Productopia | Buyer Beware

FONT
PRINT

All posts in: Buyer Beware

Beauty beware: Hepatitis risk at nail salons and barbershops

By Rita Colorito on February 2, 2012 in

Buyer Beware

I'm a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to nail care, preferring to shape and paint my own talons instead of paying someone else to do it. Apparently, my frugal ways may do more than save me money -- it might also save my health.

Nail salon and barbershop patrons may be at risk for hepatitis infection if the tools commonly used -- such as nail files, nail brushes, finger bowls, foot basins, buffers, razors, clippers, and scissors -- are improperly cleaned, found a new study presented recently at the American College of Gastroenterology annual scientific meeting.

Comments

Discount gift cards: How to avoid getting scammed

Computers & Internet

By Kelly Anne Fitzpatrick on December 6, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

The holiday season doesn't just bring joy and presents--it also brings scams-a-plenty. With visions of identity theft dancing in our heads, many of us take precautions to protect our personal info, but that isn't the only way Grinch-like thieves can make off with everything but the Roast Beast.

Gift cards are extremely popular (nearly 60 percent of those surveyed by the National Retail Federation said they were hoping to find some plastic in their stockings), as are sites that discount, resell and auction them. But buying at a reduced rate may not always mean you're getting a great deal. Read on to know when to "Buy! Buy! Buy!" and when the deal is too good to be true.

Comments

Recall recap: Rocketfish iPhone cases, Craisins, and Chevrolet Colorados

By Rita Colorito on December 1, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

It could be hazardous to recharge your iPhone: Best Buy recalled its Rocketfish case for iPhone3G and 3GS because the case poses a fire hazard. Just in time for holiday noshing, Ocean Spray recalls Craisins because of metal fragments and Trans Ocean recalls smoked salmon possibly contaminated with Listeria. Chrysler and GM recalled some 2012 makes because of faulty manufacturing. Get the details below.

Comments

Are your cosmetics causing chaos?

Health & Beauty

By Rita Colorito on November 30, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

If you are one of the estimated 2 million Americans managing celiac disease, the food you eat isn't the only thing you might need to worry about. What you place on your skin could affect you as well. That's because some lip, facial and body products may contain undisclosed gluten, finds a recent George Washington University study.

Comments

Recall recap: Smucker's chunky peanut butter, KEDS shoes, and GM vehicles

By Rita Colorito on November 23, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

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.

Comments

Recall recap: Wolfgang Puck griddles, Kotex tampons and Trader Joe's salad

By Rita Colorito on November 17, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

Wolfgang Puck griddles were recalled because they pose an electric shock hazard, while some Kotex tampons were produced with contaminated material that could be life threatening to users. Read on for the more food, health and car recall details.

Comments

Recall recap: Massive Toyota and Lexus recall and the FDA warns against tainted olives

By Rita Colorito on November 11, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

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.

Comments

Recall recap: Rich Fields Butter Cookies, BMWs and potpies with unexpected ingredients

By Rita Colorito on November 3, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

Rite Aid recalled 85,000 tins of Rich Fields Butter Cookies contaminated with a stomach-churning microorganism. BMW recalled its 5 Series and 7 Series due to circuit board issues. And several food manufacturers recalled products because of undeclared ingredients.

Comments

Wegmans recalls 5,000 pounds of pine nuts: 42 sick due to salmonella outbreak

Kitchen & Food

By Rita Colorito on October 28, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., has issued a recall of 5,000 pounds of Turkish pine nuts sold in bulk because they've been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened 42 people in six states, according to an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two people have been hospitalized as a result.

Comments

Recall recap: Harley-Davidsons and GM vehicle recalls, suffocating frog masks and malfunctioning carbon monoxide detectors

By Rita Colorito on October 27, 2011 in

Buyer Beware

Harley-Davidson recalled numerous makes and models because of a brake light problem. Tire pressure warning systems fall short of safety standards in Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain. And consumers who purchased frog masks at Target, or carbon monoxide detectors through ADT have cause for concern. Read on for more details.

Comments