Current Events in October 2019

Browse Current Events by year

2019

Browse Current Events by month

Get trending consumer news and recalls

    By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Thanks for subscribing.

    You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

    Economists speak out against T-Mobile merger with Sprint

    Concern revolves around low-cost wireless plans for low-income consumers

    In the eleventh hour, opponents have emerged to object to T-Mobile’s proposed merger with Sprint.

    The Justice Department signed off on the merger in July but opponents haven’t stopped their campaign against it. But the government’s approval came with a complicated set of requirements aimed at transforming Dish Network into a wireless operator.

    The Justice Department approved the merger over the summer when it concluded that Dish would build a low-cost network that would take the place of Sprint.

    But a group of seven economists and antitrust experts say the court should reject the DOJ’s proposed solution, calling it “doomed to failure” and “a remedy that does not meet the standard of restoring the competition currently provided by Sprint.”

    The seven economists say that for the next seven years, anyone signing up for Dish Network service will be getting rebranded T-Mobile service, which the economists contend is not actual competition.

    The economists argue that it’s not even a sure bet that Dish will ever actually build its own network -- and even if it does, it’s all but certain that network won’t reach as many people as Sprint.

    Last-minute attempt

    The economists’ filing is a last-minute attempt to convince the court to block the government’s approval of the merger before it takes effect. The proposed settlement has to be approved in court as serving the public interest.

    For T-Mobile, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If the court determines the merger doesn’t serve the public interest, it could have to start all over again.

    The economists who signed the letter urging the government to block the deal says the facts are on their side. Hal Singer, an economist at Georgetown University, says the government needs to prove that reducing the number of wireless carriers from four to three won’t harm consumers.

    In the eleventh hour, opponents have emerged to object to T-Mobile’s proposed merger with Sprint.The Justice Department signed off on the merger in Jul...

    The price of gasoline fell slightly over the last week

    But prices remain high in California and parts of the West

    The price of gasoline drifted lower in the last week, though prices in several western states -- notably California -- moved higher.

    The AAA Fuel Gauge Survey shows the national average price of regular gas is $2.64, two cents lower than last Friday. That’s eight cents higher than a month ago. The average price of premium is $3.25 a gallon, about the same as last week. The average price of diesel fuel is $3.00 a gallon, a penny less than last week.

    Drivers in California are feeling the most pain. After the previous week’s 31 cents a gallon surge, the average price at the pump in California this week is another three cents higher. The state has suffered from refinery bottlenecks that appear to have spread to other western states. The average price in Nevada is up seven cents a gallon and is six cents higher in Oregon.

    Prices remain the cheapest in the Southeast, with South Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi coming in as the best places to fill up this weekend.

    Prices normally go down at this time of year, but consumer demand remains high. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported Thursday that demand last week was 323,000 barrels a day more than the previous week. That drew down gasoline supplies by 1.2 million barrels.

    Fortunately for consumers, oil prices have continued to decline this week as traders worry that the ongoing trade dispute with China will eventually push the world into a recession.

    The states with the most expensive regular gas

    These states currently have the highest prices for regular gas, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Survey:

    • California ($4.18)

    • Hawaii ($3.67)

    • Nevada ($3.44)

    • Washington ($3.31)

    • Oregon ($3.21)

    • Alaska ($3.00)

    • Arizona ($2.91)

    • Utah ($2.77)

    • Idaho ($2.77)

    • Illinois ($2.75)

    The states with the cheapest regular gas

    The survey found these states currently have the lowest prices for regular gas:

    • South Carolina ($2.26)

    • Louisiana ($2.27)

    • Mississippi ($2.27)

    • Texas ($2.29)

    • Alabama ($2.30)

    • Arkansas ($2.31)

    • Virginia ($2.31)

    • Missouri ($2.31)

    • Oklahoma ($2.32)

    • Tennessee ($2.35)

    The price of gasoline drifted lower in the last week, though prices in several western states -- notably California -- moved higher.The AAA Fuel Gauge...

    BMW recalls model year 2020 X3 and X4 vehicles

    The front axle swivel bearings may break

    BMW of North America is recalling 368 model year 2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles.

    The front axle swivel bearings may not have been properly heat treated during manufacturing, reducing their strength and possibly causing them to break.

    Broken swivel bearings can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    What to do

    BMW has notified owners and instructed them to not drive their vehicles. Dealers will replace the front axle swivel bearings free of charge.

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

    BMW of North America is recalling 368 model year 2020 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X4 xDrive30i and X4 M40i vehicles.The front axle swivel bear...

    Get trending consumer news and recalls

      By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Thanks for subscribing.

      You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

      Kawasaki Motors USA recalls lawn mower engines

      The fuel injector can leak excessive amounts of fuel into the engine

      Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., of Maryville, Mo., is recalling about 950 lawn mower engines.

      The fuel injector can leak excessive amounts of fuel into the engine, posing burn and fire hazards.

      No incidents or injuries are reported.

      This recall involves Kawasaki engines used in riding lawn mowers sold under the Ferris brand name with mower model number IS 2100Z ZTR and the Cub Cadet Pro Z 760 LKW EFI .

      The recalled engines are model year 2017 and 2018 Kawasaki FX850V-EFI series, including models FX850V-AS44 with serial number range FX850VB19736-FX850VB44147 and FX850V-AS47 with serial number range FX850VB20733-FX850VB40776. “Kawasaki FX850V EFI” is printed on the engine fan housing. The engine model and serial number are located on the engine fan housing.

      The engines, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at Kawasaki dealers and lawn and garden stores nationwide from June 2017, through August 2019, for about $2,800 for the engines sold separately, and for between $10,000 and $12,000 for mowers with the engines.

      What to do

      Consumers should immediately stop using mowers with the recalled engines and contact Kawasaki or a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

      Consumers may contact Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 836-4463 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday or online at www.kawasakienginesusa.com and click on “Product Recall” at the bottom of the page for more information.

      Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., of Maryville, Mo., is recalling about 950 lawn mower engines.The fuel injector can leak excessive amounts of fuel...

      Ample Hills Manufacturing recalls Peppermint Pattie Ice Cream

      The product may contain peanut, an allergen not declared on the label

      Ample Hills Manufacturing of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling all half pints of Peppermint Pattie Ice Cream.

      The product may contain peanut, an allergen not declared on the label.

      No illnesses have been reported to date.

      The recalled product, with the lot code of 19169 and Best by Date of 6/18/20 (80z) (236ml), was sold in Ample Hills Creamery Scoop Shops in Los Feliz, California, and Aventura, Florida.

      In addition, it was sold in the following Ample Hills East Coast Scoop Locations:

      • Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York
      • Jersey City, New Jersey
      • Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, New York
      • Gowanus, Brooklyn, New York
      • Fire Boat House, Dumbo Brooklyn, New York
      • Dekalb Market Hall, Downtown Brooklyn, New York
      • Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York
      • Riis Park- The Bathhouse, Queens, New York
      • Riis Park- Beach Bazar, Queens, New York
      • Bubby’s Highline, Manhattan, New York
      • Chelsea, Manhattan, New York
      • Gotham West Market, Manhattan, New York
      • Astoria, Queens, New York

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

      Consumers with questions may contact the company at (240) 595-2508 from 9am – 5pm (EST) Monday – Friday, or by email at press@amplehills.com.

      Ample Hills Manufacturing of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling all half pints of Peppermint Pattie Ice Cream.The product may contain peanut, an allergen not...

      Waymo tells its customers that a driverless car might be their next ride

      As driverless vehicles move past the curiosity phase, most automakers are still on board and carefully watching Waymo’s every move

      Driverless cars, eh?

      Yep -- and they’re on the rise. A new study says that 74 percent of Germans would use an autonomous car. And, across the pond in London, autonomous taxis made their driverless debut earlier this week.

      Back home in the U.S., the big news is that Waymo -- the autonomous vehicle business under Alphabet (Google) -- sent out an email blast to its app users to alert them that “you might end up in a completely driver-less one.” The keyword there is “might.”

      Trust us

      “Completely driverless Waymo cars are on the way,” headlined the email. “Over the years and with your support, we’ve been testing and refining our fully self-driving technology -- including without a trained driver up front.”

      If you’re a Waymo-using consumer, here’s the essence of what you can expect:

      • If a fully driverless car has been sent to pick you up, you’ll see a notification saying so in your Waymo app.

      • You’ll also be shown a “what to expect” button in the app just in case you’re wondering about what nuances you might experience in your driverless trip.

      • For those who want to spread out in the backseat and read the paper, you’ll have the entire car to yourself.

      • If at any point during the trip you think you need some assistance from a real, live person, there’s a rider support agent available through the car’s help button, as well as on the app.

      The email wrapped things up by asking for some old-fashioned trust. 

      “Rest assured, Waymo will be taking care of you; this is just the next step as we travel down the road toward a self-driving future,” the company said.

      The driverless game is changing

      If you ask someone from Phoenix about the city’s beta test of driverless vehicles, they might tell you that they’ve heard Waymo vehicles are inclined to stop suddenly, be a bit jerky, and navigate traffic conditions in a way that is a bad mix of being overly cautious and hazardous.

      Now, granted, that was a beta test. Since then, Waymo has made an extra effort to not only chart the layout of a city’s streets and byways, but go a step further in crafting 3-D maps of the types of infrastructure which cars have to maneuver around — crosswalks, curbs, fences, fire hydrants, potholes and the like.

      “We’re not looking for things like the name of a road,” like a human would, Waymo spokeswoman Alexis Georgeson told the Los Angeles Times, giving some insight into Waymo’s understanding that all cities are not laid out the same way.

      That’s a message not lost on the consumers following the driverless wave. 

      “The fact that they know the time of the trip, traffic conditions, destinations and possible routes ahead of time is a very big deal that I hadn't fully considered,” commented one observer on Reddit. “It means that they might be able to go into a full public Phoenix release significantly sooner.”

      Georgeson’s boss -- Waymo CEO John Krafcik -- doubled down on the attention the company has paid to every single detail.

      “During the past decade, we’ve put the Waymo Driver through what must be the world’s longest and toughest ongoing driving test,” Krafcik said at a recent auto show.

      “We’ve driven autonomously more than 16 million kilometers on public roads, over 16 billion kilometers in simulation, and across more than 25 cities in the US. That’s equivalent to hundreds of years of human driving experience — and that experience benefits every single Waymo driver in our fleet.”

      Watching and waiting

      It’s a pretty safe bet that Waymo’s peers are following this move closely. Jaguar, Chrysler, Tesla, and Ford all have self-driving/driverless initiatives being tested, and it’s a consumer plus if those companies can learn from Waymo’s errors before a consumer has to pay for one of those mistakes.

      Those companies have to be taking a long, hard look in the rear-view mirror. Both Uber and Tesla have had bad experiences with driverless technology. Uber has gone as far as shutting down its driverless program in Phoenix, and Tesla has had to scale down the promotion of its Autopilot feature after some related fatal car accidents.

      Driverless cars, eh?Yep -- and they’re on the rise. A new study says that 74 percent of Germans would use an autonomous car. And, across the pond in Lo...

      No level of alcohol consumption is safe during pregnancy

      A study shows that even small levels of consumption can negatively affect infants

      Many expectant mothers try to make better choices during pregnancy to ensure that their babies are healthy. While some experts have said that having the occasional alcoholic beverage is fine for infants’ health and development, a new study begs to differ. 

      Researchers found that expectant mothers may want to consider eliminating alcohol entirely -- even on special occasions -- as newborns could be at an increased risk of developing diabetes when mothers imbibe even minimally. 

      For the purposes of the study, the researchers gave pregnant mice enough alcohol to make their blood alcohol content 0.05 percent, similar to what a pregnant woman’s would be with one or two drinks. While female offspring weren’t affected by the alcohol intake, the study revealed that newborn male mice became resistant to insulin at around the six-month mark, effectively increasing their risk of developing diabetes. 

      The researchers hypothesize that the male mice’s lack of estrogen, which has been found to protect against insulin resistance, could explain why they were experiencing issues with blood sugar. More broadly, the researchers hope that these findings shed light on the severity of the effects that alcohol can have on newborns. 

      “Even a small amount of alcohol during pregnancy can be harmful, so if you’re planning to get pregnant don’t drink,” said researcher Lisa Akison. “Families, partners, and friends should support a woman’s choice not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.” 

      Akison does note that women who are still unsure of their pregnancy status shouldn’t have reason to worry if they’ve been drinking, so long as they adopt healthy habits for the duration of their pregnancies. 

      Long-lasting effects of drinking during pregnancy

      Alcohol can have damaging health effects for any consumer, but it’s important for pregnant mothers to understand how drinking during pregnancy can affect their babies -- and also future generations to come.  

      Researchers have found that pregnant women who consume alcohol increase the likelihood of birth defects for their own babies. Even worse, their genes can carry over and affect the neurological development of their grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. The tests revealed that prenatal exposure to alcohol led future generations to have issues with sensory-motor skills, low body weight, and struggles with depression and anxiety. 

      “Traditionally, prenatal ethanol exposure (PrEE) from maternal consumption of alcohol, was thought to solely impact directly exposed offspring, the embryo or fetus in the womb,” said researcher Kelly Huffman. “However, we now have evidence that the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure could persist transgenerationally and negatively impact the next-generations of offspring who were never exposed to alcohol.”

      Many expectant mothers try to make better choices during pregnancy to ensure that their babies are healthy. While some experts have said that having the oc...

      Apple launches repair program for faulty iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices

      The company says it will fix devices that won’t power on at no charge to users

      Apple has launched a repair program for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus devices after discovering that some of the handsets may not start up due to a “component that may fail.”

      In a recent blog post, the company took responsibility for the issue and noted that it only affects a small number of devices manufactured within a specific time frame. 

      “Apple has determined that certain iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus devices may not power on due to a component that may fail,” the company wrote. “This issue only affects devices within a limited serial number range that were manufactured between October 2018 to August 2019.”

      Affected consumers can bring in their device for a free repair at any Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. Alternatively, faulty devices can be sent through a mail-in service.

      Consumers can find out if they’re eligible for the free repair program by entering their phone’s serial number on the program page

      The program is only open to users for two years after the device was purchased. In its announcement of the program, Apple notes that “no other iPhone models are part of this program.”

      Apple also said it will issue a refund to any owner of an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus device who already paid to have the problem fixed. Users can contact Apple to request a refund by visiting this link.

      Apple has launched a repair program for iPhone 6s or 6s Plus devices after discovering that some of the handsets may not start up due to a “component that...

      Lifelock customers to receive $31 million in refunds following FTC settlement

      The company was accused of false advertising and not securing users’ sensitive personal information

      Consumers who previously used Lifelock for identity protection services may soon be receiving a refund check in the mail.

      The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it would be sending checks to customers who used the company’s services between 2012 and 2014. The move follows a 2015 settlement in which Lifelock was accused of not securing customers’ personal data. Regulators said that the company also falsely advertised that its safeguards were on par with financial institutions and that it provided 24/7 alerts to consumers “as soon as” their identity was being used by a third-party.

      “This settlement demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to enforcing the orders it has in place against companies, including orders requiring reasonable security for consumer data,” former FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said at the time. “The fact that consumers paid Lifelock for help in protecting their sensitive personal information makes the charges in this case particularly troubling.”

      Claiming a refund

      The FTC noted that it will be sending one million checks to eligible consumers, with the average payout coming in at around $29. The agency asks that recipients deposit or cash the checks within 60 days of receiving them. 

      The agency also reminds consumers that they are NOT required to pay money or provide account information in order to cash a check. If they are asked to do so, then it’s likely that they are being manipulated by a scammer. 

      Those who have questions about the refund process are urged to contact Rust Consulting, Inc. -- the FTC’s refund administrator -- at 1-866-898-5106. More information about FTC refunds can be found on the agency’s website here.

      Consumers who previously used Lifelock for identity protection services may soon be receiving a refund check in the mail.The Federal Trade Commission (...

      AT&T wants to sell its assets in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

      It’s part of the media giant’s plan to reduce its debt

      AT&T, deeply in debt after a series of acquisitions, has agreed to sell its assets in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

      The telecom giant says it plans to sell both its wireless and wireline networks for $1.95 billion to Liberty Latin America. The deal requires the approval of U.S. regulators.

      Presumably, AT&T would use money from the transaction to pay down some of its debt from the purchase of DirecTV and Time Warner. But the sale would reduce the debt only slightly since AT&T’s long-term debt totaled $159 billion at the end of the second quarter.

      The proposed transaction includes network assets, including spectrum; real estate and leases; customers, including 1.1 million wireless subscribers; and contracts. At close, approximately 1,300 current AT&T employees will move to Liberty Latin America. 

      “I’m proud of AT&T’s history in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Jose Davila, AT&T vice president-general manager for the region. “I’m especially proud of our network and the recent network enhancements that have helped AT&T rank as the fastest network in Puerto Rico.”

      Closing in mid-2020

      The proposed sales agreement would provide AT&T $1.95 when the deal closes. AT&T said if the Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department agree, the deal could close within six to nine months.

      AT&T, which is one of the two largest wireless providers in the U.S., has been looking for ways to reduce its massive debt. It has previously stated that it plans to cut its debt by $20 billion in 2019.

      Earlier this year AT&T sold its interest in Hulu, a popular streaming service, pocketing $1.43 billion in the deal. It also spun off some real estate, getting approximately $2.2 billion for WarnerMedia’s Manhattan offices.

      Continuing its plan to reduce its debt, AT&T said it plans to use free cash flow after dividends to continue to monetize initiatives. With the completion of this deal, the company says it will have increased monetization efforts this year by more than $11 billion.

      AT&T;, deeply in debt after a series of acquisitions, has agreed to sell its assets in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.The telecom giant says i...

      Nestlé rolls out vegan bacon cheeseburger

      The food giant is pairing newly developed garnish with an existing meatless patty

      Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are two relatively new players who’ve gotten a lot of attention for their plant-based burgers. But Nestlé says it can play that game too.

      The food and beverage giant, which has marketed a meatless burger product for years, has just introduced what it says is a vegan bacon cheeseburger -- all plant-based. Called the “PB Triple Play,” the new product teams newly developed vegan alternatives to cheese and bacon with the company’s existing plant-based burger patties.

      The new product will be offered to restaurants and foodservice operators in hopes of attracting a national franchise. Burger King added the Impossible Whopper to its menu after a test market in the St. Louis area led to a bump in traffic at its restaurants. In August, Impossible Foods got approval to sell its meatless burgers in grocery stores.

      ‘We have now raised the bar’

      Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider says demand for meatless products is strong and is likely part of a growing trend that is here to stay.

      "More and more consumers are looking for delicious, nutritious and sustainable plant-based options when they dine out,” Schneider said. “We have now raised the bar by developing a 'PB triple play' of ingredients for an all-time classic: the bacon cheeseburger. We're continuing to make good on our promise to offer consumers food that is right for them and right for the planet."

      Nestlé says its vegan garnish looks and tastes like the real thing. The cheese alternative is described as having the texture, “meltability,” and taste of dairy cheese. The bacon alternative is said to look like crispy fried bacon and have the same taste.

      Nestlé said it used its R&D experience and proprietary technology to come up with vegan alternatives to cheese and bacon. The company says it uses a combination of natural ingredients such as plant-based proteins, fibers, and oils to make the products.

      The company says the introduction of the new product is part of its efforts to accelerate the transformation of its product portfolio to more “innovative, sustainable products.”

      Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are two relatively new players who’ve gotten a lot of attention for their plant-based burgers. But Nestlé says it can play...

      September housing trend suggests we could be facing another housing shortage

      The supply of entry-level homes fell 10 percent last month

      A real estate industry source is sounding the alarm over the declining number of entry-level homes for sale, warning that signs point to another housing shortage.

      Home inventory levels dropped sharply after the market began to recover from the housing market crash of 2009, and demand for homes surged beyond the available supply. Inventory levels hit a low in early 2017 but began to recover.

      Now, a new report from realtor.com says the inventory of homes is shrinking once again. The recent drop in mortgage rates has improved affordability and sent more would-be buyers into the market. But the report says these new buyers are once again finding fewer homes to choose from.

      In particular, there are fewer homes for first-time buyers. Realtor.com reports the number of listings priced under $200,000 plunged 10 percent last month from September 2018. But in a worrisome trend, the overall inventory of homes fell by 2.5 percent.

      Shortage of mid-market homes

      Until recently, mid-market homes, those priced from $200,000 to $750,000, have lingered on the market because there were plenty of them. Also, homebuilders have focused on the upper price range since the housing recovery began a decade ago. While a home priced over $400,000 may take longer to sell, a home priced under $200,000 sells almost as soon as the sign goes up in the yard.

      Now that difference is more blurred. Home shoppers in all price ranges are having to look beyond their first choice neighborhoods.

      "Buyers looking for their next home have faced the headwinds of tight inventory and a competitive market this year,” said George Ratiu, senior economist for realtor.com. “While lower mortgage rates and the arrival of fall promised a reprieve, conditions continue to tighten as demand remains strong.”

      Canary in the coal mine

      While it’s understandable that the inventory of entry-level homes would be lower because of heightened demand, Ratiu says the decline in mid-market homes for sale “may be the canary in the coal mine,” adding that we could be headed for even lower levels of inventory in early 2020.

      A declining inventory of homes for sale is more than just a frustrating nuisance for homebuyers, it can distort the housing market by making homes more expensive than they should be. While it might be good for current homeowners -- their home equity will grow quickly -- it could make it harder for some consumers to become homeowners.

      The problem is just the opposite of the housing market woes a decade ago. Then, a flood of foreclosures produced higher than normal inventory levels that caused home prices to eventually fall.

      A real estate industry source is sounding the alarm over the declining number of entry-level homes for sale, warning that signs point to another housing sh...

      Mercedes-Benz recalls various 4MATIC Wagons

      The rear spoiler may detach

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 4,765 model year 2019 E450 4MATIC Wagons, model year 2017-2018 E400 4MATIC Wagons and model year 2018-2019 E63S 4MATIC Wagons.

      The rear spoiler may detach. If this occurs while the vehicle is being driven the spoiler can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the spoiler, as necessary, free of charge.

      The recall is expected to begin October 18, 2019.

      Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at (800) 367-6372.

      Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 4,765 model year 2019 E450 4MATIC Wagons, model year 2017-2018 E400 4MATIC Wagons and model year 2018-2019 E63S 4MAT...

      Grand Strand Sandwich Company recalls Lunch Box salads and sandwiches

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

      Grand Strand Sandwich Company is recalling Lunch Box Chicken Salad Fresh Wedges with sell by 10/29/19 to 10/08/19, Lunch Box Chicken Salad Frozen Wedges and Fresh and Local Chicken Salad Croissants.

      The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

      No illnesses have been reported to date.

      The following items, sold from September 4 – October 2, 2019, in convenience stores and vending machines in North Carolina and South Carolina, are being recalled:

      Product

      Size

      UPC

      Sell By /Julian Dates

      Lunch Box Chicken Salad Fresh Wedge4.5 oz package0 67068 12105 4Sell by: 10/29/19 10/25/19
      10/18/19 10/15/19 10/11/19
      10/08/19
      Fresh and Local Chicken Salad Croissants5 oz package0 67068 13105 3Sell By
      9/19/19
      9/24/19
      9/26/19
      10/1/19
      10/3/19
      10/10/19
      Lunch Box Chicken Salad Frozen Wedge4.5oz package0 67068 12105 4Julian Date 26119

      What to do

      Customers who purchased the recalled products should discard or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

      Consumers with questions may contact Kirk McCumbee at (843) 399-2999, Monday – Thursday. 8AM – 4PM and Friday from 8AM - 3PM (EST).

      Grand Strand Sandwich Company is recalling Lunch Box Chicken Salad Fresh Wedges with sell by 10/29/19 to 10/08/19, Lunch Box Chicken Salad Frozen Wedges an...

      Senators ask the FDA to pick up its pace on regulative CBD products

      Lawmakers say the agency’s reaction time is ‘chronically slow’

      CBD (cannabidiol-based oil) stores are popping up like flies, with nearly 300 expected to be in shopping malls by the end of 2019. With that in mind, a group of U.S. senators is pleading with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address these products before things get out of hand and consumers take a backseat to stores getting rich off the trend.

      On Tuesday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) held a press conference to say that he’s calling on the FDA to get ahead of the situation by laying out consumer protection guidelines so that CBD products can be lawfully marketed. 

      Joining Blumenthal were Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jon Tester (D-MT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

      Gillibrand was an early supporter of CBD products and part of a bipartisan congressional group behind the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act, a motion to allow the medical use of marijuana, of which CBD products are a derivative.

      Reining in illegitimate claims and products

      Although CBD was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, the market has been flooded with a cornucopia of gummies, shampoos, teas, coffees, oils for pets, and even shampoos that promote hair growth. Blumenthal’s primary concern is that illegitimate claims about the products could potentially flourish, much like they do with other consumer trends. The lawmaker believes the FDA is in the best position to put a stop to that practice.

      “What we need to do is stop the bad actors, rid the market of unsubstantiated and inaccurate health claims, make sure the good guys have a leveled playing field where truth and accuracy are valued and rewarded by consumers and by the regulatory framework,” Blumenthal said.

      “Hemp growers, manufacturers, food producers and most important, consumers, all deserve a regulatory framework that will set rules for classification, labeling, marketing, quality and other important features so that we stop the Wild West claims and make available products that are truly helpful and beneficial to consumers,” he added. 

      “The treatment of pain, anxiety, inflammation, other kinds of maladies may be aided by CBD and consumers deserve the benefits of those treatments but they also deserve to know the truth about the oils, lotions, gummies and other products that are out there.”

      Blumenthal’s wish may have an angel in the wings with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). McConnell has long been a hemp cheerleader given that Kentucky was a primary supplier of hemp to make rope for the Navy during World War II. 

      The FDA needs to get the ball rolling

      Timing is everything. CBD awareness is still relatively low, with only about 14 percent of adults in the U.S. saying they’re familiar with CBD products. If the FDA acts quickly, the potential for consumer harm could be reduced. However, Blumenthal, for one, is skeptical about the FDA’s reaction time. 

      “Everybody’s interest is in the FDA doing its job and it has been lagging and laggard, and that’s why I’m demanding that in fact it do its job,” he said in a radio interview on WTIC. “The FDA is chronically slow.”

      Yes, the FDA has been slow to react to potential consumer issues in the last few years, but maybe that’s changed. Lately, the agency has picked up the pace, including going after Curaleaf, a company that markets CBD cannabidiol-based products using “unsubstantiated” health claims. Just this week, the agency stepped up its warning to THC-vaping consumers about potentially-related lung ailments.

      CBD (cannabidiol-based oil) stores are popping up like flies, with nearly 300 expected to be in shopping malls by the end of 2019. With that in mind, a gro...

      Apple’s latest iPhone update includes feature to combat spam callers

      Activating the ‘silence unknown callers’ feature sends robocalls straight to voicemail

      Apple’s most recent iPhone update, iOS 13, includes a tool to help consumers minimize the number of unwanted calls they receive. The tech giant’s new “Silence Unknown Callers” option lets iPhone users send any call straight to voicemail if it isn’t from a number found in their contact list.

      Users who have updated to iOS 13 can activate the feature by opening Settings, tapping “Phone,” navigating down to “Silence Unknown Callers,” and toggling the button to “On.” 

      Enabling the feature will stop unknown calls from coming through, meaning users won’t have to manually hit “decline” when they see a likely robocall coming in. Missed call notifications will still pop up after Apple sends the call to voicemail, and the number that called will still show up in the recent call log.

      Apple warns that some calls -- such as those from a medical office or any other establishment that isn’t in a phone’s contact list -- may also be thwarted by the feature. In that case, users can head to the “Voicemail” tab in the Phone app and listen to or read the transcript of the voicemail and decide whether the person should be called back. 

      Robocall numbers still elevated

      During the month of September, consumers received 4.5 billion robocalls. While that number is down 5.2 percent from August and 13.5 percent from the all-time high in March of 5.2 billion robocalls, YouMail CEO Alex Quilici says robocall numbers for 2019 are still frustratingly high. 

      "Happily, September had a meaningful but unsurprising decline in robocall volume, as it was a shorter month than August and included the Labor Day holiday weekend," the executive said in a statement last week. "While that's still good news, the tougher news is that we received over 43.3 billion calls in the first 9 months of the year, and we are still on pace to wind up with nearly 60 billion calls to U.S. consumers this year."

      Federal regulators are aware that consumers are fed up with robocalls and continue to push for the integration of tools to fight spam callers. The FCC has urged phone companies to adopt new standards to combat robocalls, and AT&T, Verizon, and other carriers have announced new spam call-filtering tools in an effort to appease both regulators and frustrated consumers.

      The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced in July that it upgraded its Do Not Call (DNC) initiative to make its interactive robocall data site easier for consumers to use.

      “The page allows consumers to search the data interactively, for example, by clicking on a specific state or county. The information will be updated quarterly,” the FTC wrote.

      Apple’s most recent iPhone update, iOS 13, includes a tool to help consumers minimize the number of unwanted calls they receive. The tech giant’s new “Sile...

      Twitter allowed user data to be used for ad-targeting purposes

      The site said an ‘error’ led to a security breach affecting some users’ two-factor authentication data

      Twitter disclosed on Tuesday that it inadvertently shared some user phone numbers and email addresses with advertisers. The information had been submitted by users in order to set up two-factor authentication on their accounts. 

      “We recently discovered that when you provided an email address or phone number for safety or security purposes, this data may have inadvertently been used for advertising purposes, specifically in our Tailored Audiences and Partner Audiences advertising system,” Twitter said in a statement. 

      The platform said it couldn’t “say with certainty” how many users were impacted by the error, but it wanted to “make everyone aware” for the sake of transparency. Company officials said the information was used for ad-targeting purposes as a result of a mistake in its tailored audiences program. 

      “When an advertiser uploaded their marketing list, we may have matched people on Twitter to their list based on the email or phone number the Twitter account holder provided for safety and security purposes,” the company said. 

      The micro-blogging website said the issue was addressed and fixed as of September 17. Twitter said it is “no longer using phone numbers or email addresses collected for safety or security purposes for advertising.” 

      Twitter disclosed on Tuesday that it inadvertently shared some user phone numbers and email addresses with advertisers. The information had been submitted...

      Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $8 billion judgment for drug side effects

      One plaintiff claims he was not told Risperdal could promote breast growth

      A jury in Philadelphia has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $8 billion in punitive damages to a man who says he was not told a drug he was taking could promote breast growth.

      The medication in question is Risperdal, an anti-psychotic drug. Twenty-six-year-old Nicholas Murray sued, saying he was not informed of potential side-effects when his physician prescribed the drug. Attorneys for Johnson & Johnson immediately said they plan to appeal the verdict, calling it "grossly disproportionate."

      Expensive lawsuits

      It’s the second expensive verdict against the drug company in three months. In August, a judge in Oklahoma ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay the state $572 million for its alleged role in contributing to the opioid addiction crisis. Oklahoma had originally asked for $17 billion in damages.

      The judge ruled that the state “met its burden” in showing Johnson & Johnson, through its subsidiary Janssen, carried out a misleading marketing and promotion campaign for opioid painkillers and that it stood up to the law’s definition of “creating a public nuisance.”

      Johnson & Johnson disputed the verdict, calling it “flawed,” and said it would appeal. It has also had to defend itself in court recently against charges that some of its powder products were linked to cancer.

      The company faces more than 1,000 other Risperdal lawsuits which contend that it was negligent in its information provided about the drug. Risperdal is used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and is widely used in the treatment of children.

      According to the Child Mind Institute, the drug has been highly effective in helping children control their behavior. But it also cautions parents about what it says are potential side effects including “substantial weight gain and metabolic, neurological and hormonal changes that can be harmful.”

      A jury in Philadelphia has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $8 billion in punitive damages to a man who says he was not told a drug he was taking could pro...