Consumer Awareness

In response to criticism stemming from a failure to properly investigate complaints of ignition switch failures in many of their models, General Motors has hired a private investigator to determine if the company failed to adequately respond to the dangerous condition. The New York Times reported that over the last 11 years, GM has received more than 260 complaints of cars spontaneously shutting down while drivers were on highways, in city traffic, and even on…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a federal agency tasked with keeping the American public aware of potential health risks like E. Coli and pharmaceutical side effects, is warning that there could be a link between testosterone-boosting pills and increased risk of heart problems and fatalities. According to the Chicago Tribune, many men take these drugs due to the persuasive nature of the marketing efforts that coined the phrase “low-T” without fully researching the possible…

Children remind us of the innocence and joy of the holidays year-round, which is why it is so important for parents today to monitor the toys their children play with to keep the kids safe. Product recalls are down by almost 66% over the past five years, but it is stringent safety mandates, dangerous toys being seized upon their import and vigilant parents that are responsible for this laudable trend. Most toys are not meant…

After four reports were filed about problems with the heart implant, the FDA mandated a recall due to possible injury and death possibilities. As reported by the AP, the problem is rooted in the occurrence of wear and the dislodging of materials that can block critical arteries. As of this time, no patient or recipient has died, but the forecasted complications could be fatal, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Back in 2011, the Pliva v. Mensing ruling from the Supreme Court of the United States revealed a loophole in federal regulation of generic drugs. Generic drug manufacturers were not responsible for the updating of labels; it was left to brand name companies. In the past two years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved towards closing this regulation loophole. After a public comment period, requirements are expected to change and these generic drug…

Car seats are designed to save young lives. Unfortunately, most parents think they are installing the seats correctly, when inspections show seven in 10 are installed wrong! The consequences can be deadly given that motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of kids in this country. And in fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than half of those deaths and serious injuries could be prevented by placing children in age- and…

Women Spread Word About Problems With Essure Women who suffer serious complications from an implantable birth-control device called Essure want others to think twice before undergoing the procedure. So they launched a Facebook page, YouTube channel, website and enlisted Erin Brockovich to tell their stories.

2-Fold Increase Energy drinks were cited as the primary cause for 20,783 emergency room visits in 2011, double the total reported in 2007. Source: More Emergency Room Visits Linked to Energy Drinks, The New York Times 

Human health and food safety compromised despite laws As Americans we want to trust the federal agencies that are designed to protect us, such as the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which is charged with developing and enforcing food safety laws across the country. But what happens when these organizations are the ones breaking the very laws they established? Feeling violated In a May 2013 audit from the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the…