By Rita Colorito on November 23, 2011 in
Possible salmonella contamination prompted Smucker's to recall limited jars of chunky peanut butter, while KEDS girls' shoes pose a laceration hazard to little feet and two GM vehicles have air bags that don't deploy properly. Here are the details you need to know.
Food safety recalls
The J.M. Smucker Company issued a voluntary recall on two specific Best-If-Used-By dates of 16 oz. Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter Chunky because it may be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled jars have UPC: 5150001701, located on the side of the jar's label below the bar code, production code 1307004 or 1308004 and Best-If-Used-By dates of either August 3, 2012 or August 4, 2012. If you have the product, dispose of it properly, so wildlife can't consume it either. Consumers may also call the company at 888-550-9555, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m to 7 p.m., for a replacement coupon or to speak with a customer service representative. The company may require proof of purchase.
Diamond Crystal Brands issued a nationwide recall of its GFS Sugar Canisters after they were accidentally filled with non-dairy creamer, and thus pose an undeclared milk allergen to consumers. People with milk allergy or sensitivity may have a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product. The recalled canisters have GFS Sugar-Lot G293 B printed on the bottom of the canister.
Dangerous footwear
KEDS recalled 45,000 pairs of its "Know It All" girls' shoes because ornamental stars on the shoe heel may detach, lacerating the wearer. So far the parent company, Collective Brands, has received 27 reports of cuts and scrapes. This recall involves KEDS girls' rubber soled shoes that are black and pink with white trim and a pink loop on the heel. "KEDS" appears on the tongue and heel of the shoe. The style number KY40098A is printed on the underside of the tongue. The shoes were sold in girls' sizes 12 to 5. Collective Brands will send affected consumers a gift card for $30 redeemable at Stride Rite stores or striderite.com. Consumers may contact Collective Brands at (800) 365-4933 between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, or by email at kedskidsrecall@collectivebrands.com.
Family Dollar Stores is recalling 160,000 pair of Kidgets Animal Sock Top Slippers because the animal's eyes can detach from the slippers, posing a choking hazard to young children. The recalled children's slippers have brown or tan dog faces, yellow duck faces and tan lion faces. The name "Kidgets" and "FD9619108020690611" is printed inside the slippers. Consumers may return the slippers to a Family Dollar Store for a full refund.
In auto news
General Motors is recalling some 2,000 vehicles in 2012 Chevrolet Express and 2012 GMC Savana lines manufactured from June 2, 2011 through October 17, 2011 because the second stage of the dual-stage air bag will not inflate in a severe frontal impact, increasing the risk of serious injury. GM will notify owners and dealers will install a new front passenger air bag free of charge. Owners may contact GMC at 800-462-8782 or Chevrolet at 800-222-1020.
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.