News on Consumer Protection

High Chair Recall

2010-03-18T16:01:37Z

This undated photo provided March 18, 2010 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows part of a high chair made by Graco Children's Products, Inc. The government on Thursday announced a voluntary recall of some 1.2 million Graco high chairs,...

China quality watchdog says some HP laptops faulty

2010-03-18T23:45:08Z

<div><p>BEIJING (Reuters) - China's quality control watchdog said an investigation into Hewlett-Packard Co showed the company had sold some faulty laptop computers, and ignored consumer protection regulations.</p><p>The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the voluntary recall Thursday involving the product made by Burlington Coat Factory</div><div><p> Haselson International Trading is recalling about 23,000 children's hooded sweatshirts sold exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory. The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. </p><p>This rec...

Runaway Prius NY

2010-03-17T16:16:47Z

Toyota representatives examine a crashed Toyota Prius, Wednesday, March 17, 2010, in Harrison, N.Y. Toyota recalled more than 8 million cars because their gas pedals could become stuck or be snagged by floor mats. In addition, the government is looking into complaints from at least 60 Toyota drivers who say they got their cars fixed and still had problems. (AP ...

Recalls: mobile power packs; hooded sweat shirts

2010-03-17T14:15:43Z

<div id="subtitle">Product Recalls: mobile power packs; children's hooded sweat shirts with drawstrings</div><div><p>The following recalls have been announced:</p><p>_About 5,000 Mobile Power Packs, made in China by Tumi, of South Plainfield, N.J., because the lithium-ion cells can ignite or explode while...

Product recalls: seasoning mixes

2010-03-17T14:01:01Z

<div id="subtitle">Recalled products linked to potential salmonella risk: seasoning mixes</div><div><p>The following products are being recalled because they could be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children and others with weakened immune systems:</p><p>___</p><p>C. H. Guenther & Son Inc. is recalling several products that are part of the Sunbird Seasonings, Williams ...

APTOPIX Runaway Prius NY

2010-03-17T09:34:02Z

Representatives of Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration examine a crashed Toyota Prius, Wednesday, March 17, 2010, in Harrison, N.Y. Toyota recalled more than 8 million cars because their gas pedals could become st...

Financial Reform Bill Wins Mixed Praise

2010-03-17T00:16:40Z

<div id="subtitle">Consumer groups wanted more independence for consumer agency</div><div><p>Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) has unveiled his long-awaited financial reform bill, which walks a tightrope between the wishes of Wall Street and consumer groups. </p><p>The measure drew immed...

Honda recalls 412,000 US vehicles for 'soft' brakes

2010-03-16T20:17:29Z

<div><p>Honda announced the recall of an estimated 412,000 vehicles in the United States because of problems with "soft" brakes, in the latest blow to the embattled Japanese auto industry.</p><p>Honda said the problem can result from air accumulating in a "vehicle stability assist modulator," which causes the pedal to get closer to the floor th...

Honda recalls 412,000 US vehicles on 'soft' brakes

2010-03-16T12:16:01Z

<div><p>Honda announced the recall of some 412,000 vehicles in the United States because of problems with "soft" brakes in the latest major blow to the embattled Japanese auto industry.</p><p>Honda said the problem can be result from air accumulating in a "vehicle stability assist modulator" which causes the pedal to get closer to the floor tha...

Honda Recall

2010-03-16T11:17:15Z

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2006 file photo, unsold 2007 Elements sit on the lot of a Honda dealership in Littleton, Colo. Honda Motor Co. on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 said it is recalling about 410,000 Odyssey minivans and Element small trucks because of problems wit...

What would a new consumer protection agency do?

2010-03-15T15:45:46Z

<div id="subtitle">A new consumer protection agency is in the works. What powers will it have?</div><div><p>Watch out for consumers, police financial products. It sounds like a simple mandate for a proposed new consumer protection agency.</p><p>Still, lawmakers on Capitol Hill can't seem to agree on what powers to grant this potential new watchdog.</p><p>Unable to reach a bipartisan deal,

Salmonella product recall news

2010-03-15T14:15:17Z

<div id="subtitle">Product recalled for salmonella contamination: baking mixes, spice blends, cheese spreads</div><div><p>The following products are being recalled because they could be contaminated with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children and others with weakened immune systems:</p><p>___</p><p>GFN Foods LLC of Cranford, N.J., is recalli...

HP extends laptop warranty after China starts probe

2010-03-15T10:17:49Z

<div><p>US computer giant Hewlett-Packard on Monday issued an apology and extended the warranty for certain laptops after China launched an investigation into consumer complaints of faulty products.</p><p>HP said it was "working closely" with the country's product quality watchdog to ensure customer concerns over certain laptops were addressed.</p>...

LifeLock settles with FTC over ID theft product claims

2010-03-13T04:15:16Z

<div id="subtitle">LifeLock will pay $11 million to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and $1 million to a group of 35 state attorneys general to settle charges that the Tempe, Ariz.-based company made false claims that its product could prevent identity theft.</div><div>...

Recalls This Week

2010-03-12T14:16:36Z

In this product image provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a sample Therma Scarf imported by Telebrands Corp. of Fairfield, N.J., is shown. The scarves were recalled because the heat pack can overheat whe...

Fluke Recalls Noncontact Electrical Tester

2010-03-12T00:15:30Z

<div><p> Fluke Corp. is recalling about 33,000 "VoltAlert" voltage detectors. The testers can fail to give an indication of live voltage, resulting in the operator falsely believing the electrical power is off, posing a risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock or thermal burns. </p><p> </p><p>The Fluke voltage testers look like a pen with a yellow, white and gray body. The testers...

Gov't may seek more authority on vehicle safety

2010-03-11T17:00:24Z

<div id="subtitle">Government may seek more authority to regulate vehicle safety following Toyota recalls</div><div><p>Government vehicle safety regulators may seek greater authority to investigate defects in cars and trucks and are weighing a range of new safety requirements in response to Toyota's recall of more than 8 million vehicles over brake and acceleration problems.</p><p>...

Feds recall more children jewelry in cadmium probe

2010-03-11T16:45:56Z

<div id="subtitle">Federal government recalls more children's jewelry based on cadmium concerns</div><div><p>Federal safety regulators recalled a line of Christmas-themed bracelets Thursday, expanding their effort to purge children's jewelry boxes and store shelves of items containing high levels of the toxic metal cadmium.</p><p>The latest action by the U...