Latest news with #consumerSafety
Arab News
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi ministry recalls faulty chargers over fire risk
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce has announced the recall of 88,518 Anker portable chargers across multiple models due to a potential internal electrical short circuit that may cause overheating and pose a fire risk. The ministry urged consumers to immediately stop using the affected products and contact Anker at the toll-free number 8008500030 to arrange a replacement or full refund, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. Consumers can check if their device is included in the recall and start the replacement or refund process by visiting Users are also advised to verify the model number of their charger against the list of affected products on the Defective Products Recall Center website The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety and stressed the importance of promptly addressing product defects to prevent potential hazards.
Associated Press
01-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Kava Coalition Reports Safe and High-Quality Products in Inaugural Quarterly Market Survey
Quarterly kava report aims to ensure consumer safety by testing commercially available kava products and ingredient levels As part of its mission to raise standards and ensure the long-term success of the kava industry, the Kava Coalition released its inaugural quarterly market survey report, " Q1 2025 Quarterly Report on Commercially Available Kava Products,' this week. This initiative marks an important step toward self-regulation and reflects the industry's commitment to transparency, consumer confidence, and product quality. This is the first report of 2025, with additional assessments planned throughout the year. By continuing these market evaluations, the Kava Coalition aims to support a strong, responsible, and sustainable kava industry—one that protects consumers, producers, and vendors alike from the potential consequences of poor-quality products entering the market. A total of 41 commercial kava products from 17 different brands were analyzed by Cambium Analytica, an independent laboratory accredited to international standards. Each product was tested for key active kavalactones as well as important safety parameters, including heavy metals, microbial content, moisture, pesticide residues, and mycotoxins. All products tested showed the chemical profile of authentic noble kava, known for its desirable effects and the presence of kavain and dihydrokavain. 'The Kava Coalition and the kava industry at large are working together to build a marketplace that consumers can trust,' said Douglas La Rose, executive director of the Kava Coalition. 'This report represents a milestone in our effort to create a culture of quality, accountability, and shared responsibility across the value chain—from farm to shell.' The Kava Coalition will continue to lead efforts that promote best practices across the supply chain and align with international standards such as the Harmonized Multinational Kava Standard. Ongoing testing, education, and collaboration will be central to protecting the integrity of kava and supporting the communities who depend on it. The Kava Coalition remains firmly committed to advancing product quality and consumer protection. It continues to support compliance with the Harmonized Multinational Kava Standard and promotes best practices throughout the kava supply chain. Kava Coalition's harmonized standards are based on international guidelines related to other botanicals and can be viewed in this standards document. To review the 'Q1 2025 Quarterly Report on Commercially Available Kava Products,' read the full report. About Kava Coalition Kava Coalition is an alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. The Kava Coalition aims to empower informed decisions about kava, promoting responsible consumption while understanding the importance of preserving kava's history and cultural heritage. For more information, visit Media Contact Patrick George +1 916-202-1982 [email protected] ### SOURCE: Kava Coalition Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Mini Milk ice lollies are urgently recalled by major UK supermarkets over ‘health risk' as shoppers warned ‘do NOT eat'
A POPULAR sweet treat has been urgently recalled from shelves over fears it could pose a life-threatening risk to customers. Unilever has pulled their summer product from major UK supermarkets after a labelling error. Shoppers have been warned not to eat Wall's Mini Milk Vanilla Strawberry & Chocolate Ice Cream Lollies. The ice cream contains milk and may have pistachios, peanuts and soya which could endanger allergy sufferers. The Food Standards Agency confirmed that labels on certain 10x35ml packs display ingredients in Spanish rather than English. It means customers with an allergy or intolerance to milk, soya or nuts could miss the important allergen information. Supermarkets have put out point of sale notice which explains why the product has been recalled. Affected products show a use by date up to May 2027 which can be found on the side of the box. Consumers with allergies have been asked to contact Unilever for more guidance and refund. A national alert was also issued by the FSA, who advised Brits to avoid the product. Unilever has apologised to the customers and added that no other Wall's products have been affected. The statement read: " We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your co-operation." Allergy alert for chocolate cupcakes Exposure to traces of peanuts can prove fatal for those who suffer with the allergy. It comes as a mum issued a stark warning after her allergic 20-year-old daughter died after eating a few mouthfuls of a ready meal. Jess North, who had a severe peanut allergy, tragically died from an anaphylactic reaction on May 9, 2021. Devastated Mum Maxine, from Aldingbourne, West Sussex, told how her daughter had only consumed "a couple of mouthfuls". The brave mum has since been on a mission to raise awareness over severe allergies - and in particular the lack of up to date epipens. The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis + what to do SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later. Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening. In some cases, anaphylaxis symptoms lead to collapse and unconsciousness and, on rare occasions, can be fatal so it's important to know how to recognise them and act quickly. Mild to moderate symptoms include: Itchy mouth, tongue and throat Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria) Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea Runny nose and sneezing Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include: Swelling of your throat and tongue Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing Feeling tired or confused Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting Skin that feels cold to the touch Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency. Follow these steps if you think you or someone you're with is having an anaphylactic reaction: Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector. Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction. Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you're struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you're pregnant, lie on your left side). If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin. If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a second adrenaline auto-injector. Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better. Sources: Allergy UK, NHS
Free Malaysia Today
19-06-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Optometry Bill to be tabled in October
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Optometry Bill is expected to cover the online sale of optical products, as well as enforcement provisions and penalties to safeguard consumer safety. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Optometry Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament this October, said health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the proposed legislation would serve as a dedicated legal framework to regulate all aspects of the optometry profession in Malaysia, Bernama reported. 'It will be a standalone Act governing the practice, training, registration and scope of duties for optometrists, distinct from opticians,' he said. Dzulkefly said the Bill is also expected to cover the online sale of optical products, as well as enforcement provisions and penalties to safeguard consumer safety. 'This legislation is crucial in elevating optometry as a recognised, qualified, safe and effective professional field.' He highlighted the critical role of optometrists in primary healthcare, particularly in the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma and other retinal conditions. 'Optometrists are not only responsible for managing refractive errors, but also serve as a vital frontline in identifying eye diseases linked to NCDs,' he said. He acknowledged that Malaysia has yet to meet the World Health Organization's recommended ratio of one optometrist per 10,000 people. 'We are currently at a ratio of 1:16,000, which affects the health system's capacity to provide equitable and quality eye care services to the people,' he said, adding that Malaysia produced only about 200 optometrists annually.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent nationwide recall for OTC cold meds amid fears they could cause fatal fungal BRAIN infections
Officials have issued a recall for multiple cold remedy nasal swabs over fears of a fungi contamination that can cause deadly infections. The Food and Drug Administration has asked consumers to stop using Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs immediately. According to manufacturer Church & Dwight Co., the cotton swab parts of each individual product may have a 'potential microbial contamination identified as fungi'. Officials warn that if used, the possible fungi contamination can cause serious and life-threatening blood infections in patients. The federal agency also noted that children and adults with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions were at the highest risk of developing a fatal infection. Because the swabs are insert deep in the nose, there is a risk the infection could travel to the brain. While it remains unclear which fungi has been found in the products, they can enter the body through contaminated medical products such as swabs, surgical procedures or simply through air and cause blood infections. The FDA has asked consumers to throw away both Zicam products with lot numbers 732216301205 and 732216301656 and Orajel products with number 310310400002. The agency has also asked consumers to reach out to the manufacturer for a full refund. As of now, no reports of illness or death have been revealed by the agency. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and in Puerto Rico. While Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs continue to be sold and available in pharmacies, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs were discontinued in December 2024. Additionally, the FDA assured consumers that all other Zicam and Orajel products, including Zicam RapidMelts are safe to use to cure colds. Both of the recalled Zicam nasal swabs are meant to soothe and shorten the duration of a cold by rubbing the gel-covered cotton part of the swab inside each nostril. According to the company's website, the gel formula covering the swabs contain plant-based active ingredients including Galphimia glauca, Luffa operculata and Sabadilla. Similarly, the Orajel Baby Teething Swabs are used to to help soothe infants who may be teething, upset, cranky or fussy. However in this case, rubbing the contaminated part of swab inside your nostril or inside the mouth may introduce the fungi into your bloodstream and cause an infection. To fight the infection, the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream that can cause widespread inflammation in the body. This can lead to sepsis - which can cause damage to tissues, organ failure and death. Treatment for a blood infection typically involves antifungal medications. In a statement, the FDA explained: 'Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers including serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries.' Typical symptoms of a fungi-caused blood infection include fever, chills, lethargy, and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and in certain cases, death. In the US, the most common fungus known to cause bloodstream infections is Candida. About 25,000 Americans suffer from candida blood infections every year.
