The Safety Mom Chronicles

The Latest on the Peanut Butter Recall

The peanut butter recall has been all over the news the past couple of days.  With the amount of information coming at us at such a fast pace, it can be confusing and overwhelming.  Here is a summary of the information we have so far:

 

The Salmonella outbreak is tied to the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) which manufactures and supplies peanut butter to many food companies and manufacturers. 

 

Many companies are voluntarily recalling their products that contain peanut butter.  This is mostly being done as a precaution until health officals learn more about the contamination.  Kellogg has voluntarily recalled the following products:

 

• Austin Quality Foods Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

• Austin Quality Foods Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

• Austin Quality Foods Mega Stuffed Cheese Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

• Austin Quality Foods PB & J Cracker Sandwiches - all sizes

• Austin Quality Foods Super Snack Pack Sandwich Crackers

• Austin Quality Foods Chocolate Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

• Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter - all sizes

• Austin Quality Foods Reduced Fat Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

• Austin Quality Foods Reduced Fat Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers

• Austin Quality Foods Cookie/Cracker Pack

• Austin Quality Foods Variety Pack

• Keebler Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

• Keebler Toast & PB'n J Flavored Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

• Keebler Toast & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers - all sizes

• Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies (2- and 3-ounce)

• Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter Cookies (2.5 - ounce)

In addition, companies such as Little Debbie, Starbucks and Luna Bar and many others have pulled products even though their ingredients were not supplied by the PCA.

 

The good news is that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has just come out stating that the number of cases are declining and that they feel the worst if over.  However, do use common sense and if you are not sure about a product recall, you can always do an Internet search.

 

Here are the symptoms of salmonella poisoning.  Of course, if you believe anyone in your family has been affected, call your doctor immediately.

 

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Headaches

• Stomach cramps

• Fever

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Possibly, blood in the feces.

 

 

New concern over Vicks points to importance of reading labels!

News came out today that researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are concerned that Vicks VapoRub may cause airway inflammation that can restrict breathing.  This comes after an 11-month old girl was treated for sever respiratory distress after Vicks was placed directly under her nose.

While I"m not trying to discredit the researchers, this clearly points to parents not reading labels and improperly using a product.  First, Vicks VapoRub is recommended for use in children over two years of age.  Second, it should never be placed under a child's nose.  Also, this report is specifically addressing Vicks VapoRub not Vicks BabyRub.   

In this age of massive recalls and faulty products it disturbs me when a product or brand is called on the carpet due to people who are not using it as directed.   Parents - read labels and follow directions!

New law on toy testing hurting the wrong people

Last year, in response to the massive recalls of toys manufactured in China, Congress passed a new law scheduled to go into effect on February 10th.   Under the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, any product manufactured for children under 12 will have to undergo third-party testing.  This includes toys, books, clothing - everything sold to children.

In theory, this is a great law designed to help protect our kids.  But unfortunately, there's one flaw.  Not only does this law apply to the large manufacturers, but also small entrepreneurs.  And, with the cost of this testing it can very well force them out of business.   The majority of these small business owners started their businesses in reaction to the recalls.  They wanted to create products that were all natural and safe for our kids.  And while all products absolutely should undergo some testing, the cost of the existing tests is just not something that most entrepreneurs and small business owners can afford.  

In these tough economic times, punishing small business owners is horrible.   Congress needs to revisit this law and adapt it to help small business owners while still protecting our kids.

My "Mother's Promise" With Evenflo

I found out about a new Facebook page www.facebook.com that the baby care and juvenile product's manufacturer Evenflo started - A Mother's Promise.    Evenflo is asking moms to commit to doing something to keep their kids safer in the car.  This was something I was more than happy to get involved with.   Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children 3 - 14 years of age.   In many cases the car seat has not been installed properly or the belts are not fastened tight enough.  My pledge was to take a few extra minutes - even when it's freezing outside or I"m in a hurry - to make sure that all three of my kids are seated properly in their car seats and booster seats. 

The need for this became clear this weekend.  I was stopped at a four way stop sign with no other car in site.  I just started to go when a car sped through the stop sign from my right hand side.  We came within inches of being in what could have been a horrific accident.  I've never been so thankful that my kids were buckled in tightly as I did need to slam on my brakes to avoid being hit.  We all get into bad habits when we drive - talking on the phone, eating and just rushing to get to places.  What pledge can you make to help keep your kids safer in the car?  Visit Facebook and search for A Mother's Promise and post your pledge!