Recalls in April 2021

It seems that several automakers are still struggling to contain the scourge of vehicle fires. 

This week, GM announced the next step in a recall process for select 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles. The automaker originally issued the recall back in November following reports that the vehicles’ high-voltage batteries can catch fire if fully charged or near full capacity. Now, the company says it has a solution that will fix the issue.

GM says dealers will use newly developed diagnostic tools to identify problems in vehicle batteries so that faulty assemblies can be replaced. Owners can visit a Chevrolet EV dealer to have the service performed, and technicians will also remove a 90% charging limitation that was put in place via a software patch. 

GM says it will make its diagnostic software standard in all its future electric vehicles. 

Electric bikes that wouldn’t stop get recalled

A Brooklyn-based producer of electric folding bicycles issued a recall this week because of a software malfunction that wouldn’t let users stop. 

Brompton Bicycle recalled 600 of its products and explained that the glitch caused the affected bikes’ electric systems to keep the motors running even when riders stopped pedaling. This caused continuous forward momentum, increasing the risk of a fall and injury.

Owners are being urged to stop using the bikes immediately and to contact an authorized Brompton Electric dealer for a free software upgrade that will fix the problem. The bikes were sold nationwide between June 2020, and March 2021.

Scented hand sanitizers recalled for containing harmful chemical

At the beginning of the year, health officials issued a warning to consumers about certain hand sanitizers produced in Mexico because they contained methanol -- or wood alcohol. Exposure to the chemical has been linked to a laundry list of serious health issues, including nausea, vomiting, seizures, comas, and even death. Now, it looks like another company produced hand sanitizers with the same toxic ingredient.

Scentsational Soaps & Candles, Inc. recalled several lots of its hand sanitizer products because tests revealed the presence of methanol, benzene, and acetaldehyde. The products were distributed across the U.S. at Ulta Beauty, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls retail locations. 

The company says it has notified direct customers and has asked for the products to be removed from store shelves immediately. Customers who have one of the affected products listed in the FDA’s recall announcement are being urged to stop using them and return them to the place of purchase.

Mercedes-Benz recalls over 12,000 vehicles over electrical issue

Mercedes-Benz USA has issued a recall for 12,327 model year 2021 vehicles because of a potentially dangerous electrical issue. 

The company says a faulty electrical contact found in the seat position switch can prevent the driver and passenger airbags from deploying and the seat belt force limiters from activating like they should during a crash. If those things were to happen, a driver or passenger could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident that otherwise may not be as serious.

The automaker says it is notifying vehicle owners and dealers so that the seat position switches in affected vehicles can be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to go into effect on May 31.

Thyroid medication recalled for not being strong enough

Back in September, Acella Pharmaceuticals recalled one lot of its NP Thyroid Tablet products because tests revealed that they were sub-potent -- meaning that they didn’t deliver enough of a key ingredient to be as effective as advertised. Now, it looks like that’s happening all over again. 

The company issued another recall for several lots of products this week because of the same exact issue. The company cited tests showing that the products contained less than 90% of the labeled amount of liothyronine and/or levothyroxine. 

This is a potentially dangerous problem because consumers who depend on the medication to treat conditions like hypothyroidism could have experienced increased symptom severity. In at-risk individuals like seniors and pregnant women, the consequences could have ranged from miscarriage to stunted development and even cardiovascular issues.

Acella says it is notifying consignees to discontinue recalled lots of its products and is arranging for returns. It advises consumers who are taking affected medications to stop using them and to work with a health care provider for further guidance and/or a replacement prescription.

Kia Motors America is recalling 4,069 model year 2017-2018 Fortes with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine.

Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 11, 2021.

Owners may contact Kia customer service at (800) 333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.

Wellspring, of Monsey, N.Y., is recalling about 15,000 containers of Welmate Lidocaine Numbing Cream.

The packaging of the product, which contains lidocaine, is not child-resistant as required by law, posing a risk of poisoning to young children if they put it on their skin or ingest it.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Welmate Lidocaine Numbing Cream in a 113-g (4-oz.) white jar with a blue, orange and green label and a white cap.

“Welmate,” “5% Lidocaine,” the Welmate logo and UPC code 373581105045 or 373581000012 are printed on the label. A list of the lot numbers and corresponding expiration dates included in the recall may be found here.

The numbing cream, manufactured in India, was sold online at Amazon.com, Ebay.com, Walmart.com and wellspringmeds.com from August 2020, through March 2021, for about $20.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cream, store it in a safe location out of reach of children and contact Wellspring for instructions on how to dispose of the product to receive a full refund.

The firm is directly notifying all known consumers who purchased the recalled product on eBay, Walmart and wellspringmeds.com. Amazon is directly notifying all customers who purchased the recalled product on Amazon.com.

Consumers may contact Wellspring toll-free at (866) 933-6337 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, by email at recall@wellspringmeds.com, or online at www.wellspringmeds.com and click on “Recall - Important Safety Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Daimler Vans USA (DVUSA) is recalling 4,444 model year 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz and Freightliner Sprinters.

The hydraulic power steering return line hoses may detach and cause hydraulic fluid to leak.

A hydraulic fluid leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist and increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install a screw-type clamp free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 7, 2021.

Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at (877) 762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is NV3LETULPX.

BorgWarner is recalling Ford and GM Start Stop Accumulator (SSA) part# JM5P7P184BE size 180X110X140mm, JM5P7P184CB size 180X110X140mm, JM5P7P184CA size 180X110X140mm, part# 24292629, 24292557 size 190X110X140mm.

The start/stop accumulator may have missing or loose bolts, allowing oil to leak.

An oil leak can cause loss of transmission function, increasing the risk of a crash.

It can also increase the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

What to do

The remedy for this recall is still under development.

The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification.

Owners may contact BorgWarner customer service at (864) 710-9450.

Torn & Glasser of Los Angeles, Calif., is recalling 7,464 units of dark chocolate espresso beans.

The product contains walnuts, an allergen not declared on the label.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The mislabeled dark chocolate espresso beans were sold at Kroger divisions in the following 30 states under the banners

The recalled product comes in a 12-oz. tub with UPC 0 72488 99868 1, lot number 777739 and a best if used by date of 11/19/2021.

It was sold beginning March 3, 2021, at Kroger, Arlan’s, Fred Meyer, Smiths, Food For Less. Fry’s Food Stores, Ralphs, Dillons, Roundy’s Chicago and Roundy’s Mariano’s in Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

What to do

Customers with an allergy or sensitivity to walnuts who purchased the recalled products should not consume it, but discard and/or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (213) 627-6496 Monday – Friday 7:00AM – 4:00PM.

Jaguar is recalling three model year 2017-2018 and 2020 Jaguar XEs that received a replacement rear rail assembly as part of a service repair.

Missing spot welds may weaken the structural strength of the rear rail assembly.

The weakened rear rail assembly may allow the rear bumper beam to detach when the vehicle is being towed or the tow-bar assembly to detach when towing a trailer.

Either of these can increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear rail assembly free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 28, 2021.

Owners may contact Jaguar customer service at (800) 452-4827. Jaguar's number for this recall is H349.

Daimler Vans USA (DVUSA) is recalling one model year 2019 Mercedes Benz Sprinter.

The VIN number listed on the vehicle's dash board, certification label, and body-in-white do not match.

The consumer may not receive information about open safety-recall campaigns, increasing the risk of injury, a crash, or fire.

What to do

DVUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace the VIN listed on the vehicle's dash board and certification label free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 24, 2021.

Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at (877) 762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3VINCHA.

American Honda Motor Co., is recalling 89 model year 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP motorcycles.

The rear cushion connecting plate(s) may have been installed incorrectly, which may cause it/them to break.

Broken plate(s) may cause a sudden drop to the vehicle height, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

What to do

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and -- as necessary -- replace both rear cushion connecting plates free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 7, 2021.

Owners may contact Honda customer service at (866) 784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KL9.

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Foothill Ranch, Calif., is recalling about 70 BRUTE FORCE 750 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).

The fuel pump retainer plate bolts can come loose causing fuel leakage over time, posing a fire hazard.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the 2021 BRUTE FORCE 750 4X4I EPS. The four-wheel all-terrain vehicles were sold in camo gray, bright white and camo.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the steel frame between the right-front lower A-arm mounts. The model name and model code are printed on both sides of the airbox cover in front of the operator’s seat.

A list of the model names, codes, and VIN ranges can be found here.

The ATVs, manufactured in the U.S., were sold at Kawasaki dealers nationwide in March 2021 for between about $10,000 and $10,600.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vehicles and contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free repair to replace the fuel pump retainer plate bolts. Kawasaki is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Consumers may contact Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday, or online at www.kawasaki.com and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Keystone RV Company is recalling 233 model year 2021 Passport 282QB trailers with a rear compartment door.

The spare tire is mounted to the rear wall in a way that obstructs the view of the left taillight.

A taillight not visible to other drivers increases the risk of a crash.

What to do

Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will relocate the spare free of charge

The recall is expected to begin June 4, 2021.

Owners may contact Keystone customer service at (866) 425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 21-405.

Yolo Studio is recalling all lots of PremierZEN Extreme 3000, PremierZEN Black 5000, & Triple SupremeZEN Plus 3500.

Analysis has found the products contain undeclared tadalafil, making them unapproved new drugs for which the safety and efficacy have not been established.

There are no reports of adverse events.

The recalled products, marketed as dietary supplements for male sexual enhancement and packaged in cardboard blisters containing one pill per card, were sold on the internet and fulfilled by amazon at www.amazon.com.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should stop using and destroy them.

Consumers with questions may contact Yolo Studio at (201) 233-3521 Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (ET) or by e-mail at yolostudiodamazon@gmail.com.

The Metal Ware Corporation of Two Rivers, Wis., is recalling about 5,350 coffee bean roasters.

The coffee bean roasters can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

The firm has received reports of 20 incidents of the coffee bean roasters overheating causing the plastic to melt, coffee beans to burn, and/or flames and smoke to emanate from the roaster.

No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves Model CR-04-13 Coffee Bean Roasters with a date code of 2520 or 3220 printed at the bottom right of the ETL Intertek label on the product and on the box. NESCO is printed in white on the black roasters.

The roasters, manufactured in China, was sold at Blains Supply and Burman Coffee Traders stores nationwide and online at www.bodhileafcoffee.com, www.burmancoffee.com, www.eveythingkitchens.com, www.facebook.com/keystonehousewares, www.farmandfleet.com, www.kohls.com, www.sweetmarias.com, and www.wayfair.com, from August 2020, through December 2020, for about $85.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled coffee bean roasters and contact Metal Ware for a full refund or a refund in the form of a store credit. Metal Ware will provide consumers with free return shipping for the roasters.

Upon Metal Ware’s receipt of the returned roaster, the consumer may choose between receiving a full refund of $85 or a refund in the form of a store credit in the amount of $100 for use at www.nesco.com.

Consumers may contact Metal Ware Corporation toll-free at (888) 993-9243 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CT) Monday through Friday, by email at beanroaster@nesco.com, or online at www.nesco.com and click on “recall notice” at the top of the page for more information.

Keystone RV Company is recalling 86 model year 2020-2021 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 2760THS and Aspen Trail 3250THS trailers.

The ramp door fasteners may be installed improperly causing them to strip.

The stripped fasteners can pull out of the frame, detaching the rear door and increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

Keystone will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hinge fasteners and add nuts with a lock washer free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin June 4, 2021.

Owners may contact Keystone customer service at (866) 425-4369. Keystone's number for this recall is 21-404.

Snak King Corporation of City of Industry, Calif, is recalling Trader Joe’s Restaurant Style White Corn Tortilla Chips.

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

There have been no reports of illness.

The following items, which come in a 9-oz. flexible package with the sell by dates on the front of the bag on the upper right-hand side, are being recalled:

• Trader Joe’s Restaurant Style White Tortilla Chips, 9 ounce Sell By: 08/09/21
• Trader Joe’s Restaurant Style White Tortilla Chips, 9 ounce Sell By: 08/10/21
• Trader Joe’s Restaurant Style White Tortilla Chips, 9 ounce Sell By: 08/11/21

The recalled products were sold at Trader Joe’s retail stores in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products and have an allergy or sensitivity to milk should not consume them, but return them to place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (626) 363-7711 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM (PT).

Forest River is recalling 211 model year 2021 Forest River Rockwood and Flagstaff fifth wheel recreational vehicles.

The pin box may be under-rated for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash

What to do

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and -- if necessary-- replace the pin box free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021.

Owners may contact Forest River customer service at (574) 642-8943. Forest River's number for this recall is 10C-1319.

Hostess Brands is recalling Hostess SnoBalls inadvertently manufactured in packaging for Hostess Chocolate CupCakes.

The product contains coconut, an allergen not declared on the label.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled product, UPC 888109010096, batch number I031321000 with a best-by date of May 27, 2021, was manufactured on March 13, 2021 and sold by convenience stores, dollar stores and distributors throughout the U.S.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled product and have an allergy or sensitivity to coconut should not consume it and contact the place of purchase about returning it for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the firm at (800) 483-7253 or online at www.hostesscakes.com.

Daimler Vans USA (DVUSA) is recalling 1,285 model year 2019-2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinters and Freightliner Sprinters.

The multifunctional display in the instrument cluster may not be adjustable and appear too bright in certain lighting conditions.

A display that is too bright can hinder the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

What to do

DVUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 24, 2021.

Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at (877) 762-8267. DVUSA's number for this recall is VS3DISPKI.

California-based food manufacturer Jule’s Foods is recalling every single one of its products because they may have been contaminated with salmonella. 

In an announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company said regulators confirmed the presence of salmonella in all of its brie products that contain cashews. It stated that company officials are continuing to work with FDA and CDC officials to figure out the source of salmonella contamination.

The potentially tainted products were distributed directly to consumers and to grocery stores in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas.

Consumers are being advised to not consume any affected food items they may have purchased. The company says the products can be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Mercedes-Benz drivers could lose control of vehicles

Mercedes-Benz USA will initiate a recall for just under 5,000 of its 2017 B250e & CLA250, and model year 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250 & AMG GLA45 vehicles. 

The company says the universal joint bearing in affected vehicles could separate from the steering shaft, which would lead to a loss of steering control when the vehicles are being driven. This, of course, greatly increases the risk of a crash. 

The company said it is notifying owners and dealers so that potentially affected vehicles can be inspected and have the steering shaft replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to start on May 31.

Vitafusion gummy vitamins recalled over metal contamination

Gummy vitamins are meant to be a great source of nutrients, but one producer says some of their products also contain a potentially dangerous addition -- metallic mesh.

Church & Dwight -- the manufacturer that produces Vitafusion vitamins -- is recalling several gummy vitamin products after an FDA inspection uncovered the contamination. Affected products have expiration dates between 4/22 and 11/22 and were sold online and in stores from November 13, 2020, to April 9, 2021.

Consumers who purchased any of the affected products should stop consuming them immediately and contact the company for a full refund.

Enoki mushrooms recalled because of listeria contamination

Guan’s Mushroom Co. is recalling all 200g/7.05-ounce packages of its Enoki Mushroom product because they may have been contaminated with listeria. 

Listeria could potentially be deadly to young children or those with weakened immune systems, and it could cause miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant women. However, the company says it has received no reports of illnesses so far.

The recalled products were sold to distributors, wholesalers, and retail stores across the U.S. Consumers who have purchased any affected products can return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Meow Mix recalled over another salmonella contamination

Many consumers know the Meow Mix brand name because of the company’s frustratingly catchy jingle that aired for years in the U.S. But in the present day, parent company The J.M. Smucker Company has announced that it is recalling two lots of Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food because they may have been contaminated with salmonella. 

The products were sold in Walmart stores in Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Consumers who purchased one of the tainted products are being told to stop feeding it to their pets and to throw it away immediately.

So far, there have been no reports of pet illness or adverse reactions. Concerned pet parents can contact the company for more information at (888) 569-6728, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (ET), or online via the company’s “Contact Us” page.