Current Events in June 2016

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2016

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    Asian Jade Customs Brokerage recalls sausage products

    The product did not undergo import inspection

    Asian Jade Customs Brokerage of Springfield Gardens, N.Y., is recalling approximately 762 pounds of imported sausage products that were not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection.

    There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

    The following heat-treated, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat dried pork sausage items, imported on June 3, 2016, are being recalled:

    • 5.29-lb. cases containing 4.23-oz. plastic wrapped packages of “SOKOLOW PORK KABANOS/ KABANOSY FRANCUSKLE.”

    The recalled products bear the Polish establishment number PL 30090201 WE, and lists the use by date “18/08/2016” and lot numbers “61391 61411 13,” “61391 61451 29,” or “61391 61411 22” on the back of the package.

    The products were produced between May 18 and 20, 2016, in Poland and shipped to a distributor and retail locations in New Jersey and New York.

    What to do

    Customers who purchased these products should not consume them, but throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

    Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Cathy Chiu Lam of Asian Jade Customs Brokerage at (718) 995-5030.

    Asian Jade Customs Brokerage of Springfield Gardens, N.Y., is recalling approximately 762 pounds of imported sausage products that were not presented at th...

    Hershey recalls SoFit products

    The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

    The Hershey Company is recalling three products sold under the SoFit brand.

    The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

    There have been no reports of illness to date.

    The following products are being recalled:

    • SoFit Protein Plus Sunflower Seeds Sea Salt with the following date codes: 72H, 72J, 79P, 82F, 82G, 82K, 82L
    • SoFit Protein Plus Pumpkin Seeds Sesame Garlic with the following date codes: 73B, 73C, 81P, 81R
    • SoFit Protein Plus Almonds Jalapeno Garlic with the following date codes: 72R, 73A, 79R, 82C, 82D

    What to do

    Customers who purchased any of the recalled products should not consume them, but destroy them.

    Consumers with questions may contact Hershey at 1-800-468-1714 or online at www.askhershey.com.

    The Hershey Company is recalling three products sold under the SoFit brand. The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. T...

    BMW is recalling vehicles with a front driveshaft universal joint issue

    The universal joint could fail, increasing the risk of a crash

    BMW of North America is recalling 21,493 model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5, 2010, to November 20, 2010; 2011 X5 xDrive35d diesel vehicles manufactured April 7, 2010, to November 20, 2010; and 2011 X6 Active Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 15, 2010, to November 17, 2010.

    The recalled vehicles have a front driveshaft universal joint that may not seal out water and debris from getting in and damaging the joint, which could lead to its failure.

    If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction. Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

    What to do

    BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 1, 2016.

    Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

    BMW of North America is recalling 21,493 model year 2011 X5 xDrive 35i, xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles manufactured April 5...

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      Your Amex card's no good at Costco anymore

      The warehouse chain has switched its allegiance to Visa cards

      What's in your wallet? If it's an American Express card and you're on your way to Costco, you may want to turn around and head for Walmart or Target. This is the day that Costco dumps Amex for Visa.

      Costco and Amex spent 16 good years together but, as sometimes happens with relationships, it just sort of fizzled out over time. And now, just as when humans split the blanket, the rest of us are left to deal with the fall-out.

      Costco members who previously had a Costco-issued American Express card should by now have received a new Costco/Citi Visa card in the mail -- officially called the Costco Anywhere Visa card.

      Those who have been using a non-Costco Amex? Well, they're out of luck. The only credit card being accepted at Costco today is Visa. It doesn't have to be from Citi, but it must be a Visa. 

      Debit cards are OK, whether they're Mastercard or Visa. Costco cash cards are also OK, as are checks, cash, and EBT. But not the spurned American Express. Costco has, in effect, taken out a restraining order barring Amex cards from its check-out lanes. 

      Costco advises customers left in the lurch to apply for the Citi Visa. If that includes you, you can do so at Costco.com, or by calling 1-800-324-3098. 

      Some Costco customers have noted that the warehouse chain has not exactly deluged them with information about the switch. A brief email today said:

      Starting today, Costco begins accepting all Visa credit cards, including the new Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, both in the warehouse and at Costco gas stations.

      American Express® cards will no longer be accepted.

      Short and sweet. Anyone who didn't happen onto the news through news reports or dumb luck might well be taken by surprise. Costco is notoriously stingy with information and has nothing at all in its press section about today's changeover other than glowing projections aimed at investors. 

      Some longtime Costco customers have vowed to go elsewhere, saying they simply don't want to give up their existing credit cards.

      "I'm a small business person and my American Express card is the only one I ever use for business expenses. I'll be damned if I'll take on the bother and risk of another card just to keep Costco happy," said an internet entrepreneur who said he had been a Costco member for "decades" but said he would cancel his Costco membership and do more of his business-related shopping at Amazon.

      Stirrings of discontent

      Other consumers upset about the change include a consumer named Robert, who emailed us about it today. 

      "I have closed my Costco account and just spent over an hour on the phone canceling my Citi Bank Visa card," Robert said. "This will now impact my credit rating for closing both the new Visa and American Express Card. (American Express representative told me months ago that they would be closing my current AMX/Costco card and I would get a new AMX card. It now turns out, that is not true)."

      We asked Robert why he didn't keep the Visa card. "I did not want another Visa card, especially from Citi Bank. I wanted my Amex card, with or without Costco. I had my Amex card long before it was tied to Costco," he said. "Mostly, I don't care for anyone deciding for me which credit cards I'll possess." 

      Glen of Fairfield, Calif., is unhappy with his new Citi card because it carries the RFID symbol, four wavy lines meant to symbolize radio waves.

      "It's an indicator that this card is capable of transmitting your card's data 24/7. All it takes is some creep, with the right equipment, to copy your card's data and cause you credit problems for years to come," Glen said in a ConsumerAffairs review. "I'm not fond of anything that is actively transmitting my info and I think it's unfair that I must buy or provide a protective sleeve or 'special' wallet to prevent the capture of my data."

      RFID not too unusual

      RFID cards are not all that unusual. An industry newsletter, the Nilson Report, estimates there are 35 million chip cards in circulation in the U.S. All three major U.S. credit card companies issue them, although the technology is more widely used by transit agencies to provide quick service at subway entrances. The technology is also becoming popular for security applications -- ID cards that admit their users to selected secure areas, for example. 

      How vulnerable the cards are to fraud depends on who you ask. Consumer Reports warned back in 2011 that the information on your card could be used to make unauthorized purchases and said that the equipment needed to intercept RFID transmission was readily available for less than $100.

      The advantage of RFID cards is that they are "contactless," meaning you don't have to swipe or insert your card in a reader, assuming you're at one of the few retailer locations using the technology. They're used mostly by retailers with lots of low-amount sales -- newsstands, coffee shops, and so forth, where customers tend to be in a hurry. 

      What's in your wallet? If it's an American Express card and you're on your way to Costco, you may want to turn around and head for Walmart or Target. This...

      Consumer groups say payday lending rule should have no loopholes

      Proposed exemptions would continue "business as usual" they charge

      A group of public interest groups, while generally applauding proposed federal rules to rein in payday lending, say the proposed rules should not be watered down.

      After analyzing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) proposed rule to limit payday and car title lending, the groups have issued a detailed critique, saying there are loopholes that would allow some lenders to continue making harmful loans with business as usual.

      The groups include the Center for Responsible Lending, the National Consumer Law Center, U.S. PIRG, and others.

      Common sense principal

      The groups say they are in favor of what they call the CFPB's “common sense principle” that lenders must determine whether a potential borrower has the ability to pay back the loan before agreeing to lend any money.

      The purpose is to make sure that once the loan becomes due in two weeks, the borrower doesn't have to take another loan to pay it back.

      The groups say that significant change would do three things:

      • It will make sure loans are affordable at the outset and do not set borrowers up for failure.
      • It will protect consumers in states without payday lending from industry efforts to roll back important interest rate caps.
      • It will create a level playing field for payday lenders, online lenders, and banks alike.

      Problem with exemptions

      So far, so good the groups say. But they have a problem with some exemptions that have been proposed to this standard. They say those exemptions would allow payday and car title lenders to continue making predatory loans that trap consumers in a a cycle of debt.

      The groups also cite new CFPB data that they say shows borrowers who get payday loans without proving they have the ability to repay default at high rates. In some cases, they say the default rates were as high as 40%.

      “A 40% failure rate for products such as cars, electronics, or others would not be considered safe, and the same is true here,” the groups said in a statement emailed to ConsumerAffairs. “And the default rate is only the tip of the iceberg, leaving out loans that trigger overdraft fees and difficulty meeting other expenses.”

      The groups also worry that exemptions approved by a federal agency would undermine the efforts of several states to crack down on predatory lending. There are 14 states, as well as the District of Columbia, where a cap on interest makes payday lending unprofitable.

      In short, the groups say there would be no exemptions to the “ability to repay” standard in the final rule. The public can comment on the proposed rule before September 14.

      A group of public interest groups, while generally applauding proposed federal rules to rein in payday lending, say the proposed rules should not be watere...

      $400 million on its way to e-book buyers

      Publishers and Apple paying twice the amount lost by consumers

      If you're a big reader, watch your mail and check your online e-book accounts closely. Apple and five big publishers are dishing out $400 million to consumers beginning tomorrow as a long-running antitrust class action suit concludes.

      The money, which will be disbursed beginning tomorrow, represents twice the amount consumers allegedly lost because of the actions of Apple and the publishers. 

      Consumers will receive a $6.93 credit for every e-book which was a New York Times bestseller, and a $1.57 credit for other e-books.

      The process is simple. Credits will be automatically applied to customers' accounts at major book retailers, including Amazon.com Inc., Barnes & Noble Inc., Kobo Inc., and Apple. Retailers will issue emails and put the credits in the accounts simultaneously.

      If e-book purchasers requested a check in lieu of a credit, they will receive a check. If purchasers received a credit during the first round of distribution of publisher settlements, and they did not opt out, they will automatically receive a credit.

      Big bucks

      The payout follows the Supreme Court's refusal to hear an appeal from Apple. It's one of the most successful damage recoveries ever achieved in an antrust suit.

      “To make this settlement effective and accessible for consumers, our team faced a sizable undertaking that entailed almost constant contact with the retailers to make sure the credits will be applied to consumer accounts across the country,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman, the lead plaintiffs law firm. “This is the second round of distribution in the case, and we believe the only case in the country to have so much money returned directly to consumers.”

      Hagens Berman litigated the case jointly with the United States Department of Justice and attorneys general from 33 U.S. states and territories.

      The suit alleged that Apple illegally colluded with a group of five publishing companies to manipulate the e-book market by artificially raising the price of e-books, lowering competition, and charging consumers higher prices.

      If you're a big reader, watch your mail and check your online e-book accounts closely. Apple and five big publishers are dishing out $400 million to consum...

      Which garden hoses contain the highest levels of toxic chemicals?

      Researchers examined 32 hoses from six different retailers

      Could you be watering your lawn with toxic lead and phthalate chemicals? According to new data, the answer may be yes.

      Researchers at the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center recently followed-up their 2013 study, which examined hazardous substances in common consumer items, with data on toxic chemicals in gardening products -- specifically, lawn and garden hoses.

      Thirty-two hoses were tested for the presence of chemicals such as lead, cadmium, bromine, chlorine, and phthalates. The results of the study indicated that high levels of toxic lead and phthalate chemicals are still lurking in many garden hoses.

      Experts recommend steering clear of hoses containing toxic chemicals, as they have been linked to health problems such as birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births, and early puberty in laboratory animals.

      “Even if you actively avoid putting harmful chemicals into your yard or garden in the form of pesticides, you could still be adding hazardous chemicals into your soil by watering with one of these hoses,” said Gillian Miller, Ph.D, staff scientist at the Ecology Center, in a statement.

      Best and worst products

      The good news, Miller adds, is that there are a number of safe hoses available. Safe, top-rated products were all polyurethane hoses.

      The following hoses were rated among the best:  

      • Big Boss AquaStream Ultra Light
      • Pocket Hose Dura-Rib II
      • Room Essentials Coil Hose with Multi Pattern Nozzle
      • Water Right Professional Coil Garden Hose

      Some hoses didn't fare as well, however. Examples of the worst products include:

      • HDX 15-foot Utility Hose, from the Home Depot: The product contained phthalate plasticizers and 6.8% (68,000 parts per million) lead.
      • Swan Hose Reel Leader 5/8 in x 6 ft Hose, from Walmart: The product contained phthalate plasticizers and 0.52% (5,200 parts per million) lead.
      • Apex NeverKink 5/8 in x 50 ft, from Lowes: The product contained a mixture of chemical hazards commonly associated with e-waste: phthalate plasticizers, lead (366 ppm), antimony (1,779 ppm) and bromine (1,592 ppm).

      Could you be watering your lawn with toxic lead and phthalate chemicals? According to new data, the answer may be yes. Researchers at the Ann Arbor-bas...

      Adobe's economic measure differs from the government's

      The Digital Price Index show signs of deflation

      In the same week the U.S. Labor Department released its May Consumer Price Index (CPI), showing a slight rise in prices, Adobe issued its Digital Price Index (DPI) showing prices are continuing to fall.

      Can both be right? They can, because it appears that in this economy there are always some things that cost people more, while some things cost less. Depending on what it is you are buying, you could encounter inflation or deflation.

      Adobe's DPI tracks billions of actual online transactions to gather its data. The government's CPI is based on consumer surveys that are designed to approximate sales in each product category.

      Adobe says its DPI reveals deflation – prices that are going down, not up – in most of the tracked consumer goods. In May, Adobe found prices for appliances, computers, flights, furniture, sporting goods, TVs, and toys went down in price by as little as 2.8% or as much as 19.7%.

      The government's official statistics, the CPI, reported year-over-year deflation between 0.3% and 16.1% for these categories. It also found airfares went up 0.4%.

      Tablet prices are falling

      Consumer electronics prices went down 1.4%, led by a 3.7% price decline for tablets. Sporting goods prices fell by 0.4%. But it you travel a lot, you likely encountered higher prices. Air travel cost 4.1% more in May than in April and hotel rooms cost 0.7% more.

      Adobe looks at other digital data to draw conclusions on other aspects of the economy, and its picture is somewhat different than the one drawn by the government.

      For example, the DPI suggests more people are looking for jobs. It draws that conclusion from counting visits to employment search sites. The latest analysis shows an increase from April to May in those job site visits and points to potentially higher unemployment rates than reported.

      Housing weakness

      It also measures the housing market. By tracking two billion visits to real estate marketplace sites in the last year, the DPI found that online searches for housing purchases and rentals have slowed.

      The DPI also tracks price movements within categories, breaking it down between high priced items and low priced items. In May, Adobe said most consumer categories saw the biggest price declines among lower priced models.

      “This tremendous amount of data reveals further deflation, higher unemployment, and more weakness in the housing market than current reports suggest,” said Adobe VP Mickey Mericle.

      That's not necessarily good news. While consumers like low prices, economists worry that deflation shows a lack of demand in the economy, which can signal the onset of a recession.

      In the same week the U.S. Labor Department released its May Consumer Price Index (CPI), showing a slight rise in prices, Adobe issued its Digital Price Ind...

      Gas prices headed lower

      The biggest declines are occurring in the Midwest

      Just in time for the official start of summer, gasoline prices are headed lower again. After steadily rising since March, the national average of self-serve regular appears to have peaked.

      The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey reports that the national average price is $2.33 a gallon, down about four cents from a week ago. Prices are falling even faster in parts of the Midwest.

      In fact, the dramatic price declines in Michigan and Ohio may be mostly responsible for pulling the national average price lower. The statewide average price of gasoline in Ohio is down 18 cents in the last seven days. It's 14 cents lower in Michigan.

      And prices in the region may go even lower. Over the weekend, Gasbuddy senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaaan Tweeted advice to motorists not to fill their tanks just yet.

      “ALERT: Motorists in Great Lakes should AVOID filling their tanks completely as #gasprices in MI/IN/OH/WI should fall 10-30c over next 2 wks,” DeHaan wrote.

      In truth, prices in the Midwest had raced far ahead of the national average after there were reports of refinery issues in Michigan. Whatever problems there were got quickly resolved, so supply issues did not materialize.

      However, AAA notes that before they began their dramatic decline, gasoline prices in the Midwest were rivaling averages typically experienced by drivers on the West Coast.

      Oil prices may have peaked, for now

      Also putting downward pressure on prices at the pump is a recent decline in crude oil prices. After nudging past $50 a barrel, oil prices were down about 2% last week.

      Demand has risen steadily and the huge glut of both oil and gasoline has gotten smaller, but supplies are still plentiful and U.S. production, which has been suspended amid falling prices, can quickly resume.

      Gasoline prices are following recent seasonal patterns. After rising at the end of the winter, as refineries perform maintenance and switch over to summer gasoline blends, prices usually begin falling again as the Independence Day holiday approaches. That appears to be what is happening this year as well.

      According to the latest from AAA, the cheapest gasoline in the nation can be found in South Carolina, where the statewide average is $2.03 a gallon. The most expensive fuel is still found in California, where the statewide average is $2.85 a gallon.

      Just in time for the official start of summer, gasoline prices are headed lower again. After steadily rising since March, the national average of self-serv...

      Whirlpool partners with Innit for its new connected ovens

      Innit software creates an interactive cooking experience with no guesswork

      Whirlpool’s new connected ovens may be the non-skilled home cook's recipe for success.

      The appliance manufacturer recently announced its upcoming line of Jenn-Air wall ovens, which will incorporate software that can sense what you’re cooking and recommend cooking settings.

      The digitally-enhanced ovens are the result of a collaboration between Whirlpool and Innit software, a Silicon Valley startup founded in 2013. Together, the companies are seeking to bring to market an oven that can help consumers reduce mealtime stress via digital innovation.

      Instructions and recipes

      The ovens -- which can sense the weight, temperature, and type of food inside -- will be able to dish up step-by-step preparation instructions.

      And whether it’s taste or diet that must be catered to, Innit’s apps can help by offering access recipes tailored to a consumers’ unique preferences.

      The new software platform "adds powerful and intuitive ways of connecting food to the kitchen," said Brett Dibkey, Vice President of Integrated Business Units at Whirlpool Corporation, in a statement.

      Wireless connectivity has been a big focus of Whirlpool in recent years. In addition to coming out with app-controlled appliances, the company announced earlier this year its collaboration with Nest on Wi-Fi enabled ranges and ovens.

      Its Innit-incorporated Jenn-Air brand wall ovens are expected to be available sometime during the first half of 2017.

      Whirlpool’s new connected ovens may be the non-skilled home cook's recipe for success. The appliance manufacturer recently announced its upcoming line...

      Great Grains Protein Blend – Honey, Oats & Seeds cereal recalled

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Post Consumer Brands is recalling a limited quantity of its Great Grains Protein Blend – Honey, Oats & Seeds cereal.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      No illnesses have been reported to date

      The following items, identified by a “Best when used by” code printed on the top of the box, are being recalled:

      • AUG1416
      • NOV1016
      • AUG1516
      • NOV1116
      • AUG1616
      • NOV1216
      • AUG1716
      • FEB1817
      • NOV0916
      • FEB1917

      The recalled products were sold through retail stores nationwide.

      What to do

      Customers should not consume these products, but return them to the place of purchase for a refund, or discarded.

      Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-431-7678, Monday through Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00 PM (ET) or online at www.postconsumerbrands.com/greatgrains

      Post Consumer Brands is recalling a limited quantity of its Great Grains Protein Blend – Honey, Oats & Seeds cereal. The products may be contaminat...

      Creative Snacks expands recall of sunflower seed products

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Creative Snacks of Greensboro, N.C., is expanding its earlier recall of specific lot codes of bulk and packaged sunflower seed products.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      No illnesses have been reported to date.

      The following products, distributed to retailers nationwide and sold in a variety of formats including plastic rigid containers, small re-sealable bags and in bulk, are being recalled:

      Item DescriptionUPCLot NumberBest Before Date
      Creative Snacks Co. Brain Food – 3.5 oz Snack Bag8165120151246496010816
      6487010416
      6457121015
      6640120315
      6634120115
      6604111215
      6584110215
      6516011516
      6564102215
      6531011916
      6535100515
      6523093015
      6520092915
      6601092515
      6563090415
      6555012816
      6515081015
      6569020816
      6504080415
      6576021116
      6504080315
      6500073015
      6598022316
      6454070715
      6467071515
      6483072415
      6487072715
      6625030816
      6641031516
      6659032416
      6680033116
      6698040516
      61316
      61352
      11/3/2016
      10/30/2016
      10/5/2016
      9/28/2016
      9/26/2016
      9/7/2016
      8/28/2016
      11/10/2016
      8/17/2016
      11/14/2016
      7/31/2016
      7/26/2016
      7/25/2016
      7/21/2016
      6/30/2016
      11/23/2016
      6/5/2016
      12/4/2016
      5/30/2016
      12/7/2016
      5/29/2016
      5/25/2016
      12/19/2016
      5/2/2016
      5/10/2016
      5/19/2016
      5/22/2016
      1/2/2017
      1/9/2017
      1/18/2017
      1/25/2017
      1/30/2017
      3/6/2017
      3/10/2017
      Creative Snacks Co. Brain Food – Virgin Air – 3.5 oz Snack Bag8165120151246493010616
      6497010816
      6478122315
      6619111915
      6612111815
      6613111815
      6500011116
      6532012016
      11/1/2016
      11/3/2016
      10/18/2016
      9/14/2016
      9/13/2016
      9/13/2016
      11/6/2016
      11/15/2016
      Creative Snacks Co. Brain Food - 10 lb. Bulk8165120130214632112015
      4554101215
      4403080615
      1362070615
      1404072015
      1441073015
      4403080615
      1473081015
      1614082415
      1642090315
      1664091015
      1706092315
      1752100715
      4554101215
      1797102215
      4632112015
      1911120315
      1987010516
      1072020416
      1098021716
      1180031016
      4870032116
      4895033016
      4910040416
      1285041316
      61331
      The Fresh Market Brain Food – 25 lb bulkn/a1404072015
      1072020416
      1180031016
      1285041316
      1180031016
      1205032216
      1242033116
      1285041316
      61240
      The Fresh Market Brain Food – 9.5 oz cup737094218270306703091611/4/2016
      Creative Snacks Co. Brain Food – 9.5 oz cup8559830020732430010716
      2417122915
      2414122815
      2361121015
      2359120915
      2331120715
      2494112515
      2468111615
      2426102815
      2466011416
      2396102015
      2379101515
      2481012016
      2348100815
      2293092315
      2273091415
      2251090815
      2241090315
      2213082715
      2184081915
      2519012816
      2145080415
      2556021016
      2584021916
      2602022416
      2139073015
      2050070715
      2063071015
      2080071415
      2099072115
      2125072715
      2675030316
      2704031016
      2711031416
      2766032416
      2816040416
      2912041716
      61313
      61247
      9/3/2016
      8/25/2016
      8/24/2016
      8/6/2016
      8/5/2016
      8/3/2016
      7/22/2016
      7/13/2016
      6/24/2016
      9/10/2016
      6/16/2016
      6/11/2016
      9/16/2016
      6/4/2016
      5/20/2016
      5/11/2016
      5/5/2016
      4/30/2016
      4/23/2016
      4/15/2016
      9/24/2016
      3/31/2016
      10/7/2016
      10/16/2016
      10/21/2016
      3/26/2016
      3/3/2016
      3/6/2016
      3/10/2016
      3/17/2016
      3/23/2016
      10/29/2016
      11/5/2016
      11/9/2016
      11/19/2016
      11/30/2016
      12/13/2016
      1/5/2017
      12/29/2016
      Publishers Clearing House – Brain Food – 8 oz bagn/a6525093015
      6475072115
      5/27/2016
      3/17/2016
      The Fresh Market Healthy Snackin' – 25 lb bulkn/a1368070715
      1150080315
      1594081715
      1629090115
      1733100215
      1787102015
      1839110915
      4655120215
      1905120215
      4674120915
      1932120915
      1968121815
      1003011116
      1077020816
      1096021716
      1142022616
      1167030816
      1203032216
      1224032916
      Plentiful Planet Heart Smart Mix – 25 lb bulk0306847102851440073015
      1641090315
      1796102215
      1861111815
      1900120115
      1224032916
      1156030316
      1204032216
      Publishers Clearing House - Heart Smart Mix – 8 oz bagn/a6451070715
      6572021016
      6710041216
      61185
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      Creative Snacks Co. Heart Smart – 3.5 oz Snack Bags8165120121306453070715
      6470071615
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      Creative Snacks Co. Heart Smart – 9.5 oz cup8559830020662049070715
      2079071415
      2096072115
      2124072715
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      Creative Snacks Co. Heart Smart Mix – 10 lb bulk8165120130144337070915
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      Creative Snacks Co. Roasted, No Salt Sunflower Seeds – 9 oz cup8165120112942741032216
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      Creative Snacks Co. Roasted, No Salt Sunflower Seeds – 10 lb bulk8165120114234900033116
      Plentiful Planet Roasted, No Salt Sunflower Seeds – 25 lb bulk0774204177944420081715
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      Plentiful Planet Roasted, No Salt Sunflower Seeds – 10 lb bulk0774200008804410081015
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      Creative Snacks Co. Sunny Day Splendor – 10 lb bulk8165120146531406072115
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      Creative Snacks Co. Sunny Day Splendor – 10 oz cup8165120109832524120415
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      7/31/2016
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      Creative Snacks Co. Hold the Salt! – 10 lb bulk8165120112011296041516
      Creative Snacks Co. Hold the Salt! – 8.5 oz cup8165120110342348120815
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      Creative Snacks Co. Roasted, Salted Sunflower Seeds – 10 lb bulk8165120138924745012616
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      Plentiful Planet Roasted, Salted Sunflower Seeds – 10 lb bulk0774200008734797021116
      4774020916
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      Creative Snacks Co. Roasted, Salted Sunflower Seeds – 9 oz cup8165120112182468011916
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      9/15/2016
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      Best before dates can be found on bottom lower right corner of rigid containers and the back lower right corner of re-sealable snack bags.

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them. But return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

      Consumers with questions may contact the company at 336-668-4151 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

      Creative Snacks of Greensboro, N.C., is expanding its earlier recall of specific lot codes of bulk and packaged sunflower seed products. The produc...

      Southeast Toyota Distributors recalls Camry, Highlander, Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles

      The vehicles may have an incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label

      Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) is recalling 2,520 model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles.

      The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

      An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall will begin on July 14, 2016.

      Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

      Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) is recalling 2,520 model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles....

      NoGii recalls Nuts About Berries Paleo Bars

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      NoGii is recalling its Nuts About Berries Paleo Bars.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      The company says it has received no reports of illness to date.

      The recalled product may have been sold as a single 1.4-oz. (42-g) bar UPC # 856513002259 or in a pack of 9 UPC #856513002273 nationwide through retail stores and numerous online websites. The lot number B.B 03APR17 F3 3375 is located on the back side of the package flap above the nutritional facts.

      What to do

      Customers who purchased this product should not eat it, but return it to the store where purchased for an exchange or full refund.

      Consumers may can contact NoGii at 704-995-4541 between 9 am and 5 pm (EST) for by emailing the company at info@nogii.com

      NoGii is recalling its Nuts About Berries Paleo Bars. The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes The company says it has ...

      Chevrolet Sonic, Trax and Spark vehicles recalled

      The seatbelt and ignition warning chime may not function properly

      General Motors is recalling 18,780 model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio.

      The radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten the seatbelt or leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."

      Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten the seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

      What to do

      GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.

      Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.

      General Motors is recalling 18,780 model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio....

      Bounce USA recalls Apple Cinnamon Protein Punch Energy Balls

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Bounce USA of Bend, Ore., is recalling Bounce Apple Cinnamon Protein Punch Energy Balls (newly named Apple Cinnamon Protein Energy Balls).

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      The company says there are no reports of illnesses to date.

      The following products, distributed nationwide through retail stores and on-line through Amazon.com between November 4, 2015, and June 6, 2016, are being recalled:. No other Bounce products are affected:

      • Bounce 1.48 oz. (42g) Apple Cinnamon Protein Punch Energy Balls, Product UPC Codes are 852949003723 (individual packs) and 852949003730 (12-unit boxes)  Best Before Dates 04SEP16 and 12NOV16
      • Bounce 42g Apple Cinnamon Protein Energy Balls Best Before Dates: 23 DEC16, 10 JAN17, 22 FEB17, 31MAR17

      Product UPC codes are 852949003723 (individual packs) and 852949003730 (12-unit boxes).

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but dispose of them.

      Consumers with questions may contact the company at 855-441-8966 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (PST) or by email at feedbackusa@bouncelifestyle.com.

      Bounce USA of Bend, Ore., is recalling Bounce Apple Cinnamon Protein Punch Energy Balls (newly named Apple Cinnamon Protein Energy Balls). The prod...

      Travel insurance provides some security in a risky world

      Illness, accidents and other emergencies can cost you bigtime if you don't insure properly

      Two weeks before our cruise to Australia and New Zealand, my husband realized we forgot to purchase travel insurance. We had booked through a new travel agent and she had not reminded us. We kept our fingers crossed we would not need to cancel and were relieved to arrive safely in New Zealand.

      On the third day of our cruise, a fellow traveler shared that he was frantically packing to leave the ship. On their way to breakfast that morning his wife missed a step, fell, and broke her hip. She would be in a hospital in Tauranga, New Zealand for at least one week. Belatedly we realized we were not safe; we could have a mishap at any time during the trip and all we had was our medical insurance.

      We were lucky and so was a friend. She purchased travel insurance for the very first time prior to a vacation in India. She got sick; the hotel called a doctor who accompanied her to the hospital for a CT scan which revealed a life-threatening intestinal blockage. The hospital was in such bad condition my friend chose to fly home to seek emergency surgery.

      Her travel insurance paid her medical bills and trip interruption, but would not reimburse the change in airfare. The fine print of the policy stated they would only cover medivac transportation.

      Should you buy travel insurance?

      Travel agents, tour companies, and cruise-line agents all sell insurance and they will suggest it. Travel insurance is a billion-dollar industry and travel agents and other tour companies get a commission for selling policies. Here are some things to consider:

      No matter what you are booking, get a copy of the cancellation policy and read it carefully.  Ask questions, ensuring that you fully understand the restrictions.

      Do you already have insurance? Check to see if your health, auto, or life insurance or homeowner’s policy gives you coverage. Credit cards are another source of protection. Review and document all your actual coverage.

      Evaluate the airfare and the restrictions. Some will allow you to cancel and re-book for a small fee or even refund your miles if you are using your frequent flyer program. If you choose a nonrefundable airfare, accept the risks.  

      If booking a hotel, check to see how far in advance you can cancel and whether there is a penalty.

      When booking a total package, for example -- a guided tour or a river cruise, consider cancellation policies carefully. The trips can be expensive and depending on the cancellation and emergency, you may risk losing a lot of money.

      If purchasing travel insurance, consider building in extra days for departure and return; schedules may change and you want to make sure the coverage is in effect for your total trip.

      How to purchase insurance

      Evaluate all the risk factors when considering travel insurance, including pre-existing conditions. Feel free to get a quote from your travel agent or tour provider and then do some homework.  

      The website www.travel-insurance-review.toptenreviews.com compares travel insurance carriers for you. Another site, InsureMyTrip.com, provides coverage comparisons based on your trip specifics for over 20 major carriers. You can then choose a carrier and speak directly to a sales agent. With information in hand, you are in a position to make an informed decision.

      Traveling these days is loaded with risk. Whether you are willing to forfeit your deposits and payments may well determine whether travel insurance is right for you.

      Two weeks before our cruise to Australia and New Zealand, my husband realized we forgot to purchase travel insurance. We had booked through a new travel ag...

      Philadelphia votes to tax most sweetened beverages

      Beverage makers say they'll challenge the tax in court

      Philadelphia has become the first major city to impose a tax on beverages, a measure aimed at raising revenue as much as it is at resolving health issues.

      The council voted 13-4 to impose a 1.5 cents per ounce tax on any sweetened beverage, including diet sodas using no-calorie artificial sweeteners, according to Philly.com. That means a diet drink with no calories would be taxed but a container of milk or 50% fruit juice, which contain calories but no added sweetener, would not be taxed.

      The tax also excludes alcoholic beverages, which have their own set of taxes.

      The American Beverage Association fought the proposed ordinance and said it unfairly singles out beverages, including those that don't contain calories.

      “But most importantly, it is against the law, the association said in a statement. “So we will side with the majority of the people of Philadelphia who oppose this tax and take legal action to stop it.”

      $91 million in revenue

      Philadelphia's mayor projects the tax will raise about $91 million per year in revenue, which would be used to fund a number of anti-poverty and education programs. The tax goes into effect January 1.

      The American Beverage Association said it believes it will prevail in court, and in the court of public opinion.

      “The fact remains that these taxes are discriminatory and highly unpopular - not only with Philadelphians, but with all Americans,” the association said. “Similar tax proposals have been rejected 43 times across the country in the past eight years, including twice in Philadelphia.”

      Other cities

      It may not have passed a tax, but the San Francisco City Council passed an ordinance requiring warnings on sugary beverages last month. The warning states that “drinking beverages with added sugar contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.”

      Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg famously imposed a ban on the sale of super-size soft drinks in 2012, only to have a judge overturn his edict a year later.

      According to the judge, the regulations were "fraught with arbitrary and capricious consequences," partly because they would have barred restaurants, food carts, delis, theaters and stadiums from selling sugary drinks in containers larger than 16 ounces while supermarkets and convenience stores would not have been affected.  

      Philadelphia has become the first major city to impose a tax on beverages, a measure aimed at raising revenue as much as it is at resolving health issues....

      Poor sleep at night leads to worsened moods in teens

      One study shows that restricted sleep can lead to increased feelings of nervousness, sadness, and anger in adolescents

      Parents with teenagers know very well that they can be moody at times, but is that grumpy attitude being caused by lack of sleep? Researchers from the American Academy of Sleep think this might be the case.

      In a new study, the researchers found that adolescents who don’t get enough sleep are more susceptible to sudden changes in mood and energy. Specifically, they say that feelings of sadness and anger, along with low energy and sleepiness, are increased when sleep is restricted.

      Emotional and mental fatigue

      The researchers examined 97 health adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17 for the study. Participants were put on two different sleep cycles in a randomized, counterbalanced order. Five nights of this schedule included restricted sleep of 6.5 hours in bed, while the other five nights included extended sleep, or 10 hours in bed. A two-night “wash-out” period was placed in between each sleeping condition.

      Each participant was asked to report on their feelings throughout the study to see what impact sleep had on their mental and emotional state. Specifically, they asked about factors like sadness, anger, nervousness, energy, fatigue, ability to concentrate, and sleepiness each day.

      Of these factors, the researchers found that restricted sleep led to more variability in sadness, anger, and sleepiness compared to periods of extended sleep. They also found that a worsened mood due to restricted sleep had a negative impact on the following night’s sleep.

      Promoting healthy sleep habits

      The researchers believe that these results might explain some of the real problems that adolescents face on a day-to-day basis.

      “These results are important because variability in mood and emotional dysregulation can interfere with social, school, and behavioral functioning, and may contribute to the development of more severe psychopathology,” said Dr. Dean Beebe, senior author of the study.

      “The promising aspect of this finding is that sleep can be modified and by promoting healthy sleep we could potentially prevent the development and/or maintenance of more serious mental health problems for some teens.”

      The study’s abstract has been published in the journal Sleep, but the researchers will be presenting the full study at SLEEP 2016, an annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS).

      Parents with teenagers know very well that they can be moody at times, but is that grumpy attitude being caused by lack of sleep? Researchers from the Amer...