By Rita Colorito on November 11, 2011 in
Several Toyota and Lexus models totaling more than 400,000 vehicles were recalled because of a problem affecting the crankshaft pulley and steering, while some Pontiac G8s and Jeep Wranglers were recalled because of airbag problems. In food safety news, the FDA issued warnings against olive products contaminated with botulism and frozen oysters with norovirus.
Auto issues: Faulty crankshafts and airbags
Toyota Motor Sales Inc., voluntarily recalled 283,200 Toyota vehicles and 137,000 Lexus vehicles to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine. A problem with the pulley may cause the power steering to become detached, making steering more difficult. No injuries or accidents have been reported. The recalled vehicles include: 2004 Avalon; 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara; 2006 Highlander HV; 2004 and 2005 ES330 and RX330; and 2006 RX400h. These same models with a 4-cyclinder engine are not part of the recall. Toyota will begin notifying owners, via mail, in January, 2012. Authorized Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the crankshaft pulley free of charge. In the meantime, owners may contact their local Toyota or Lexus dealer, or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 800-331-4331 or www.lexus.com/recall and the Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 800-255-3987.
General Motors has recalled 2008-2009 model year Pontiac G8s because the front seat position sensor can cause a deployment delay of the dual-stage frontal passenger air bag. In a crash, the delay may increase the risk of head injury to the front passenger. GM dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. Owners may contact Pontiac at 800-620-7668.
Chrysler is recalling certain 2008-2012 model year right hand drive Jeep Wranglers because a broken electrical circuit in the airbag assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver's front airbag, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Chrysler has begun notifying owners, and will fix the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
FDA Issues Food Warnings
The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Bio Gaudiano brand Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds. The product, imported from Italy, has been linked to a botulism outbreak in Europe. So far, no cases of botulism related to this product have been reported in the United States. Samples taken by European health officials confirmed the presence of botulism toxin, which causes botulism, a serious, potentially fatal illness that attacks the nervous system and in severe form, can cause respiratory failure. Symptoms, which usually begin 18 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. The product was initially only distributed to retailers in Massachusetts. If you have this product, return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it properly in the trash or garbage disposal, so that wildlife cannot consume it.
In another case of botulism-contaminated olives, United Natural Foods is recalling selected types of FoodMatch, Inc. Divina Stuffed Olives. Divina 4 oz Olives, Feta Cheese Stuffed, UPC 63172352780, Best By 11 Jan 2012 were sold to stores in Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. Divina 4 oz Olives, Blue Cheese Stuffed, UPC 63172352790, with various sell-by dates were distributed to the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming, through the following retail stores: Carrs, Safeway, Pavilion and Vons.
The FDA also issued a warning for consumers not to eat certain ASSI Brand frozen oysters. The oysters have been linked to norovirus cases in Washington state. The frozen oyster meat (shucked; not in shell), is packed in 3-lb bags. Each bag is labeled ASSI Brand "INDIVIDUALLY QUICK FROZEN OYSTER" with a "Better if Used By" date of "2013.02.232." Each bag identifies Central Fisheries Co. Ltd., as the packer and Korean Farms of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., as the distributor. The product was shipped to Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Washington. Norovirus, a highly contagious disease, causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). The most common symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Most people get better within 1 to 2 days, but dehydration can be a problem among the young, elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
What Should You Do?
If you own any of these products, check the product code against the specific product codes found on the manufacturer's recall press release, which we have linked to above for each individual recall. For details on these and other recalls, including product recall press releases, how to obtain a refund or manufacturer's recommendations to obtain a fix for your product's problem, the U.S. government maintains an online recall clearinghouse at Recalls.gov for six of its agencies that issue recalls.
For any recalled product, the CPSC recommends consumers stop using it right away. And remember, it's illegal to knowingly resell or attempt to resell any recalled product.