Latest news with #ConsumerSafety
Al Jazeera
7 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
US Supreme Court says Trump can remove Democrats from consumer safety panel
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump can remove three Democratic members of a consumer safety watchdog, handing him a win in his efforts to concentrate more power in the hands of the executive. The court's decision allows Trump to boot three members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission appointed by his Democratic predecessor, former President Joe Biden. That ruling reverses a lower court decision barring Trump from doing so, on the basis that he had overstepped his authority by seeking their removals. Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr had sued the Trump administration in May after being terminated from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent body created by Congress. Their seven-year terms were set to expire in 2025, 2027 and 2028, respectively. In their lawsuit, they argued that Trump had exceeded his powers as president by firing them without cause. A 90-year-old Supreme Court precedent known as Humphrey's Executor holds that the president cannot fire members of an independent board without providing a legitimate justification. The commission members also said that their firing would deprive the public of vital expertise and oversight. The Department of Justice, however, has maintained that preventing the president from firing members of the executive branch undercuts his constitutional authority. Even independent agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission fall under the executive branch, the Justice Department pointed out. The Trump administration's argument was dealt a defeat on July 2, when US District Judge Matthew Maddox issued an order blocking the dismissal of the three Democratic appointees while their case proceeded. But Trump's Justice Department made an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, whose conservative majority sided with the president in a brief, unsigned order. The majority wrote that the government risked greater harm by allowing fired employees to remain in the executive branch than by removing them, even wrongfully, while their court cases proceeded. The court's three left-leaning justices, however, issued a dissent that denounced the ruling as an erosion of the separation of powers. Justice Elena Kagan pointed out that the Consumer Product Safety Commission was created by an act of Congress and answers both to the legislature and the president. 'By allowing the President to remove Commissioners for no reason other than their party affiliation, the majority has negated Congress's choice of agency bipartisanship and independence,' Kagan wrote. She added that the court's decision on Wednesday was part of a series of rulings that amounted to 'an increase of executive power at the expense of legislative authority'. The Trump administration has sought to exercise greater control over federal agencies created and funded by Congress, often using a maximalist interpretation of presidential powers to do so. The Supreme Court, which has six conservative members, has mostly ruled in favour of such efforts. In a similar case in May, the court allowed Trump to remove Democratic members of the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board as their cases moved forward. The Supreme Court also ruled earlier this month that the Trump administration's efforts to hollow out the Department of Education through a campaign of mass firings could move forward.
The Verge
17-07-2025
- The Verge
These overpriced airport battery chargers have been recalled for a fire risk
A company called iStore has issued a recall for its 5,000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank (model IST-09991/W05) because its lithium ion battery can 'overheat and ignite while charging,' posing a fire and burn risk. iStore has received three reports of the power banks exploding during charging resulting in a minor burn for one user and around $15,000 of property damage, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Approximately 8,520 of the power banks were sold in the US, plus an additional 6,400 in Canada, through the company's online store and airport vending machines between February 2023 and May 2025. Pricing varied between $46 and $65. The recalled units can be identified by the iStore logo engraved on the front and the model number printed on the back. Some units may also have the iStore printed above the model number. The magnetic power banks also feature a USB-C port for charging them back up. iStore warns consumers with a recalled unit to stop using the power bank immediately and properly dispose of it after submitting a claim for a refund by emailing two photos to recall@ One photo should feature the front of the power bank with 'recalled' written on it with a permanent marker, and the second should show the model number on the back. A copy of the purchase receipt is also being requested, but is not mandatory to receive a refund. As we've recommended before, sticking to reputable and known brands can help reduce the risk of power bank overheating issues. However, brands like Anker or Ugreen aren't yet household names, and most consumers will probably assume that a power bank sold in an airport vending machine will be from a reputable company. Thousands of these power banks were purchased and potentially used on flights. Although the number of passengers who charged them while in the air was potentially low, there's good reason to be especially alarmed by this recall given the history with battery fires on planes.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Walmart recalls this brand of water bottles after 2 people suffered permanent vision loss
If you've recently purchased a reusable water bottle from Walmart, now is the time to check your gear. Walmart has announced a major recall of its Ozark Trail 64 oz stainless steel insulated water bottles after reports of serious injuries, including two people suffering permanent vision loss. This affects nearly 850,000 units sold nationwide, and knowing the details can help you stay safe and take action. On July 10, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a safety alert about this specific water bottle. The problem comes down to the bottle's lid. When used to store certain beverages, like carbonated drinks, juice, milk, or even fermented liquids like kombucha, gas can build up inside and create enough pressure that the lid violently ejects when opened. According to the CPSC, at least three people have already been injured by this defect. Two of those injuries involved permanent vision loss after the lid struck the consumer in the eye. The seriousness of these injuries prompted Walmart to act immediately, pulling the product from its shelves and urging customers to stop using it. The recalled bottle is the Ozark Trail 64 oz stainless steel insulated water bottle, which sells for about $15. It is identifiable by the Ozark Trail logo embedded directly on the bottle. The model number associated with the recall is 83-662, though that number does not appear on the bottle itself. If you're unsure, check for the Ozark Trail branding and confirm the size. If it's a 64-ounce bottle and fits this description, assume it's part of the recall to be on the safe side. The hazard arises when people store carbonated or perishable liquids in the bottle for a period of time. Drinks like soda, kombucha, wine, or even milk can release gases over time, building pressure inside the sealed bottle. When you try to open it, the sudden release of pressure can send the lid flying with force. This isn't just a minor inconvenience. As the reported injuries show, the ejected lid can cause cuts, bruises, and serious eye damage. If you have one of these bottles, stop using it immediately. You can return it to any Walmart location for a full refund. Alternatively, contact Walmart's customer service for more information on the recall and instructions on returning the product if you can't visit a store right away. For travelers who rely on reusable bottles, this is a reminder to double-check your gear before heading out. Staying safe while traveling also means packing items that won't cause unexpected problems. If you're looking for safe and reliable alternatives, consider upgrading to bottles that are specifically rated for carbonated or fermented drinks, like this CamelBak Chute Mag Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with a leak-proof cap and easy-carry handle. It's durable, well-insulated, and designed to handle travel and active lifestyles. A Walmart spokesperson emphasized that customer safety is their top concern. Molly Blakeman, Group Director of Enterprise Communications at Walmart, stated that the company has fully cooperated with the CPSC and the manufacturer to remove the product from stores and notify consumers. Blakeman assured customers that Walmart takes these kinds of safety concerns seriously and acted quickly to minimize risk. If you've ever opened a soda can that's been shaken, you know how gas pressure can cause a mess. In a sealed, airtight water bottle, that pressure has nowhere to go and builds up over time. Drinks that naturally release gases, like kombucha or wine, are especially risky in a sealed container. Even milk and juice can produce gas under certain conditions. Insulated bottles are designed to keep beverages cold or hot, but they aren't always meant to handle internal pressure. That's why it's best to use these bottles only for still water, tea, or other non-carbonated drinks. To avoid spills and accidents on the go, you might also consider carrying a collapsible water bottle, which is compact and safe for both hot and cold beverages. For frequent travelers, reusable bottles are a must-have. They cut down on waste, save money, and keep you hydrated throughout your trip. But this recall shows why it's important to choose your bottle carefully and use it as intended. As you plan your trips, you might also want to think about avoiding overcrowded tourist destinations, which can add unnecessary stress to your travels. If you're curious about alternatives, check out why second cities might be a better choice for your next vacation. Choosing less crowded destinations, staying hydrated with the right gear, and packing comfortable clothing all add up to a better travel experience. For tips on traveling comfortably and confidently, especially if you're plus size, don't miss our guide on how to stay comfortable and chic in transit. Finally, when planning your next adventure, don't forget to look for deals like Japan's free domestic flights for visitors. Saving on flights means more budget for better gear and experiences. To make your travels even smoother, another handy item to pack is a portable digital luggage scale. It helps you avoid overweight baggage fees and ensures your luggage stays within airline limits. Reusable water bottles are still an excellent choice for anyone looking to cut down on single-use plastics and stay hydrated while traveling. But not all bottles are created equal, and it's important to use them properly and stay aware of recalls like this one. If you or someone you know owns the Ozark Trail 64 oz stainless steel insulated water bottle, stop using it immediately and return it to Walmart for a refund. For more information about the recall, visit or contact Walmart customer service. Staying informed and cautious helps you get the most out of your travel gear while avoiding unnecessary risks.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Walmart Recalls 850,000 Water Bottles After 2 People Suffer 'Permanent Vision Loss'
Walmart has recalled 850,000 Ozark Trail 64 oz insulated water bottles due to a dangerous lid defect that can cause serious injuries, including permanent vision loss The CPSC warns that the hazard arises when consumers store carbonated, perishable, or fermented beverages in the bottle for extended periods Shoppers are advised to stop using the bottles, check for the Ozark Trail logo (model 83-662), and return them to Walmart for a full refundWalmart is taking the precautionary route and removing a water bottle brand from its shelves due to a newly discovered safety hazard it poses for consumers, especially children. On Thursday, July 10, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a press release announcing a recall for the Ozark Trail 64 oz stainless steel insulated water bottle, with a retail price of $15. According to the notice, the lid of the bottle could cause serious injuries, including 'laceration hazards,' if a consumer attempted to open the bottle after storing food, carbonated or perishable beverages, including juice or milk, for an extended period of time. 'Walmart has received three reports of consumers who were injured when struck in the face by a lid forcefully ejected from these bottles upon opening,' the announcement reads. 'Two consumers suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.' PEOPLE reached out to a Walmart and Group Director, Enterprise Communications at Walmart Molly Blakeman affirmed the company's top priority is "the health and safety of our customers." "Walmart has fully cooperated with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the manufacturer of the impacted product to remove it from our stores and notify consumers of the recall," stated Blakeman. Multiple food and beverage cans suddenly eject an unattached lid, such as a carbonated soda or fermented foods and drinks like kombucha, sourdough, kimchi and wine. The model number of the roughly 850,000 defective products is 83-662; however, this number does not appear on the bottles themselves. Instead, to confirm if they own one of the recalled bottles, consumers can look for the embedded Ozark Trail logo on the bottle. Purchasers are encouraged to stop using the bottle if they have it in their possession and to contact Walmart or return it to the nearest location for a full refund. Recently, Costco recalled several items due to their various potential hazards of causing serious injury and even death. Among the recalled items are the Midea brand U-shaped window air conditioner (due to the potential mold growth from water pooling inside the appliance), a variety of Anker power banks (for fire risk from overheating) and the BowFlex 552 adjustable dumbbell, which can dislodge and injure the user or anyone in the nearby area. Read the original article on People
Al Arabiya
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Al Arabiya
Walmart Recalls 850,000 Water Bottles After Two Consumers Suffer Vision Loss From Ejecting Lids
Walmart is recalling about 850,000 stainless steel water bottles because the lid can forcefully eject and unexpectedly strike consumers–resulting in permanent vision loss for two people to date. The recall covers Walmart's Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles which have been sold at the chain's stores across the country since 2017. According to a notice published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday, these products pose serious impact and laceration hazards. That's because when a consumer attempts to open the bottles after food, carbonated beverages, or perishable beverages such as juice or milk are stored inside over time, the lid can eject forcefully, the CPSC notes. As of Thursday's announcement, Walmart had received three reports of consumers who were injured after being struck in the face by these lids when opening their bottles. And two of those people suffered permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye, the CPSC added. Consumers are urged to stop using the now-recalled Ozark Trail bottles–and contact Walmart for a full refund. Shoppers can also bring the products to their local Walmart store for that compensation. The bottles being recalled can also be identified by their model number 83-662–which doesn't appear on the product itself but would show on packaging. The stainless-steel base is silver and the lid is a black one-piece screw cap. There is also an Ozark Trail logo embedded on the side of the 64-ounce bottle.
