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 WASHINGTON (AP) - Nearly two weeks after a popular cholesterol-lowering drug was pulled off the market for causing deadly muscle destruction, a consumer group charged Monday that five similar medications have killed an additional 81 people.

Public Citizen petitioned the government to force manufacturers to give special warning brochures to the millions of Americans who take those medicines - statins - telling them to quit the pills at the first sign of muscle pain or weakness.

Statins dramatically lower cholesterol and reduce patients' risk of heart attacks.

"Most people taking these drugs aren't aware that they could sustain serious muscle damage and could even die," said Dr. Sidney Wolfe of Public Citizen's Health Research Group.

"Serious muscle and kidney damage, and potentially death, may be averted only if the patients taking statins stop the drugs at the first sign of muscle pain or weakness," Wolfe wrote the Food and Drug Administration Monday.

The FDA disputed Wolfe's death count, saying its own investigation last year uncovered just 18 deaths that could be linked to the five statins on the U.S. market - Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor and Lescol.

But the agency will consider Wolfe's request for stiffer warnings.

Pfizer Inc. already has asked the FDA to approve a brochure written in layman's language that would accompany every bottle of the top-selling statin Lipitor, explaining the risk.

Wolfe's petition comes almost two weeks after one statin, Baycol, was pulled off the market when the FDA linked it to 31 U.S. deaths from a side effect called rhabdomyolysis. That's a rare but life-threatening condition in which muscle cells are destroyed. In severe cases, it leads to kidney failure.

Every statin has been linked to rare reports of a muscle side effect, and their labels carry that warning.

Wolfe analyzed FDA records to uncover 772 cases of rhabdomyolysis since 1997 among the six statins sold in this country. Half - 387 cases - were caused by Baycol alone, explaining why Bayer pulled it off the market.

But Wolfe said he found another 385 rhabdomyolysis cases among users of the other five statins still sold, including 81 deaths dating back to 1987, when the first of those drugs hit the market.

That's still a rare risk, considering 8 million Americans are estimated to use statins. But Wolfe argues that severe muscle destruction and death are preventable if patients are aware of the early warning signs.

He urged the FDA to put stronger warnings on the statins' labels, to write every U.S. physician telling them about the risk, and to mandate that every patient get a brochure with each bottle telling them to stop the pills and call a doctor if they suffer muscle symptoms.

A closer look at the FDA's reports shows duplicates and patients who actually died of other causes, leading federal health officials to link just 18 rhabdomyolysis deaths to statins during an investigation last year, said FDA's Dr. John Jenkins.

Merck & Co., maker of Zocor and Mevacor, says it provides Zocor users a layman's explanation of the muscle side effect on its Internet site.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is seeking to capitalize on Baycol's departure with full-page newspaper ads of Pravachol that mention the muscle risk, but company spokesmen didn't return calls seeking comment Monday.

Lescol-maker Novartis maintained the risk is small and that patients are appropriately warned.

 (American Heart Association) - In light of recent patient concerns over the safety of cholesterol-lowering drugs commonly known as statins, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) are reassuring patients that these drugs are safe and very effective for patients. More than a decade of medical research has shown that statins prolong lives and prevent heart disease by effectively lowering serum cholesterol levels.

Coronary heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. Physicians have been encouraged to step up efforts to prevent heart disease, including an important focus on reducing patients' cholesterol levels through changes in their diet and regular exercise. In many patients, cholesterol-lowering drugs, including statins, are also part of the treatment and prevention.

"While statins, like all drugs, have side effects, the benefits of using statins to manage patients' cholesterol far outweigh the risks of serious side effects from their use," said ACC President Douglas P. Zipes, M.D.

Recent media reports about the August 8 voluntary withdrawal of Baycol (also called cerivastatin), have prompted some patients to stop taking their other statins drugs. Many others have expressed serious concern about whether they are safe. In addition, one consumer group has called for a "black box" warning to be added to the labels of all statins.

"Patients are understandably concerned," said Dr. Zipes. "We want to reassure patients that statins have proven to be safe and very effective drugs, and we urge patients who are taking a statin and who have had no side effects to continue taking the drug and to consult their physicians."

As for the black box warning on labels, "We feel that is a decision best left to the Food and Drug Administration to make based on the available clinical data," Dr. Zipes said.

Baycol was withdrawn because of a reported 31 deaths and significant muscle damage caused by the drug. Any patients still taking Baycol should immediately consult their physician about switching to another drug. Patients taking Baycol who are experiencing muscle pain or dark urine, or taking it in combination with another drug called gemfibrozil (Lopid or generic equivalents), should stop using Baycol immediately and contact their physician.

There are five other FDA-approved statins with a proven track record of effectiveness and safety despite the withdrawal of Baycol.

"Statins significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke," said AHA President David Faxon, M.D. "Overall, multiple large studies have found that statins significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with heart disease by as much as 30 percent."

Even with this strong efficacy record, Dr. Faxon continued, "Patients on any statin who have experienced side effects such as muscle aches or dark urine should stop taking the drug and immediately consult their physician."

If caught early, problems from side effects can be quickly and effectively treated. Physicians can also perform tests, including those for liver function and markers of muscle inflammation, to look for signs of problems possibly related to the drugs.

Serious side effects of statins, including the muscle damage, or rhabdomyolysis, reported in the Baycol recall withdrawal are rare, and appear to be common with Baycol. In general, the risk of a fatal reaction to a statin drug is very low. As is the case with all prescription drugs, however, patients should talk to their physician about potential side effects and how to properly use the medication.

"Patients who are having side effects can be taken off of a statin or switched to one of the other approved statins," explained Dr. Faxon. Patients can also be switched to a different cholesterol-lowering drug that can help them effectively manage their cholesterol, he added.

Both Drs. Zipes and Faxon stressed that statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs are meant to be an adjunct to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Plano, TX (SafetyAlerts) - Frito-Lay said today it is voluntarily recalling a limited number of 1.5 oz. packages of Sunchips® Original Flavor Multi-Grain Snacks because the product contains undeclared milk and soy. A spokesperson for the company was unable to provide a quantity of affected product.

Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to these allergens run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products

The product was distributed in the Midwest and Northeast, and bears a manufacturing code of 115220422 and/or 215320522 and a freshness date of Oct 02.

Consumers who have purchased this product can call Frito-Lay at 1-800-352-4477 for a replacement coupon.

Little Rock, AR (SafetyAlerts) - Odom’s Tennessee Pride is voluntarily recalling approximately 4,900 pounds of frozen sausage links that may be contaminated with plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products being recalled are 12 lb. boxes of "Alliant PRESTIGE Cooked Pork Sausage Skinless Links." Each box bears a production code of "0206-1L 1171 14117A," and "EST. 6544A" appears on the label inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The product was produced on June 20, and was distributed to institutional establishments nationwide.

"FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator. "Purchasers or consumers of sausage links may wish to ask establishments where they consume sausage links if the product or meal contains the recalled product."

Odom’s Tennessee Pride notified FSIS of the problem. No injuries have been reported. Anyone concerned about an injury should contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Judy Ferguson, Odom’s Tennessee Pride consumer affairs administrative assistant, at (615) 868-1360 ext. 453. Media with questions may contact James P. Stonehocker, Odom’s Tennessee Pride executive vice president/chief operating officer, at (615) 868-1360 ext. 434.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

Glendale, CA (SafetyAlerts) -The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Nestlé is recalling 120 cans of Nestlé Carnation Follow-Up Formula, 32-fluid-ounce Liquid Ready to Feed, due to excessive magnesium in these cans. Long term extended use of the product may have the potential to cause severe adverse health effects such as low blood pressure and irregular heart beat. Symptoms to look for in children include poor feeding, unusually pale color and weakness. There have been no reports of illnesses associated with this product. If your child has consumed this product and not had these symptoms, simply discontinue use of these cans.

The product was distributed only to Wal*Mart stores only in the following Texas cities: Crockett, Hempstead, Lewisville, Denton, Plano, Garland, Murphy, Corsicana, Sulphur Springs, Humble, The Woodlands, Longview, Katy-Houston, Center, Irving, Bedford, Grand Prairie, Lancaster and Arlington.

No other Nestlé Carnation formula products or forms (such as powder or concentrate) are involved. The recall is limited to 120 cans of Nestlé Carnation Follow-Up Formula, 32-fluid-ounce Ready To Feed with the following production code stamped on the top of cans: 1203EWFR3551. The code appears under the "use by" date, 22 Jan 2003 and may or may not be followed by one additional letter. Consumers are instructed to return any affected cans to the Wal*Mart store where it was purchased.

The recall was the result of routine quality assurance sampling by the company which revealed that one batch of the formula had a high magnesium content.

Cleveland, OH. (SafetyAlerts) - Blue Coral is recalling about 1.1 million containers of Rain-X® glass cleaner and washer fluid. The products, which contain methyl alcohol, are not sealed with child-resistant closures as required by federal law. Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol, is toxic and can cause blindness or death if ingested.

Blue Coral has received three reports of ingestion, including two children whose parents called the Blue Coral help line and were directed to immediate medical treatment.

The recalled products include three brands: Rain-X® Super Glass Cleaner Concentrate, which was sold in 10-oz. and 16.9-oz. plastic bottles, is a pink concentrated liquid that should be added to water; Rain-X® Plus Washer Fluid Concentrate, which was sold in 10-oz. and 16.9-oz. plastic bottles and single-use 1.2-oz. pouches, is a blue concentrated liquid that also should be added to water; and Rain-X® Washer Fluid Additive, which was sold in single-use 2-oz. pouches. The Glass Cleaner and Washer Fluid bottles have a measuring cup built into the cap. A label on the back of the products reads in part, "Blue Coral Slick 50 Ltd." and "Made in USA."

Hardware, automotive and department stores nationwide sold the recalled Rain-X® products from September 1998 through August 2001 for between $1 and $5.

Consumers should keep these recalled products out of the reach of young children. Consumers should call Blue Coral toll-free at (800) 416-1600 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for information on receiving replacement child-resistant caps and a coupon toward a Rain-X® product. Consumers also can visit the company's websites at www.bluecoral.com or www.rain-x.com.

Rain-X® Washer Fluid Additive sold in 10-oz. and 16.9-oz. yellow bottles is not subject to this recall.

(SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that Pharmacia Corporation and Greenstone are recalling Micronase lots 84DWB (1.25 mg, bottle of 100); 91DYR (2.5 mg, bottle of 100); 67FPP (5 mg, bottle of 100); and 42 different lots of Greenstone Brand Glyburide Tablets. Fungal organisms have been detected in some lots of MICRONASE and Greenstone Brand Glyburide Tablets, traced to a raw material used in the formulation.

RISK
Based on a literature review, the fungi/molds detected, such as Paecilomyces, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, have in rare cases caused infection via inhalation (sinus or lung infection) or via entry through damaged skin (cellulitis). The fungi/molds detected may cause difficult to treat infections in immuno-compromised patients such as diabetics and HIV and renal transplant patients who also have diabetes. We are aware of no cases of infection associated with eating or swallowing these fungi. Patients who may inquire about this recall should be urged to continue taking their existing medication until a replacement is obtained, to avoid any potential loss of blood sugar control.

INFORMATION
MICRONASE Tablets (glyburide tablets, USP), 1.25 mg, bottle of 100
NDC: 0009-0131-01
Lot Number: 84DWB
MICRONASE Tablets (glyburide tablets, USP), 2.5 mg, bottle of 100
NDC: 0009-0141-01
Lot Number: 91DYR
MICRONASE ® Tablets (glyburide tablets, USP), 5 mg, bottle of 100
NDC: 0009-0171-05
Lot Number: 67FPP.

INFORMATION
Greenstone brand Glyburide Tablets, 1.25 mg, bottle of 100
NDC: 59762-3725-1
Lot Numbers: 37DYR, 84DTF
Greenstone brand Glyburide Tablets, 2.5 mg, bottle of 100
NDC: 59762-3726-3
Lot Numbers: 40FCW, 42FCW, 44FCW, 46FCW, 76DWD, 88DTF
Greenstone brand Glyburide Tablets, 5 mg, bottle of 100
NDC: 59762-3727-4
Lot Numbers: 18FTH, 19FTH, 18FTD, 39FTD, 17FTH, 93FRY, 95FRY,
96FRY, 57FJD, 58FJD, 14FJX, 75FKR, 74FKR, 44FMD, 60FJD
Greenstone brand Glyburide Tablets, 5 mg, bottle of 500
NDC: 59762-3727-6
Lot Numbers: 43FKW, 85FMU, 86FMH
Greenstone brand Glyburide Tablets, 5 mg, bottle of 1000
NDC: 59762-3727-7
Lot Numbers: 12FTH, 61FJD, 11FMF, 59FMD, 15FJX, 17FJX, 18FKS,
16FKS, 15FKS, 22FKS, 19FKS, 07FMF, 10FMF, 28FMK, 02FJX, 17FKS
.

Downers Grove, Ill  (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that ConAgra Dairy Foods is recalling less than 3,000 pounds of Fleischmann's Unsalted Stick Margarine because the product may contain an undeclared dairy ingredient. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products may run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

This is the first public notice of this Class I recall issued by the FDA.

Affected product was distributed through retail stores in the following states:

Maryland Mississippi Vermont Michigan
Virginia Pennsylvania Maine
Alabama Massachusetts New Hampshire
Ohio Kentucky New Jersey
Connecticut Tennessee Rhode Island
New York Georgia West Virginia

This Fleischmann's Unsalted Stick Margarine can be identified with the "best if used by" date on the carton of JAN 31 02 O N. Two allergic reactions have been reported. Other than to dairy sensitive consumers or to consumers on a sodium free diet, the product being recalled is safe for consumption.

The product may actually be Fleischmann's Original Stick Margarine that contains whey, a dairy protein. The product can be easily identified by the inner wrap on the individual sticks that reads, "Fleischmann's Original Margarine," instead of Unsalted.

This product is being recalled in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ConAgra Dairy Foods is concerned about the health of its consumers; therefore, we encourage those individuals who are allergic to dairy products to return the above-coded unsalted stick margarine to the store where purchased for a full refund. For further information, call toll-free at 1-800-257-5594 during normal business hours.

Farmerville, La. (SafetyAlerts) - United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, (FSIS) said that ConAgra Poultry Company is recalling 18,000 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken because the product may have been underprocessed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

This is the first public notice of this Class I recall issued by the FSIS.

The products were produced on July 30, Aug. 1 and Aug. 3, 2001 and bear the establishment number “EST. P-13485A” on the case. Products and identifying codes are as follows:

“PIERCE MARINATA ITALIANI STYLE FULLY COOKED, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS” in 10 lb. cases, with product code MIT4037 and production date codes FO1B1211, FO1B1213, FO1B1215.

“FULLY COOKED, SKINLESS ITALIAN STYLE CHICKEN BREAST FILLETS” in 10 lb. cases, with product code 002515 and production date codes FO1B1213 and FO1B1215.

These products were distributed to the institutional level nationwide. The problem was discovered by a restaurant and reported to ConAgra.

“Because of the potential for foodborne illness, we want consumers to be aware of the recall,” said Margaret O’K. Glavin, FSIS acting administrator. “Diners may wish to ask if their meal contains the recalled products.”

No illnesses or injuries associated with consumption of these products have been reported. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact ConAgra Poultry Company’s Consumer Hotline at (800) 414-7500. Media with questions about the recall may contact Karen Lynn, Corporate Communications, ConAgra Poultry Company at (402) 595-5392.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

Compaq has received five reports of fire that were contained to the cases of the AC adapters. No injuries were reported.

This recall involves AC adapters with the model series numbers "PPP003SD," " PPP003" and "PP2012," which is located directly under "Compaq Computer Corporation" on the AC adapter label. The AC adapters were sold individually and with the following notebook computers:
 

Armada M300 Armada 3500
Armada M700 Armada E500s
Armada E500 Prosignia 170
Armada V300 Prosignia 190
Armada 100s Armada 110
Notebook 100

Compaq distributors sold computers with these AC adapters and the individual AC adapters from September 1998 through July 2001. The computers with these adapters sold for between $999 and $4399 and the individual adapters sold for between $65 and $98.

Consumers should stop using the recalled AC adapter and power cord immediately and contact Compaq to order a free replacement AC adapter. For more information, call Compaq at (888) 302-7689, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.compaq.com.

Glendale, CA  (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that Nestle USA is recalling COFFEE-MATE Lite Powder Coffee Creamer. 6 and 16 ounce plastic (HDPE) containers.

This is the first public notice of this Class llI recall issued by the FDA.

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE:
F-630-1, COFFEE-MATE Lite Powder Coffee Creamer. 6 and 16 ounce plastic (HDPE) containers.

Codes:
Julian Date Codes: 1138, 1139, 1141, 1142, 1153, 1170, 1171, 1180, 1181, 1182, 1221, 1222, 1229, 1230, 1231.

REASON:
The product is unfit for food due to off odor and flavor.

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM:
Nestle Beverage Co. Jacksonville, IL

RECALLED BY:
Nestle USA Glendale, CA, sales representatives were notified of the recall and directed to immediately contact and visit customers to determine if any affected product was in the customer's warehouse.

FIRM INITIATED RECALL:
Ongoing

DISTRIBUTION:
Nationwide

QUANTITY:
47,101 cases.

Norwalk, CT (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that South Beach Beverage Company is recalling SoBE Sports System- 20 oz. plastic botttles.

This is the first public notice of this Class III recall issued by the FDA.

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE:
SoBE Sports System- 20 oz. plastic botttles with codes as follows:
A. F-589-1 SoBe Sports System-Fruit Punch
Codes as follows:
LM 1162, LM 1163, LM 1164,LM 1165, LM 1192, LM 1193, LM 1194,
LM 1201, LM 1202
B. F-590-1 SoBe Sports System- Orange
Codes as follows:
LM 1155, LM 1156, LM 1158, LM 1159, LM 1160, LM 1167, LM 1169,
LM 1198, LM 1199, LM 1200, LM 1202.
C. F-591-1 SoBe Sport System - Tropical
Codes as follows:
LM 1160, LM 1162, LM 1169, LM 1170 , LM 1201
D. F-592-1 SoBe Sports System- Lemon Lime
Codes as follows:
LM 1166, LM 1167, LM 1194, LM 1195, LM 1197, LM 1198
Codes:
SoBe Sports System 20 oz. plastic botttle as listed:

REASON:
Product may contain mold.

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM:
Lyons Magnus Fresno, CA

RECALLED BY:
South Beach Beverage Company [SOBE] Norwalk, CT, sent a letter to its distributors on 8/3/01 instructing them to place product on hold and recommended removal of product from retail. On 8/7/01 a second notifcation issued and instructed the distributors to remove product at the retail level within 48 hours or notify retailers and have them remove product. On 8/10/01, the firm expanded the recall to include the SoBe Sports System Flavors as: Orange, Lemon-Lime and Tropical. The firm is recalling all flavors produced after June 1, 2001 from the Lyons Magnus plant.

FIRM INITIATED RECALL:
Complete

DISTRIBUTION:
Nationwide

QUANTITY:
165, 296 cases [12 bottles/case].

Irvine, CA  (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that Con-Agra Grocery Products is recalling Hunt's Ketchup, 14 oz bottle. No salt added.

This is the first public notice of this Class llI recall issued by the FDA.

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE:
F-588-1, Hunt's Ketchup, 14 oz bottle. No salt added.

Codes:
Production dates FEB 28; MARCH 1; MARCH 2 (2001)

REASON:
The product was unfit for food due to spoilage.

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM:
Con-Agra Grocery Products Irvine, CA

RECALLED BY:
A recall letter dated June 13, 2001 was sent to customers requesting return of the product in confirmation of conversations that were had with contacts at the customers.

FIRM INITIATED RECALL:
Ongoing

DISTRIBUTION:
Nationwide and Antigua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Honduras, Bahamas, US Virgin Islands.

QUANTITY:
unknown.

Cincinnati, OH, (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that The Procter & Gamble Company is recalling Sunny Delight Original Florida Style, packaged in 64 fl oz plastic bottles, 8 bottles per case.

This is the first public notice of this Class llI recall issued by the FDA.

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE:
F-587-1, Sunny Delight Original Florida Style, packaged in 64 fl oz plastic bottles, 8 bottles per case. The product is labeled as distributed by Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

Codes:
OCT20H1930 through OCT20H2245

REASON:
The product is off-flavor due to excess salt.

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM:
Sundor Brands, Inc. Atlanta, GA

RECALLED BY:
The Proctor & Gamble Company Cincinnati, OH, on 7/13/2001, contacted their affected consignees by telephone. The customers were instructed to 'hold' the product until picked up by a P&G representative. The recovered product will be destroyed.

FIRM INITIATED RECALL:
Ongoing

DISTRIBUTION:
IN, FL, MS, KY, LA, MI, TN, AL, SC, WI, IL, and GA.

QUANTITY:
8,091 cases.

Houston, TX (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that The Minute Maid Company is recalling Minute Maid -Premium- CALCIUM Berry Punch.

This is the first public notice of this Class llI recall issued by the FDA.

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE:
F-586-1, "Minute Maid -Premium- CALCIUM Berry Punch *** 10% FRUIT JUICE PASTEURIZED *** 64 FL OZ *** KEEP REGRIDERATED *** THE MINUTE MAID COMPANY *** HOUSTON, TX 77252" packaged in a gable top carton, 8 to a case.

Codes:
MAY14LE, MAY23LE, MAY28LE

REASON:
The product was contaminated with mold.

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM:
Cutrale Citrus Juices USA Leesburg, FL

RECALLED BY:
The Minute Maid Company, A Division of Coca Cola Houston, TX, on 5/10/01, sent a recall letter with instructions to cease distribution. Firm sales personnel visited all accounts and removed product but no count was kept of how many units were removed and destroyed on-site.

FIRM INITIATED RECALL:
Complete

DISTRIBUTION:
NC, AL, G, FL , SC, MS, TN and LA.

QUANTITY:
12,623 cases of 8.

Paw Paw, MI (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that Minute Maid is recalling Minute Maid 100% Pure Apple Juice From Concentrate with Added Calcium and Vitamin C, Minute Maid 100% Juice Mixed Berry and Hi-C Orange Lavaburst.

This is the first public notice of this Class llI recall issued by the FDA.

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE:
F-579-1 Minute Maid 100% Pure Apple Juice From Concentrate with Added Calcium and Vitamin C, 6.75 fl. oz. (200 ml) box F-580-1 Minute Maid 100% Juice Mixed Berry, 6.75 fl. oz. (200 ml) box F-581-1 Hi-C Orange Lavaburst, 6.75 fl. oz. (200 ml) box The products were packaged 10 boxes per pack, 4 packs to a case.

Codes:
Apple: MAR2102TF XX:XX
Berry: NOV2101TF XX:XX
Hi-C: JAN2002TF XX:XX
The codes appear on the top of the jucie box in a a block marked "BEST IF USED BY". The codes represent the Expiration Date (MAr2102), plant and line code (TF) and military time (XX:XX).

REASON:
The products may be spoiled.

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM:
Minute Maid Paw Paw, MI

RECALLED BY:
The Minute Maid Company, A Division of Coca Cola Houston, TX, on 6/22/01 sent a recall letter began by an internal and external letter to all consignees of the Apple Juice (the only product implicated at that time) informing them of the retrieval action due to the product not meeting "high quality standards". On June 26, via letters, the retrieval was expanded to include the Berry and Hi-C product due to the firm investigation findings.

FIRM INITIATED RECALL:
Complete

DISTRIBUTION:
AL, AR, CO, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NC, ND, NE, OH, PA, SD, VA, WI, TN.

QUANTITY:
Apple: 12,710 cases; Mixed Berry: 6,751 cases; Hi-C: 9,050 cases.
 
 

Yuma, AZ (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. is recalling Dole Classic Cole Slaw; 1 pound bag.

This is the first public notice of this Class I recall issued by the FDA.

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE:
F-584-1, Dole Classic Cole Slaw; 1 pound bag,

Codes:
Best if used by date: "02 05 01"

REASON:
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets determined that the product was contaminated with Salmonella typhimurium.

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM:
Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. Yuma, AZ

RECALLED BY:
Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. Westlake Village, CA, issued two press releases on 2/2/2001, one tailored for and at the request of New York State Department of Agriculture, and another covering the full distribution spectrum. Follow-up telephone and fax notice was made to consignees for food service customers and later for retail customers.

FIRM INITIATED RECALL:
Complete

DISTRIBUTION:
Nationwide

QUANTITY:
65,466 one lb retail bags.

CPSC and Biddeford Textile Corp. have received 34 reports of the electric blankets overheating, melting and scorching. No injuries or property damage, other than to the blanket, have been reported.

The electric blankets were sold under the model names Controlled Comfort, EH 2000, Starbright, Staywarm, Supreme 21, Warm Comfort, and had serial numbers A001A to C210C. "Biddeford Textile Corporation," along with the blanket's model name and its serial number are printed on a label near where the control switch is plugged in. The blankets were sold in king, queen, double and twin sizes in various colors, including off-white, hunter green, light blue, navy blue, white, rose, plum, burgundy, French blue, sage green, teal and rawhide.

Department stores including Kohl's and Target, and direct mail order companies, such as Fingerhut and JCPenney, sold these blankets nationwide from August 1999 through July 2001 for between $100 to $150.

Consumers should stop using the electric blankets immediately and contact Biddeford Textile Corp. for a free replacement plug connector adapter. For more information, consumers should call Biddeford Textile Corp. toll-free at (877) 217-6294 anytime, or visit their web site at www.blanketrecall.com.

Consumers should not return the electric blankets to Biddeford Textile Corp.

BUENOS AIRES, Reuters, Argentina - Health officials in Argentina's capital are asking a court to fine McDonald's Corp. up to $500,000 after tests showed beef and chicken burgers at four restaurants were tainted with the potentially deadly E.coli bacteria, officials said last week.

"Contamination was confirmed," said Marta Lopez Barrios, head of the Buenos Aires health authorities. "The paperwork was sent to the court authorities (on Thursday) for it to be judged," she added.

In August, health officials closed four restaurants in Buenos Aires after tests found traces of E.coli in chicken burgers following complaints from one client who had fallen ill. Beef burgers also tested positive for the bacteria.

In September, the city allowed McDonald's to reopen, saying the firm met health codes.

McDonald's was not immediately available for comment last week but the firm has said the initial decision to shut down four of its restaurants for E.coli-related health concerns was an "error."

Argentina's decision to take McDonald's to court comes one day after Chilean health authorities said they found E.coli in chicken burgers at a McDonald's restaurant in Santiago. The Santiago McDonald's was shut down two weeks ago after a routine inspection found traces of the bacteria.

E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. In the very young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems the bacteria can cause kidney failure, brain damage and even death.

McDonald's Corp has 172 franchises in Argentina. The chain is one of the largest private-sector employers in the country, providing work to some 12,500 people and posting sales of $240 million last year.

Żywe jadowite pająki czarna wdowa  w liczbie przekraczającej dopuszczalną normę 1 na 1 milion kiści powodem  nałożonego przez władze sanitarne Nowej Zelandii zakazu importu winogron z USA

WELLINGTON - New Zealand yesterday suspended imports of Californian table grapes after a poisonous Black Widow spider was discovered at a supermarket, raising to four the number found in shipments this year.

"There is real concern at the number of Black Widow spiders that have entered the country and the risk they pose from both  an environmental and health perspective," Ministry of Agriculture biosecurity official Barry O'Neil said in a statement.

New Zealand imports around 10 million bunches of Californian table grapes each year and existing standards allow for no more  than one live spider to be found per one million grape bunches.

While the number of spiders found was within this range, the environmentalist Green politicians have urged a ban.

"The reality is there's been significant public concern with respect to what risks the Black Widow spiders in grapes present  and therefore we believe it is appropriate to review what the risks associated with the imports of these grapes are," O'Neil said.

The latest Black Widow spider was found at a supermarket in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, around 120 km (75 miles) west of Wellington.

Californian exporters are required to fumigate the grapes prior to shipment to kill spiders and other exotic pests.

The suspension would remain while a review examined the likelihood of Black Widow spiders becoming established in New Zealand and the resulting implications, which would probably take around six months, O'Neil added.

Forty-three containers carrying 66,608 boxes of Californian tablegrapes already on their way to New Zealand would be allowed into the country, but the Ministry of Agriculture said it would conduct additional checks.

Black Widow spiders have distinctive markings on their back and its bite can kill very young, elderly or debilitated people.

Geographically isolated and 1,600 km (1,000 miles) east of Australia, New Zealand has hardly any poisonous spiders and no other poisonous animals.

Nieznane antybiotyki w paszy do hodowli drobiu i insektycyd użyty  w jego transporcie powodem  nałożonego przez władze sanitarne  Ukrainy zakazu importu mięsa drobiowego z USA

KIEV - Ukraine's veterinary inspectorate has temporarily banned imports of U.S. poultry meat to clarify whether the meat is suitable for consumption there, a senior inspectorate official said yesterday. "This temporary ban has been in force since November 10," Mykola Patsyuk, deputy chief inspector, told Reuters.

"This ban followed the visit of our veterinary inspectors to U.S. poultry farms which showed U.S. poultry breeders used some antibiotics in fodder which are unknown in Ukraine," he said. Patsyuk said inspectors were also concerned about a special chemical compound used as an insecticide for poultry carcasses during their transport to Ukraine.

He said a new team of Ukrainian experts would travel to the United States soon to continue the investigation and to carry out additional tests.

According to the veterinary inspectorate, in the first 10 months of this year Ukraine imported 30,652 tonnes of poultry meat, mostly from the United States.

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The government has banned the import of popular 
  Spanish clementines after larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly were found in 
  some of the fruit. 

  The small oranges, which are sold in small wooden boxes, also must be pulled 
  from store shelves in 17 Southern and Western states where the winter would be 
  warm enough for the insects to survive. A few clementines are imported from 
  Israel, and the ban does not apply to them. 

  The seedless, easy-to-peel fruit exploded in popularity in recent years after 
  shippers obtained the necessary refrigerated boats. The refrigeration was 
  supposed to keep the clementines cold enough to kill any flies that might be 
  accompanying them. 

  The Medfly is considered one of the world's most destructive agricultural pests, 
  threatening more than 250 kinds of fruits, nuts and vegetables. There are no 
  established populations of the insect in the United States. Female flies lay their 
  eggs inside fruit, and the larvae then feed on it. 

  The Agriculture Department initially suspended imports Nov. 30 after larvae 
  were found in clementines in Maryland and North Carolina. Because those 
  clementines were traced to a single ship, USDA planned to allow imports to 
  resume this week, but larvae were subsequently found in Louisiana as well, 
  USDA spokesman Jim Rogers said Thursday. That fruit came from a different 
  shipment, leading officials to conclude that the problem was more widespread 
  than first thought. 

  California officials have seized 50,000 cartons of clementines and said Thursday 
  that larvae had been found in a San Jose store. Inspectors were trying to confirm 
  that the fruit was from Spain. 

  The Agriculture Department suspended indefinitely the import of Spanish 
  clementines and banned their sale or distribution in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, 
  California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, 
  New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas 
  and Washington. Fruit in those areas must be destroyed or shipped to an 
  approved location. 

  ``What we're concentrating on right now is moving fruit out of the areas where 
  the Medfly can do the most damage,'' Rogers said. 

LONDON (Reuters Health) - Aventis Pasteur MSD, the European vaccines joint venture set up by Merck and Aventis, announced the recall of all stocks of its VAQTA hepatitis A vaccine this week because of concerns it might not be potent enough to protect people against the travel disease.

The firm said the withdrawal involves pre-filled syringes of VAQTA vaccine for adults and VAQTA K for children. The vaccine is made by Merck and loaded into syringes in the UK by Evans Vaccines, part of PowderJect.

A spokesman for the joint venture said: "The problem is an apparent reduction in the potency of the vaccine, but only in a fraction of the syringes." However, because of the difficulty of identifying which syringes were affected, it had been decided to recall every batch.

A spokesman for PowderJect said the exact nature of the problem was not clear. "All of the processes that we use are all fully agreed by Merck before we use them," he said.

Ralf Ehret, commercial director of Aventis Pasteur-MSD's German unit, said 532,000 doses of the vaccine, worth 12 million euros, were sold in Europe in 2000.

- To była rutynowa kontrola żywności w naszych sklepach. Pobraliśmy próbki 15 listopada. Badaliśmy m.in. mleko dla dzieci. Z pięciu opakowań mleka, które zbadaliśmy, w dwóch stwierdziliśmy obecność gronkowca - mówi Krystyna Łopatka z laboratorium w sanepidzie w Żywcu. - Natychmiast zaalarmowaliśmy wszystkie stacje sanepidu w całym kraju. Choć gronkowca znaleźliśmy w zaledwie kilku opakowaniach, jednak nie wolno tego lekceważyć. Dzieci mogą się zatruć.

Dmuchają na zimne

 - Przebadaliśmy odżywkę z tej samej serii, która trafiła na gdański rynek. Nie było w niej gronkowca - zapewnia Aleksander Hołówko, kierownik sekcji żywności wojewódzkiego sanepidu w Gdańsku, który ma nadzór nad firmą Nestle.

Na rynek w całej Polsce trafiło 2280 opakowań odżywki. Głównie do sklepów z artykułami dla dzieci, do hipermarketów i aptek.

- W Łodzi odżywki trafiły do dwóch hipermarketów Geant - mówi Iwona Rudnicka, kierownik działu higieny żywności i żywienia miejskiego sanepidu w Łodzi. - Gdy dowiedzieliśmy się o zakażeniu, natychmiast pojechaliśmy pobrać próbki do badania. Ale okazało się, że prawdopodobnie cała partia została już wykupiona. Do wczoraj nikt nie zgłosił jednak zakażenia gronkowcem.

 - Odżywki dla dzieci są produkowane pod specjalnym nadzorem - dodaje pracownik łódzkiego sanepidu. - Produkuje się je przy pełnej automatyzacji, w sterylnych warunkach, a produkt jest suszony w bardzo wysokiej temperaturze (powyżej 100 stopni) właśnie po to, żeby nie było w nim bakterii.

Nie chcieli siać paniki

 Pokarm "NAN 2R" produkowany jest przez firmę Nestle, która mieści się w Kobylnicy niedaleko Słupska. Agnieszka Wąsek, rzecznik prasowy firmy, twierdzi, że żadne badania, które wykonuje się podczas produkcji, nic nie wykazały.

- Tym samym odżywka dostała przepustkę na rynek - mówi Wąsek. - Jedynie Żywiec wykrył bakterie gronkowca w odżywce. Mimo to nakazaliśmy naszym odbiorcom, żeby pokarm wycofać.

Informacja o gronkowcu została wysłana do wszystkich sanepidów w kraju 30 listopada. Dlaczego przez ponad tydzień nikt nie ostrzegł łódzkich matek?

 - Gdyby zakażona była cała partia, informacja trafiłaby do publicznej wiadomości - mówi Iwona Rudnicka z łódzkiego sanepidu. - W tym przypadku nie stwierdziliśmy takiej konieczności, bo skoro produkt trafił do sklepów na początku października, gdyby zawierał gronkowca, mielibyśmy już informacje o zakażeniach. Nie chcieliśmy siać paniki.

Zdanie Iwony Rudnickiej podziela Andrzej Trybusz, główny inspektor sanitarny. - Gdyby istniało zagrożenie, poinformowalibyśmy o tym ludzi. Nigdzie żadne inne badanie, poza Żywcem, nie potwierdziło obecności gronkowca w odżywce - mówi.

Działanie "pod producenta"

 Epidemiolog, dr Zbigniew Hałat, prezes Medycznego Centrum Konsumenta, jest odmiennego zdania.

- To jest ewidentne działanie "pod producenta"! - mówi Hałat. - Najlepiej udawać, że się nic nie stało. Nawet jeżeli wykryto bakterie w jednym opakowaniu, natychmiast powinno się zawiadomić o tym ludzi, zwłaszcza matki, które karmią taką odżywką dzieci! Podać dokładne dane produktu. A towar natychmiast wycofać ze sklepów. Tak jest w każdym normalnym kraju. Jeżeli się tego nie robi, to jest to jakiś kabaret! Sanepid tłumaczy się tym, że nie mają zgłoszeń o zachorowaniach. Nie dziwi mnie to, bo lekarze w tym kraju dzieciom z objawami biegunki przepisują antybiotyk i odsyłają do domu. Nie przeprowadza się badań, bo nie ma kto za nie zapłacić.

Trudny w leczeniu

 Maria Kosmala, lekarz internista: - Zatrucie gronkowcem jest trudne do leczenia, bo bakterie tej choroby są odporne na leki. Objawia się ostrą biegunką, wysoką gorączką i wymiotami. Wymaga leczenia antybiotykami. Objawy zatrucia gronkowcem występują od kilku do 24 godzin od momentu zatrucia. Zatrucie bakterią tej choroby grozi m.in. uszkodzeniem śluzówki jelitowej i przewlekłą biegunką. Szczególnie małe dzieci czasami wymagają w takich przypadkach leczenia szpitalnego i podania dożylnie antybiotyków i płynów elektrolitowych, aby nie dopuścić do odwodnienia organizmu.

 
 

Uwaga na tę odżywkę!

 Jeżeli ktoś ma w domu odżywkę "NAN 2R" z numerem serii: PMO CSA i datą ważności do 15 września 2002 roku, powinien ją przynieść do miejscowego sanepidu na przebadanie lub po prostu wyrzucić.
 

Ze względu na ujawnienie się wady konstrukcyjnej dźwigni zwrotnicy drążka poprzecznego układu kierowniczego, która może doprowadzić do pękania śrub mocujących dźwigni zwrotnicy, stwarzając tym samym zagrożenie dla bezpieczeństwa użytkowników samochodów Lublin II i Lublin 3 o numerach identyfikacyjnych (VIN):
 

Syndyk Masy Upadłości Daewoo Motor Polska informuje o konieczności dokonania wymiany dźwigni zwrotnic oraz mocujących je śrub na nowe.

Naprawę należy wykonać bezzwłocznie na koszt własny, a udokumentowaną rachunkiem uproszczonym lub fakturą VAT wierzytelność zgłosić do Masy Upadłości w trybie przewidzianym art. 150 Prawa Upadłościowego na adres:

W celu zapewnienia odpowiedniej jakości wykonywanych napraw zaleca się, aby były one przeprowadzane w stacjach obsługi, które posiadały autoryzację Daewoo Motor Polska z wykorzystaniem zestawu naprawczego nr 389999996360.

W przypadku wykonywania naprawy w warsztatach lub stacjach obsługi, które nie posiadały autoryzacji Daewoo Motor Polska należy bezwzględnie przestrzegać zaleceń zawartych w "technologii wymiany dźwigni zwrotnic drążka poprzecznego i śrub mocujących" dołączonej do każdego zestawu naprawczego oraz umieszczonej na stronie internetowej pod adresem www.daewoo.lublin.pl

W zestawy naprawcze można się zaopatrywać za pośrednictwem stacji obsługi oraz w sklepach i hurtowniach części zamiennych.

Aktualnie zestawy naprawcze posiada Hurtownia Salon D.U., 
29-952 Lublin, ul. Mełgiewska 10, tel. 0 - prefix - 81 749 15 76.
 

Uwaga: w wypowiedzi telewizyjnej przedstawiciel producenta poinformował opinię publiczną o długotrwałym zatajeniu tej wady z powodu braku środków finansowych na jej usunięcie w sprzedanych samochodach. Do końca roku 2001 zagrażające życiu produkty nie zostały wprowadzone do   ogólnodostępnego rejestru

Brooklyn, NY (SafetyAlerts) - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that Sophia Foods Inc. has recalled its 150-gram (5.3 oz) packages of "E. WEDEL DELICJE-SZAMPANSKIE-POMARANCZOWE" BISCUITS TOPPED WITH JAM AND FINE CHOCOLATE because theymay contain undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled biscuits were distributed to retail stores in the New York Metropolitan area. The product comes in a 150-gram (5.3 oz) blue and orange uncoded package. It is a product of Poland.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors discovered that the peanut-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of peanuts. Distribution of the product has been suspended until the company is certain that the problem has been corrected.

Consumers who have purchased 150-gram (5.3 oz) packages of "E. WEDEL DELICJE-SZAMPANSKIE-POMARANCZOWE" BISCUITS TOPPED WITH JAM AND FINE CHOCOLATE are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (718) 272-1110.
 
 

Kilkaset tysięcy paczek płatków śniadaniowych Mlekołaki wycofa firma Lubella ze sklepów w całym kraju. Tak zadecydował Generalny Inspektor Sanitarny po skardze konsumenta ze Szczecina

W czwartek mieszkaniec Szczecina kupił paczkę lubelskich Mlekołaków i zrobił swojemu trzyletniemu dziecku śniadanie. Nagle maluch zaczął się krztusić. Okazało się, że o mało nie połknął kawałka zabawki, która znajdowała się w paczce płatków. Zdenerwowany ojciec złożył skargę do sanepidu i dołączył kolejną paczkę do ekspertyzy.

- Z torby wraz z płatkami sypały się plastikowe części zabawki - mówi Kazimierz Brzeski, wojewódzki inspektor sanitarny w Szczecinie.

- Otworzyła się kapsuła, w której są zamknięte zabawki - wyjaśnia dr Małgorzata Witusik, kierownik kontroli żywności w lubelskim sanepidzie. My też wybraliśmy losowo 355 paczek z Mlekołakami i badaliśmy je, zgniatając, rzucając nimi i potrząsając. Po tych zabiegach symulujących warunki, w jakich są transportowane torby, tylko w jednej kapsuła się otworzyła. Zabawki i kapsuła mają atest, mogą mieć kontakt z żywnością, na opakowaniu jest wyraźna informacja o znajdującej się wewnątrz zabawce-niespodziance. Jedyną wadą promocyjnej zabawki jest otwierająca się kapsuła. To właśnie z jej powodu o mało nie doszło do nieszczęścia w Szczecinie - dodaje doktor Witusik.

W poniedziałek Generalny Inspektor Sanitarny w Warszawie wydał decyzję nakazującą producentowi wycofanie z handlu Mlekołaków z zabawkami.

Lubella musi przepakować 800 tysięcy paczek Mlekołaków. Z czego 240 tysięcy paczek jest już w handlu.

- Koszt operacji wycofania ze sprzedaży partii płatków nie zagrozi finansowo firmie. Marka jest najważniejsza - mówi Magdalena Marzec-Mróz, rzecznik prasowy Lubelli i dodaje:

- Wycofanie i wymiana produktów zajmie nam około 3-4 dni. Płatki zawierające figurki Mlekołaków i zabawki do składania były w sprzedaży od połowy stycznia. Lubella, żeby nie rezygnować z akcji promocyjnej, zabezpieczy 3 miliony kapsułek z zabawkami tak, by nie otwierały się w transporcie i były bezpieczne dla konsumentów.

Lubella wyprodukowane w Chinach figurki Mlekołaków kupiła od krajowego pośrednika.