Author: Marianne Halterman

© Food Safety News – www.foodsafetynews.com

By Kelsey M. Mackin | December 4, 2017

The Kroger Co. is recalling almost six months worth of its Comforts For Baby brand purified water with fluoride because samples have tested positive for mold contamination. Various grocery chains in 14 states are recalling the implicated infant water.

“The FDA is issuing this consumer alert to reach parents and caregivers who may have bought the product, which is intended for infants,” according to the alert posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s website today.

Kroger testing identified Talaromyces penicillium mold in the water after consumers complained about mold in the product. Although the water is sold in clear containers, consumers may not be able to see mold that is present. Anyone with the recalled water is urged to throw away any unused portions or return to the place of purchase for a refund.

The 1-gallon plastic jugs of the “Comforts For Baby Purified Water with Fluoride” are labeled with “DISTRIBUTED BY THE KROGER CO, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202.” The affected products also bear the plant code 51-4140 and the UPC number 0 41260 37597 2. Consumers can also identify the recalled water by looking for “sell by” dates between April 26, 2018, and Oct. 10, 2018.

According to the consumer alert, Kroger distributed the recalled water to retailers including Food 4 Less, Jay C, Jay C Food Plus, Kroger, Kroger Marketplace, Owen’s, Payless Super Market, and Ruler stores. Those retailers with locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia have been ordered to recall the infant water.

Symptoms of exposure to mold, including Talaromyces penicillium, can cause immediate or delayed allergic reactions from inhaling or touching the mold or microscopic mold spores. Allergic reactions can include including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin rash and anaphylactic shock.

Mold can also cause asthma attacks. Molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, even in people who aren’t allergic to them, according to FDA.

“Drinking water or other products contaminated with Talaromyces penicillium may affect infants who have HIV or other conditions that cause immune compromise,” according to the alert.

“These individuals may become infected and this may lead to serious health consequences.”

Consumers should consult a health care professional if they believe their infant has consumed any of the recalled water.

Recall Date: November 29, 2017

Recall Number: 18-045

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Clay craft kits

Hazard: Mold can be present in the clay, posing a risk of respiratory or other infections in individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or an allergy to mold.

Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled craft kits and return them to Babies“R”Us or Toys“R”Us for a full refund or store credit.

Consumer Contact: Toys“R”Us at 800-869-7787 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.toysrus.com and click on Product Recalls for more information.

Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/ToysRUs-Recalls-Clay-Craft-Kits-Due-to-Risk-of-Mold-Exposure-Sold-at-BabiesRUs-and-ToysRUs

Recall Details

Units: About 6,000

Description: This recall involves “totally me!” clay craft kits. Model number AD11244 is printed on the bottom of the box. The “totally me!” logo is printed on the front of the craft kit box.

The clay craft kits contain:

• two bricks of air dry acrylic paints
• paint brush
• three sculpting tools
• plastic rolling pin
• sponge
• 19.5” x 15.25” instructional work mat
• two texture rollers
• plastic clay cutting tool
• 12” ribbon

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of mold in the clay. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us stores nationwide from January 2017 through October 2017 for about $10.

Importer(s): Toys“R”Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J.

Distributor(s): Toys“R”Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J.

Manufactured In: China

Recall Date: November 21, 2017

Recall Number: 18-042

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Children’s pajamas

Hazard: The children’s pajama sets fail to meet flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

Remedy: Refund. Consumers should immediately take the recalled sleepwear away from children and contact Woolino for a full refund.

Consumer Contact:
Woolino toll-free at 844-882-8080 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at contact@woolino.com or online at www.woolino.com and click on “Product Recall” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Woolino-Recalls-Childrens-Pajamas-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standard

Recall Details

Units: About 4,100

Description: This recall involves children’s 100 percent merino wool one-piece, long-sleeve, footed pajamas. They have a blue, gray, lilac or lilac gray horizontal stripe print and a zipper that extends from the center of the neckline down to the left ankle. The sleepwear was sold in sizes 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months and 2T. Woolino and the size are printed on the back of the neckline.

Incidents/Injuries: None Reported

Sold At: Clothes Pony and Caro Bambino stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Zulily.com and Woolino.com from May 2015 through November 2017 for between $50 and $60.

Importer(s): Jojo Group LLC, of Rocky River, Ohio

Distributor(s): Woolino, of Westlake, Ohio

Manufactured In: China

Recall Date: November 8, 2017

Recall Number: 18-026

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Baby B’gosh quilted jackets

Hazard: The snaps can detach, posing a choking hazard.

Remedy: Refund

Consumers should immediately take the recalled jackets away from children and return them to any OshKosh or Carter’s store or contact OshKosh for a full refund in the form of a $34 gift card (for an infant size) or $36 gift card (for a toddler size).

Consumer Contact:

OshKosh at 800-692-4674 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.oshkosh.com and click on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.

Photos here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/OshKosh-Recalls-Baby-Bgosh-Quilted-Jacket-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

Recall Details

Units: About 38,000 (in addition, about 5,000 were sold in Canada).

Description:

This recall involves OshKosh Baby B’gosh quilted jackets in pink and gray. The style number can be found on the front of the care tag sewn on the inside of the product, and the UPC number can be found on the back of the same care tag. The style number and UPC number can also be found on the price tag. Only jackets with the following style numbers and UPC codes are included in the recall:

Color, Style Numbers, Size, UPC Codes can be found here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/OshKosh-Recalls-Baby-Bgosh-Quilted-Jacket-Due-to-Choking-Hazard

Incidents/Injuries: OshKosh received three reports of a snap detaching, including one report of a child putting a detached snap in her mouth.

Sold At: OshKosh, Toys R Us, Bon-Ton, Kohl’s, Stage, and Fred Meyer stores and at Military Exchanges nationwide and online at www.oshkosh.com between August 2017 and September 2017 for between $35 and $40.

Importer: OshKosh B’gosh Inc., Atlanta, Georgia

Manufactured in: Indonesia

Recall Date: November 7, 2017

Recall Number: 18-025

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Children’s bicycles with Samox cranksets

Hazard: The cranks can bend or break during use, posing a fall hazard.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and contact an authorized Norco Bicycles dealer for free installation of a new crankset.

Consumer Contact: Norco at 800-663-8916 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.norco.com and click on “Safety Notices/Recalls” for more information. Consumers can also contact their local Norco Bicycles dealers to request installation of a new crankset.

Recall Details

Units: About 1,050 (In addition 1,750 were sold in Canada)

Description: This recall involves 2015, 2016 and 2017 model year Norco children’s bicycles with Samox SAC30-111NA square taper bicycle cranks in 140mm and 152mm lengths. The crank model number AC30 is located on the inside of both crank arms, and the crank length is stamped at the end of each crank arm. Included in this recall are 20- and 24-inch wheeled bicycles with the following model names: Storm 2.1, Storm 4.1, Charger 2.1, Charger 4.1, Fluid HT 2.3, Fluid HT 4.3, Fluid FS 2.2, and Fluid FS 4.2. The model name is located on the top tube of the bicycle.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of the cranks bending or breaking. No injuries have been reported.

Sold at: Norco Bicycles dealers nationwide from May 2016 through September 2017 for between $400 and $1,700.

Importer/Distributor: Norco Bicycles, of Canada

Manufactured in: China

Recall Date: November 3, 2017

Recall Number: 18-023

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Kid’s rain ponchos

Hazard: A drawstring in the poncho’s hood poses a strangulation hazard to children. Drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, hand rails, school bus doors or other moving objects, posing a significant strangulation and/or entanglement hazard to children.

Remedy: Repair or Refund

Consumers should immediately take the recalled ponchos away from children and remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard or return the poncho to the firm for a full refund.

Consumer Contact:

JW Crawford toll-free at 844-222-2812 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday ET or email anytime at recall.jwcrawford@gmail.com or online on the product distributor’s website at www.wealers.com and click on the Information tab located at the top of the page for more information.

Recall Details

Units: About 1,300

Description:
This recall involves kids’ waterproof hooded rain ponchos sold in clear, red and blue. The lightweight ponchos were sold in packs of 6 and 12. A white nylon drawstring is attached at the neck of the 40 inches tall by 60 inches wide ponchos. “One size fits all” and “Made in China” are printed on the front of the packaging.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Online at Amazon.com and Wealers.com from May 2016 through July 2016 for about $12 for a 6 pack and $17 for a 12 pack.

Importer: JW Crawford Inc., of Monroe, N.Y.

Distributor: Wealers Outdoor LLC, of Airmont, N.Y.

         Recently CDC announced that October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness month, and to that very important end, below are CDC’s tips to parents and caregivers to create a safe sleep environment for their infants and young children. Here are the tips and all the credit for this post goes to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control:

How to Create a Safe Sleep Environment

CDC supports the 2016 recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS. See How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained to learn more about these and other actions.

1. Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—for naps and at night. Some parents may be concerned that a baby who sleeps on his or her back will choke if he or she spits up during sleep. However, babies’ anatomy and gag reflex will prevent them from choking while sleeping on their backs. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of SIDS than babies who sleep on their sides or stomachs.

Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times—for naps and at night.

2. Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet, covered only by a fitted sheet. Some parents might feel like they should place their baby on a soft surface, such as memory foam, to help him or her to be more comfortable while sleeping. However, soft surfaces can increase the risk of sleep-related death. A firm sleep surface helps reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation.
3. Have the baby share your room, not your bed. Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else. Some parents may feel like they should share their bed with their baby to help them feel more connected. However, accidental suffocation, strangulation, and wedging (for example, being stuck between two objects such as a mattress and a wall) can happen when a baby is sleeping in an adult bed or other unsafe sleep surfaces. Room sharing is much safer than bed sharing and may decrease the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
4. Keep soft objects, such as pillows and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. Some parents may feel they should add soft objects to their baby’s crib to help keep their baby warm and comfortable while sleeping. However, soft objects and loose bedding, like stuffed toys, sheets, comforters, and blankets, can increase the risk of suffocation and other sleep-related deaths. If you’re worried about your baby getting cold during sleep, you can dress her or him in sleep clothing (like a wearable blanket) to keep your baby warm.
5. Do not allow smoking around your baby. Smoke in the baby’s surroundings is a major risk factor for SIDS. Quitting smoking can be hard, but it is one of the best ways parents and caregivers can protect their health and their baby’s health. For help in quitting, call the quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.

Recall Date: September 25, 2017

Recall Number: 17-232

Recall Summary

Name of Product: Multisport helmets

Hazard: The buckle on the helmet fails to meet current federal safety standards, posing a risk of head injury.

Remedy: Refund
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and return them to Pro-Tec for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Pro-Tec toll-free at 844-368-3695 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or online at www.protecbrand.com and click on CPSC Safety Recall for more information.

Pictures available here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Pro-Tec-Recalls-Multisport-Helmets

Recall Details

Units: About 4,600

Description:
This recall involves Pro-Tec City Lite and Pro-Tec Street Lite adult multisport helmets. The helmets have chin straps secured by plastic buckles and were sold in sizes S, M, L, and XL. The same buckle was used on all sizes of both helmets. The buckle bears the markings “ERGO-LOK” and the “UTX D-FLEX” logo. A label on the inside of the helmet reads “Pro-Tec City Lite” or “Pro-Tec Street Lite.” The recalled helmets have a date code inside on the EPS liner in the format MM/DD/YYYY-090EO. There are two vent holes in the back of the helmet. The left vent hole has either an LED light or a plastic insert. The City Lite helmet was sold in rubber black and gloss white, and the Street Lite helmet was sold in rubber black, rubber red and gloss white.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At:
McCully Bicycle & Sporting Goods, Quality Bicycle Products, Uncle Funky’s Boards, and other sports specialty stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and ProtecB2C.com from February 2016 through January 2017 for about $80 for the City Lite helmet, and about $60 for the Street Lite helmet.

Manufacturer(s):
Pro-Tec, a division of Bravo Sports, of Santa Fe Springs, Calif.

Manufactured In: China