Wrongful Death Suit Filed Over Toyota Crash

The family of Trina Renee Harris has filed suit against Toyota Motors Inc. Ms. Harris was killed in an accident when her car sped through a stop sign and smashed into a cement wall. The accident occurred just weeks before the recall that would have included Ms. Harris’ 2009 Toyota Corolla.

The Houston Chronicle says Ms. Harris told her husband that she felt the accelerator moved on its own at times, but did not think anything of it.

This is yet another example of corporate indifference. It also highlights the failure of NHTSA to police corporate neglect. For years, the auto industry has virtually controlled NHTSA. And, our families have been the victims of corporate and government indifference.

The Harris suit is the third wrongful death lawsuit filed against Toyota in relation to the recalled vehicles.

For more, see Mary Flood, Houston Chronicle 02/01/2010 Houston Chronicle

Fire Risk Prompts Honda Recall

Honda Motors Co. has begun a large-scale recall due to a defective part that could cause serious injuries or death to occupants. The recall invloves 646,000 units of the Fit/Jazz and City models globally, including 140,000 in the United States.

The cause: a defective master window switch could cause a fire.

One child burned to death after a fire broke out. Other cases have been reported.

For more, read Chang-Ran Kim, The New York Times 01/29/2010 Read Article: The New York Times

Toddler Death Sparks Crib Recall in U.S.

Another tragedy that could've been prevented.

The recent death of a six-month-old child has prompted the recall of about 635,000 Dorel Asia cribs. The cribs are manufactured by Dorel Asia SRL.

The cause: The cribs have a drop-side that can detach from the frame, thus trapping and suffocating a child.

For more read: Andrea Chang, LA Times 01/20/2010 LA Times

Toyota Issues Massive Vehicle Recall

Often, single car accidents are presumptively blamed on driver error. But, as is clear from the recent Toyota recall, driver neglect isn't always the cause.

Recently, Toyota Motors issued a 2.3 million automobile recall when it was discovered that accelerator pads may stick, causing the vehicle to unintentionally speed up. It's the second large recall in two months.

The recall stemmed from an accident in December where four people died when an Avalon sped off the road into a pond.

The recall covers car and truck models 2005 to 2010. This recall includes the 2005-10 Avalon; 2007-10 Camry and Tundra; 2008-10 Sequoia; 2009-10 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix; and 2010 Highlander. It also covers the 2009-10 Pontiac Vibe.

For details, read NY Times, The New York Times 01/21/2010 The New York Times

Fingertip Amputations Prompt Graco Stroller Recall

Next time you take your child out for a stroll, pay attention to the stroller. 1.5 million Graco strollers have been recalled because several children’s fingertips were amputated or severely injured. Wow, amputated!

The strollers, which are manufactured by Graco Children's Products Inc., involve certain model numbers of Graco Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers and Travel Systems.

The strollers were made in China by Graco and sold at AAFES, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Meijer, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart and other retailers nationwide from October 2004 to December 2009.

The cause: The stroller’s hinges pose a danger to children when opening or closing the stroller’s canopy.

These tragic, avoidable injuries underscore the need for a new “decade of corporate accountability,” leveling the playing field that today tilts too in favor of powerful corporate interests. There needs to be stronger oversight and the accountability of wrongdoers.

To read more, see Fingertip Amputations Prompt Graco Stroller Recall

Johnson and Johnson Recalls Medicines

McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson, recalled several hundred batches of Benadryl, Motrin, Rolaids, Simply Sleep, St. Joseph Aspirin and Tylenol because of a moldy smell upon opening. The recall came 20 months after numerous complaints were logged.

Once the FDA got involved, the plot thickened.

Last week, the FDA sent a warning letter to the company, noting that consumers not only complained about the moldy smell, but also complained about digestive problems like nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.

Coming clean, McNeil released a statement saying, chemicals used to treat wood pallets that transport and store product packaging were the source of the problem.

For more, read Natasha Singer, The New York Times 01/17/2010 The New York Times

CPSC Recalls Toy Workshops and Trucks

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of five “Little Tikes” toys, after an infant choked on a plastic nail included in the sets.

The affected toys sets are the Electronic Project Workshop, the Little Handiworker Workhorse, the Home Improvements Two-sided Workshop, the Swirlin' Sawdust Workshop and the Black Pickup Truck with Tools.

Although the toys are intended for toddlers and not infants, the company said it is aware other children in a household may have access to the toys.

See, Ronald D. White, LA Times 08/14/2009 Read Article: LA Times

FDA Convenes on Cold Drugs for Youngsters

A group of pediatricians told FDA advisers that cold and cough medicines should not be given to children under six years old.

An FDA panel is currently considering a petition that seeks government recognition that the medicines are ineffective and unsafe for children under six years of age.

Meanwhile, drug makers stopped the sale of over-the-counter medicines for toddlers citing potential for overdoses.

See, Andrew Bridges, LA Times 10/18/2007 Read Article: LA Times

Child Cough Medicines Recalled

Johnson & Johnson has ordered a voluntary recall of certain cough and cold products for infants amid reports that misuse could lead to overdoses.

A Johnson & Johnson spokesman says the recall affects infants under two years of age who are particularly at risk for overdose if the products were not administered properly.

The products being recalled include: infants' Tylenol Drops Plus Cold; Concentrated Infants' Tylenol Drops Plus Cold & Cough; Pediacare Infant Drops Decongestant; Pediacare Infant Drops Decongestant & Cough; Pediacare Infant Dropper Decongestant; Pediacare Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough; and Pediacare Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (PE) products.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory earlier this year warning parents not give cough and cold medicines to infants and toddlers without a doctor’s direction.

AP, The Washington Post 10/11/2007 Read Article: The Washington Post

Johnson & Johnson Recall Children's Listerine

Four million bottles of plaque-detecting Listerine for children were recalled after Johnson & Johnson discovered the mouthwash was contaminated by bacteria. Preservatives in the rinse did not kill four types of bacteria, which could pose a risk to consumers with weak immune systems.

The bacteria found included a strain that can cause urinary tract infections, blood poisoning and respiratory infections. Yuck!

Bloomberg News , The Dallas Morning News 04/12/2007 Read Article: The Dallas Morning News

Ford Escape SUVs Recalled Because of Engine Fires

More than 500,000 Ford Escape vehicles are being recalled after 50 reports of engine fires. The company is notifying dealers and owners that the fires are being caused by corroded brake parts. Owners will not be charged if the anti-lock braking system component requires replacement. Bloomberg News , The New York Times 04/12/2007 Read Article: The New York Times