotional basis in cartons of its 3 oz Aspercreme product. The products were recalled because of consumer reports of first, second and third degree burns as well as skin irritation. All lots and sizes of the following Icy Hot...

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For the first ever FDA scientists will be evaluating the safety of the materials used in tattooing. The investigation was incited by numerous reports of skin irritation following a tattooing session. The FDA wants to know how the chemicals break down, and if any pose a threat to the individual's safety. If the FDA finds it necessary to enact changes or limitations it could have a huge impact on...

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