Munchkin’s Portable UV Sterilizer Sanitizes Pacifiers in Under a Minute

by Erica LoopJanuary 30, 2020

Your kiddo is only 59 seconds away from a safe, sanitized bottle nipple or binky with Munchkin’s 59S Mini Sterilizer, the portable UV sanitizer you need right now.

The $20 mini sterilizer kills 99 percent of bacteria and viruses in as little as 59 seconds—minus heat or chemicals.

So how does this magical mini product work? The sterilizer kills Staph, E. coli, RSV, Salmonella, Kleb, the flu virus and other unwelcome microorganisms using UV-C light. The child-safe UV light has an auto shut-off that activates when the sterilizer’s lid is opened. It’s that easy!

The small-sized design makes this sanitizer easy to toss into your diaper bag or bring with you when you’re on-the-go. To buy your 59S Mini Sterilizer, visit Munchkin’s website here.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Munchkin

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This Study Says It’s Okay If Your House Isn’t Spotless—Nor Should It Be

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 29, 2020

Worried about keeping your kids healthy? Not being dirty enough could be the problem. New research shows excessive hygiene might lead to the increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A study conducted by the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology at TU Graz has found that highly controlled spaces which are kept excessively clean have an increased rate of antibiotic resistance in microbes. It also found that spaces which were excessively clean were prone to decreased microbial diversity.

photo: Nicole De Khors via Burst

The researchers compared highly clean environments, like hospital intensive care units, with regular environments, like people’s homes, which are affected by the surrounding environment.

“In environments with strong microbial control in the intensive care unit and industrially used clean rooms, there are increasing antibiotic resistances which show a high potential for combining with pathogens,” Alexander Mahnert, director of studies at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology of TU Graz, who is currently conducting research at the Medical University of Graz, said in a statement.

The researchers highlighted certain steps to maintaining and improving microbial diversity, which in turn lessens antibiotic resistance. Regular airing of the space, houseplants and the reduction of antibacterial cleaning agents were among the things the team suggested.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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These New Magical Harry Potter Bags Should Be on Your List, STAT

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 10, 2019

JuJuBe is conjuring up a charming collection with their latest installment inspired by the Harry Potter series. Chibi-style Harry Potter characters set against a starry night sky adorn these spellbinding bags. The JuJuBe x Harry Potter Cheering Charms collection, which includes more than 15 bags in a broad range of sizes and price points, will be available at retailers nationwide on December 10, and at online at JuJuBe.com at 7 p.m. EST that same day.

Although this is the fourth time JuJuBe has gained inspiration from the Wizarding World, the Cheering Charms release marks the first time character art from the Harry Potter films has been incorporated into the collection. Renderings of more than 10 beloved characters, such as Harry Potter, Professor Albus Dumbledore, and Rubeus Hagrid, are featured on each bag’s exterior.

Each piece in the collection features a scarlet and gold striped interior taken straight from Gryffindor, one of the four houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Zipper pulls in the shape of Harry Potter’s head, along with select styles featuring the likenesses of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger add a finishing touch.

Each piece in the JuJuBe x Harry Potter Cheering Charms collection has a special wipe-clean outer fabric that resists wear and repels stains, along with a special treatment on the interior lining that helps ward off the growth of bacteria and mold.

The JuJuBe x Harry Potter Cheering Charms collection is designed to be functional as well as stylish. The transformative BFF day bag can convert from a messenger to a backpack quicker than you can say, “Accio!” The lightweight Super Be tote, features insulated drink pockets and organizational pockets designed to keep essentials in reach. For parents of wizards who can’t quite cast spells on their own, select models also include changing pads. For the younger generation, the MiniBe, Mini BRB, and the recently launched Grab and Go, are perfect for keeping your little ones organized whether they are heading to school or a friend’s house.

The JuJuBe x Harry Potter Cheering Charms collection ranges in price from $15 to $195.

For more information or to shop the collection, visit jujube.com

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of JuJuBe

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Recall Alert: King Arthur Flour Expands June Recall

by Erica LoopOctober 4, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced an expansion of a previous recall for 5 and 25-pound bags of Unbleached All -Purpose King Arthur Flour due to E. coli concerns.

If you have this flour in your kitchen, read on for more information about the recall.

Recalled Product: King Arthur Flour

The recall includes 5 and 25-pound bags of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour milled by ADM Milling Company and distributed by King Arthur Flour. The bags of flour were sold nationwide via the company’s website, catalog and at retail stores.

Why the Flour Was Recalled

The flour was recalled after the detection of E. coli bacteria during sampling. As of now there are no reported illnesses. This recall is an expansion of a previous one issued on Jun. 13, 2019.

According to a representative from King Arthur Flour, in an emailed statement, “Though there’s little that’s comforting about a recall, regardless of whether it’s voluntary, we hope that notices like this one help bakers better understand the importance of following safe handling practices for flour, including never eating raw dough.”

The rep added, “For over 225 years, King Arthur Flour has been committed to providing our community with superior flour and baking ingredients which embrace the utmost integrity. Though the safe handling of flour is a practice we stress that everyone should follow, we are always aggressively pursuing new options and emerging technologies to mitigate the inherent risk that comes with flour as a raw ingredient.”

Photos: Courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

How to Tell If Your Flour Was Recalled

This recall only includes specific lots of King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour produced before February 2019. Refer to the Lot Code and Best Used By dates to identify affected products. The full list of codes and dates is available from the FDA here or from King Arthur Flour here. The code and date are located on the bottom of the ingredient list on the package’s side panel of the bag.

What Consumers Should Do

Do not use or eat the flour. Throw the flour away and submit a claim for a replacement or refund through the King Arthur Flour website here. Consumers can also call the King Arthur Flour Consumer Hotline at 866-797-9178.

—Erica Loop

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Recall Alert: Pita Pal Hummus Recalled by Trader Joe’s & Other Retailers

by Erica LoopJuly 17, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently updated a recall for some Pita Pal Foods hummus products. The products, which were sold at Trader Joe’s and other retail stores, were recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Pita Pal Foods, LP did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

As of now the recall includes 87 types of hummus products, according to CNN. If you have the recalled hummus in your fridge, read on for important information.

Pita Pal Foods, LP Recalls Various Hummus and Dips Due to Possible Health Risk https://t.co/4HdtWtOC4R pic.twitter.com/TAT6l4mYMh

— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) July 16, 2019

Recalled Product Description: Pita Pal Hummus

The recall includes select hummus products made between May 30 and Jun. 25, 2019. The initial recall included products sold under the Buccee’s, Fresh Thyme, Harris Teeter and other brand names. Trader Joe’s recently announced its Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Germantown, Tennessee and Texas stores also carry the affected products.

For a full list of affected brands, flavors, sizes and UPC codes, visit the FDA’s website here.

Why the Hummus Was Recalled

The recall was initiated following detection of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes at a manufacturing facility. The bacteria was not found in the finished products.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, high fever or headaches. It can also cause a serious infection in young children, elderly adults or anyone with a weakened immune system and miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women.

How To Tell If Your Hummus Was Recalled

Visit the FDA’s website here for a full list of recalled products. Check the brand name, product name, size and UPC code to see if your hummus is part of the recall. Trader Joe’s shoppers can check their products on the company’s website here.

What Consumers Can Do

Don’t eat the recalled hummus. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. Call 832-803-9295 or email Pita Pal at products@pitapal.com for more information.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Ajale via Pixabay

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These Are the Best Bug Repellents According to the EWG

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 12, 2019

Keeping your family protected against biting mosquitoes and other bugs is important, but not at the cost of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Luckily there are safe bug repellents for kids that do the job without leaving you worrying about what you’re exposing your little ones to.

The Environmental Working Group has just released its recommendations for the best bug repellents for kids. Keep reading to find out the products you should be shopping for this summer.

photo: 41330 via Pixabay

The top three EWG recommendations are DEET, Picaridin and IR3535. Yes, you read that right––DEET is included in the EWG’s list. The important factor to note is the concentration level of DEET and the other two ingredients, in any bug repellent product.

According to the EWG, DEET is safe to use as long as you avoid products that are 100 percent concentrated and only use bug repellent with a maximum of 10 percent DEET. The only exception to this limit is if you’re using DEET to protect kids in an area known for ticks’ carrying Lyme disease bacteria or for Zika outbreaks. Then the EWG recommends a DEET concentration of 20 percent to 30 percent.

If you choose products containing Picaridin and IR3535, you should look for bug repellents containing no more than 20 percent of either. The EWG says that Picaridin is a great alternative to DEET because it is less likely to irritate eyes and skin.

The EWG does not recommend the use of “natural repellents” like castor, cedar, citronella, clove, geraniol, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary and/or soybean oils because research indicates they are not the best choice.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Recall Alert: Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour Sold at ALDI Recalled for E. coli Risk

by Erica LoopJune 2, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced the recall of five-pound bags of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour. The flour, which was distributed to ALDI stores in 11 states, was recalled following the detection of E. coli during testing by the Rhode Island Health Department. Representatives from ADM Milling (the manufacturers of the flour) did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you think you may have this product in your home, read on for more information on the recall.

photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

Recalled Product: Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour

The recalled product includes ADM Milling’s Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour in five-pound bags. The flour was packaged for ALDI stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.

The five-pound flour bags have the UPC code 041498130404 and include all “best if used by dates” and lots, according to the FDA.

Why the Flour Was Recalled

The flour was recalled following the detection of E. coli in a five-pound bag of the product. The specific strain of the bacteria was linked to 17 illnesses across eight states. Following an initial recall of certain lots, ADM Milling expanded the scope of the products included (all lots and best by dates) out of an abundance of caution. The source of the bacteria is still under investigation.

How to Tell if Your Flour Was Recalled

All ADM Milling Co. Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour in five-pound bags with the UPC code 041498130404 are part of the recall.

What You Can Do

Don’t use the flour. If you have the affected product, throw it away or return it to the ALDI store where you purchased it for a refund. Customers with questions can call ADM Milling at 800-422-1688 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Life of Pix via Pexels

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This Viral Photo Isn’t an Art Project—It’s All the Bacteria on Your Kid’s Hand

by Karly WoodMarch 25, 2019

It doesn’t take long once you become a parent to realize how dirty kids can be. When fellow mom and microbiology lab tech Tasha Sturm decided to test how germ-y her own kiddos hands were in 2015, she was in for a surprise.

The picture you’re about to see may look like a sweet, Pinterest-worthy craft but in reality, it’s a depiction of all the bacteria on your kid’s hand! After a romp in the backyard and a few pets of the family dog, Sturm had her son place his hand in a sterile Petri dish—and results are downright horrifying and yet, still kind of pretty, too.

Source: American Society for Microbiology

Sturm allowed the Petri dish to sit at body temperature for 24 hours, then set it out at room temperature for a week before taking the photo you see above. The result is a conglomeration of various types of bacteria, which could be bacillus, staph or yeast.

So why is this photo from four years ago making the rounds? Well, now that spring is here it’s highly likely the entire family will be spending ample time outdoors—and coming into contact with all sorts of substances. This is a perfect reminder that proper hand-washing technique never goes out of style

In addition to keeping hands clean before things like eating and after using the restroom, Sturm also takes the time to remind us that the skin does a wonderful job of serving as a natural barrier. Despite the importance of practicing good hygiene, being exposed to certain types of bacteria is actually a good thing for the body, because it helps improve your immune system.

The final takeaway? Let your kids play in the dirt all they want—and just make sure those adorable hands and fingers are squeaky clean before sitting down for dinner.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Pexels

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Avocados Recalled in 6 States for Listeria Concerns

by Erica LoopMarch 25, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced an avocado recall in six states. The voluntary recall includes Henry Avocado Corporation California-grown avocados due to a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Henry Avocado did not immediately respond to Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

The recent recall includes avocados distributed in Arizona, California, Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin. If you have concerns about the avocados in your home, read on for the recall details.

photos: Courtesy of U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Recall Product Description: Henry Avocados

The recall includes California-grown conventional and organic avocados, packed in Henry Avocado’s California packing facility. Conventional avocados, sold at retailers in the six affected states, bear a sticker that reads “Bravocado.” The recalled organic avocados bear a sticker that reads “organic” and “California.”

Why the Avocados Were Recalled

The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes was found on environmental samples of avocados during routine government inspection. As of now there are no illnesses due to the affected avocados.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause headaches, stiffness, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain, with more serious symptoms in the elderly, young children or anyone with a compromised immune system. The bacteria is also known to cause miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women.

How to Tell If Your Avocado Is Part of the Recall

Only Henry Avocado avocados grown in California that bear the “Bravocado” or “organic” and “California” stickers are part of this recall. Henry Avocado avocados imported from Mexico are not part of this recall.

What Parents Can Do

If you have an affected avocado do not eat it. Throw the avocado away or bring it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Direct recall questions to Henry Avocado at 760-745-6632, ext. 132.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Matthew Henry via Burst

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Recall Alert: This Infant Cough Syrup Could Have Harmful Bacteria

by Erica LoopMarch 25, 2019

Check your medicine cabinets: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a children’s cough syrup recall for DG/health Naturals baby Cough Syrup + Mucus. Kingston Pharma, LLC (the manufacturers of the cough syrup) did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

Audit testing revealed the presence of Bacillus cereus/Bacillus circulans, bacteria that could cause gastrointestinal illness. Read on to learn more about this recall.

photos: Courtesy of U.S. FDA

Recall Product Description: DG/health Naturals baby Cough Syrup

The current recall includes DG/health Naturals baby Cough Syrup + Mucus bottles sold in Dollar General Stores across the country. The 2-fluid ounce bottles have the expiration date Nov. 20 (marked as 11/20) and the lot number Lot KL180157 on the back of the label as well as on the bottom of the carton.

Why It Was Recalled

The recall was issued after the presence of Bacillus cereus/ Bacillus circulans was found during routine testing. Bacillus cereus/Bacillus circulans can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Infants, young children and anyone with a weakened immune system is at risk for developing a severe, and possibly fatal, GI illness from this bacteria.

How to Tell if Your Baby Cough Syrup Is Part of the Recall

If you have this medicine, check the lot number (Lot KL180157) and expiration date (11/20). The affected products are also identified by the UPC code 8 54954 00250 0.

What Parents Can Do

Do not use this product. Return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer at 1-844-724-7347 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Public Domain Pictures via Pixabay

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