Ford recalls 1.4M Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ vehicles
Ford is recalling nearly 1.4 million cars because of a serious defect: The steering wheel can come loose and even detach while driving. Models affected are the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ, 2014-2018.
Ford said the recall was related to “potentially loose steering wheel bolts” that could cause the steering wheel problem. Ford dealers will fix these cars for free.
The company is also recalling another 6,000 manual transmission vehicles because of a fire risk related to a clutch pressure plate fracture. Those models are the Ford Focus (2013-16) and Ford Fusion (2013-15).
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MAAX Spas recalls hot tubs, swim spas for fire hazard
Maax Spas is recalling its hot tubs and swim spas because the UV generator inside these units can ignite while in use, posing a fire hazard. About 550 of these units were sold at independent retailers nationwide in the U.S., as well as about 630 in Canada, from January 2012 through July 2015. These units were manufacturered by MAAX Spas Industries Corp., Chandler, Ariz.
Hot tubs were sold for about $4,000 to $15,000. Swim spas were sold for about $16,000 to $30,000.
This recall involves MAAX Spas hot tubs and swim spas containing a Delta UV generator. The generator is used to sanitize the water and plumbing inside the hot tub or swim spa. The generator’s model number is EA-4H-5.
The model numbers for the hot tubs and swim spas are: 461; 470-472; 480-482; 780-781; 5200; 5300; 5400; 5600; 7000; 7500; 8000; 8500; 9000; DT6; ENV; ES; ESX; GRD; LT6; MON; MT6; NUG; PRS; RB4; RL4; RS1; RS2; XB4; XL4; XSD; XSL; XSP; and XSR.
The model name is the first three or four digits of the hot tub or swim spa serial number, and it is engraved into a silver plate on the lower right or lower left corner of the front side of the hot tub or swim spa.
Maax Spas has received six reports of generators in the affected hot tubs and swim spas igniting and causing damage to the generators and surrounding hot tub or swim spa components. There have been no reports of injuries.
Consumers should immediately stop using the hot tubs and swim spas and contact a MAAX Spas’ dealer for a free repair.
This recall was conducted, voluntarily by the company, under CPSC’s Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms, who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.
For details, contact MAAX Spas at (800) 413-2704 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Arizona local time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, email the company at duvrepair@maaxspas.com or go online at maaxspas.com or deltaUVrepair.com for more information.
Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov, Recall #18-120 on March 13, 2018
Helvetia Sports recalls SwissStop bicycle disc brake pads due to fall hazard
SwissStop EXOTherm bicycle disc brake pads have been recalled. The brake pads (which were sold separately as aftermarket spart parts) can separate from the backplate, posing a fall hazard to the user. About 750 units were affected. The firm has received two reports of the brake pads separating from the backplate. No injuries have been reported.
The affected items were sold at various cycling shops nationwide from October 2015 through June 2017 for $40-$50. These brake pads were made in Taiwan, imported by SwissStop of Mendrisio, Switzerland, and distributed by Helvetia Sports, of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Only disc pads with models listed below are included in the recall:
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 25
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 30
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 26
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 31
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 27
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 32
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 28
- SwissStop EXOTherm Disc 34
The model numbers are listed on the product’s original packaging. The recalled disc brake pads were sold for certain bicycle brake systems. A full list of these brake systems can be viewed on the firm’s site at swissstop.ch/brakepads/discbrakes.
Consumers should return the recalled brake pads to the store where purchased for full refund.
For more information, call Helvetia Sports toll-free at (866) 358-5218 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email steve@helvetiasports.com or go online at helvetiasports.com.
Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov, Recall #18-121 on March 13, 2018
Oregon Food Bank issues alert on foreign material in chia seeds
Oregon Food Bank of Portland, Oregon, has initiated a Class II recall of 22,201 pounds of chia seeds that were donated to the food bank. The product may be contaminated with rodent droppings.
While no known illnesses have been associated with this product, use or consumption may present a health hazard to consumers.
The chia seeds were distributed in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., through the Oregon Food Bank Network of regional food banks and participating food pantries. The product was distributed in one pound plastic poly film bags with a twist-type closure or a re-sealable pouch. Included in the recall are all chia seeds distributed in the described packaging between Nov. 1, 2017, and March 9, 2018.
Consumers should dispose of the product immediately and can get additional information by contacting the food pantry where they received the product or from Oregon Food Bank’s Facilities and Regulatory Compliance Manager Ryan Wist at (503) 419-4160. Anyone who has consumed these chia seeds and is experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness should consult with his or her primary physician or county health department.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 13, 2018
