Fabric Protector Recalled Due to Respiratory Hazard

Claire-Sprayway Inc. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of Fabric Protector.  Overexposure to fumes, vapor or spray mist from the product can pose a serious respiratory hazard to consumers.
The firm has received 36 incidents of overexposure to fumes, vapor or spray mist, 34 of which involved coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. One incident resulted in a serious respiratory injury.

The fabric protector was sold under the following brand names: Sprayway® No. 980 Industrial Fabric Protector; 3D Fabric Protector; Auto Brite Fabric Protector Guardatela; Auto Magic® Fabric Protector No. 91-S; Crystal Aire Products #680 Fabric Protector; Falcon Labs® Spotless Fabric Protector; Quiltprotect™ Spray; Robbie’s™ Fabric Shield; Showcar Fabric Protector and Simoniz® System 5 Stain Sentry Fabric Protector. The can size is 13.5 oz., and the product code is located on the bottom of the can.

The product was sold at automotive supply, auto detailing, upholstery, textiles, furniture and fabric stores nationwide from January 2005 through August 2010 for about $10.

Munchkin Recalls Bathtub Toys Due to Injury Risk

Munchkin and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a voluntary recall of Bathtub Subs do to a laceration hazard.  The toy submarine's bottom can suck up loose skin and injure children.  CPSC and the company are aware of 19 incidents of lacerations to boys' genital area. One of the incidents required medical attention.

This recall involves battery-operated bathtub submarine toys. The toy is yellow, has a smiling face, turquoise windows, an orange propeller and an orange periscope that turns the toy on and off. The intake valve has a water pump that sucks in water to propel the submarine. The toy is intended for use by children during bath time.

The submarine was sold at retail and children's stores nationwide from November 2009 through September 2010 for about $7.

Help Local Families this Thanksgiving with Tons of Turkeys

As part of the Messa & Associate's mission to help the local community, the firm made a donation to Tons of Turkeys.  The local, family-run nonprofit helps provide turkeys to 100s of underprivileged families throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs.  To learn more about the organization and make a contribution, visit www.tonsofturkeys.org.

Defective Drugs--Digitek

Even after a drug is known to be defective, it can pose a threat to consumers.  This is the case with Digitek.  A lawsuit has been filed against manufacturers Totowa and Mylan Pharmaceuticals, stating the companies knew the drug was defective yet still released it in "safer" single doses.  Allegedly, the plaintiff's son received a double dose and died.  The prosecution believes the manufacturers had the responsibility to design, manufacture and sell safe drugs to the public. 

Meridia--Higher Chance of Problems than Benefits

The prescription weight loss drug Meridia was withdrawn from the US market last month. The drug, manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, is linked to heart problems including heart attacks and strokes. While these were among the reported side effects, the FDA could no longer justify the drug after comparing Meridia's weight loss benefits to the risks.


A study found when taking the drug a person's chance of stroke, heart attack and death increases by 16% compared to those taking a placebo. In comparison, there was only a 2.5% body weight difference. Since, the FDA encouraged Abbott Laboratories to voluntarily recall Meridia.

Electrolux and Frigidaire ICON Recall

Due to a fire Hazard, Frigidaire and Electrolux ICON have issued a voluntary recall of the Smoothtop Electric Cooktops and Frigidaire Slide-in Ranges with digital displays and rotary knobs.  The products were manufactured by Electrolux Home Products Inc. 

Electrolux has received reports of liquids gathering under the control knob and causing the surface heating element to turn on unexpectedly, heat to high temperatures and then turn off.  This malfunction poses a burn hazard to users and fire hazard. 

The serial and model numbers for the cooktop models can be found on the underside of the surface.  For the slide-in ranges, numbers can be found inside the oven door on the left.  The recalled products' model and serial numbers are:

Honda Recall

Honda Motor Co. announced they are recalling vehicles due to brake fluid leaks, which can lead to weaker braking power.  Some brake fluid types negatively affect the brake's master cylinder seal. About 500,000 vehicles are being recalled.  The affected cars are 2005-2007 Acura RL sedans and 2005-2007 Odyssey minivans.