Get Ready to Ugly Cry! Michael Bublé’s Video Will Bring On the Tears

by Erica LoopAugust 29, 2019

Warning! Do not watch this clip if you’re already reaching for the first day of school tissues. Whether your kiddo is off to kindergarten or college, Michael Bublé’s now-viral video for Forever Now will bring on the waterworks.

If the lyrics don’t get you, the animation itself will. The clip starts with something we’re all pretty familiar with—the box-filled nursery. It then moves into the full baby-centered set-up.

As the video progresses, the room changes. From crib to bed and toys to TV, you can see how, in Bublé’s words, “Time flies by.”

If you’re not crying yet, you will. The room goes from teen-time to something just about every mama dreads—when your baby (even though they’re probably taller than you at this point) flies the coop and moves out.

But don’t worry, it’s not all doom, gloom and grown children. Bublé’s video ends with yet another nursery. And another story begins!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Pexels

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Recall Alert: JoJo Siwa Make-Up Recalled for Asbestos

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 12, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a recall on Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set due to the sets testing positive for asbestos. If you have this makeup set at home, read on to learn more information on the recall.

Representatives for Claire’s offered the following statement, “Claire’s Stores, Inc. has voluntarily recalled the JoJo Cosmetic Kit out of an abundance of caution after testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicated the possible presence of trace amounts of asbestos fibers in the powder eyeshadow element of the kit. Claire’s stands behind the safety of this item and all other Claire’s cosmetic items, as such small trace amounts are considered acceptable under European and Canadian cosmetic safety regulations. In addition, last year Claire’s moved to talc-free cosmetic manufacturing to prevent any further concerns about talc contamination. Claire’s also supports increased FDA oversight of personal care products. We will provide a full refund to any customers who purchased the product.”

Today, the FDA is releasing new results from its continued testing of cosmetic products for asbestos & is warning consumers to not use 2 additional products that have tested positive for asbestos & have been recalled https://t.co/p4AACHd9y8 pic.twitter.com/DYtSelENEj

— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) June 6, 2019

Recalled Product Description: Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set

The current recall includes the JoJo Siwa Makeup Set sold exclusively at Claire’s locations, which contained eyeshadow, two lip glosses and nail polish.

Why the Makeup Set Was Recalled

The makeup kit was recalled due to testing positive for asbestos contamination. This recall comes on the heels of several other Claire’s cosmetic products being recalled as well, due to asbestos.

How to Tell If Your Makeup Set Was Recalled

The specific makeup sets covered under the recall are labeled as SKU #888711136337, Batch/ Lot No. S180109.

What Consumers Can Do

Consumers that have these products at home should stop use immediately and contact Claire’s about information on refunds for the recalled product.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: It’s JoJo Siwa via YouTube

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What State Will Require Warning Labels on Sugary Drinks Soon?

by Erica LoopMay 24, 2019

Your soda may come with a warning label on it soon. At least if you live in California.

The California state senate recently passed a bill requiring warning labels on soda, energy drinks, and some other sugary beverages. Even though the bill has some pretty heavy opposition, primarily from the American Beverage Association, it looks like the label legislation will go into effect.

photo: Rawpixel via Pexels

What does this bill mean for you? If you don’t live in California—nothing. But if you do live in the state, expect to start seeing labels on the fronts of containers sometime in the not so distant future.

The bill will require manufacturers of sugar-sweetened beverages that contain at least 75 calories per 12 fluid ounces to clearly label the packaging in bold type, reading, “STATE OF CALIFORNIA SAFETY WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) may contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.”

—Erica Loop

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Recall Alert: Over 50 Tons of Ground Beef Pose an E. coli Risk

by Karly WoodApril 29, 2019

A Georgia-based meat producer has issued a recall for over 100,000 pounds of ground beef that are believed to be contaminated with E. coli. K2D Foods, who does business as Colorado Premium Foods is issuing the recall for 113,424 pounds of meat that may contain the same strain of E. coli that are believed to be part of the same outbreak that has already spread to 10 states. Representatives for Colorado Premium Foods did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

In addition to the recall, the CDC has also issued a Food Safety Alert advising consumers and restaurants to stay clear of recalled products. The warning also reminds everyone about how to prepare food safety to avoid contamination. Keep reading to see what beef products are included in this round.

photos: USDA

Recall Product Description: Ground Beef

The recall includes products sold as two 24-lb. vacuum-packed packages in cardboard boxes with “GROUND BEEF PUCK” and “Use Thru” dates of 4/14/19, 4/17/19, 4/20/19, 4/23/19, 4/28/19, and 4/30/19. The product has an establishment number “EST. 51308” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the boxes. These products were shipped to distributors in Ft. Orange, Fla. and Norcross, Ga. Recalled products were produced on March 26, March 29, April 2, April 5, April 10, and April 12, 2019.

Why It Was Recalled

The FDA issued the recall because of potential E. coli contamination that has sickened over 177 people so far, with 21 people needing to be hospitalized. No deaths have been reported as of now. Affected states include Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Virginia.

How to Tell if Your Ground Beef Is Part of the Recall

Check the use through dates and establishment numbers on your products before cooking and consuming. At this time, no single supplier, distributor or brand of beef has been officially connected to the outbreak.

What Parents Can Do

If you have any affected products, either throw them away or return to the place of purchase. Parents can also contact Ashley Barnes at Colorado Premium Foods at (970) 313-4400 with any questions.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Pexels

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Recall Alert: All Models of Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleepers

by Karly WoodApril 15, 2019

On Fri., April 12, Fisher-Price issued an official recall on approximately 4 million Rock ‘N Play Sleepers as a result of 30 infant deaths since 2015, attributed to the use of these products. The recall came a week after a joint statement between the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission which issued a safety warning on Apr. 5, advising parents of the potential for injury or death with older infants.

The CPSC and Fisher-Price is recommending parents to stop using all models of the product and contact the company for a refund. Read on for a full explanation of why the company has issued a warning and a subsequent recall.

photo: Courtesy of CPSC

According to the CPSC, 30 infants who were three months or older have died while using Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play products since 2015 as a result of rolling “from their back to their stomach or side” while unconstrained. Fisher-Price did not immediately respond to Red Tricycle’s request for comment, but the manufacturer does have a comprehensive website addressing the current safety warning about its Rock N’ Play products.

Today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) & Fisher-Price issued an alert warning parents and caregivers to discontinue use of the Rock 'n Play Sleeper when infants begin to roll over. Click here to learn more about a safe sleep environment: https://t.co/wrDeE3Trl7 pic.twitter.com/qXvEbf6ZgQ

— Fisher-Price® (@FisherPrice) April 5, 2019

If you have questions or concerns regarding this product recall, Fisher-Price encourages consumers to call toll-free at 866-812-6518 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for more information.

—Karly Wood

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Think Flu Season Is Over? Think Again, Warns the CDC

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 5, 2019

If you thought you escaped flu season unscathed, you might want to hold off on the celebration for a bit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning the country that flu season isn’t over yet.

Luckily flu season has been pretty mild so far this year, but the CDC wants to remind everyone that the season isn’t quite over yet. The agency put out a health alert warning that influenza viruses are still circulating and that H3N2, an influenza strain known to cause more severe illnesses, is now gaining steam and making up a greater proportion of flu cases than it did early in the season when the milder H1N1 and influenza B were most prominent.

photo: sweetlouise via Pixabay

While the end of the season, which is just around the corner—flu season traditionally ends in May—the bad news is the flu shots protect better against those milder strains than they do against this H3N2 strain.

Until flu season officially comes to a close, the CDC recommends that people continue to be vigilant about their health, like washing hands regularly, staying home when they are sick and getting treated with antiviral medication at the first sign of illness. If you can still find one, it’s also never too late to get that flu shot.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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Europe Is One Step Closer to Banning Glitter & Honestly? We’re Okay with That

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 1, 2019

The European Union has officially said “Bye, Felicia!” to plastic straws, voting to implement a single-use plastic ban—and glitter could be next on the chopping block.

In a nearly unanimous decision, the European Parliament recently voted for the ban on plastic straws and other single-use plastics, such as plastic cutlery, stirrers, plastic plates and balloon sticks. E.U. Countries have until 2021 to comply with the new standards. The ban also requires countries in the European Union to ensure that 25 percent of the content used to make plastic bottles must be recycled by 2025.

photo: Alexis_Fotos via Pixabay

Other plastic items that won’t be banned—such as the packaging for wet wipes—must include a label warning consumers that the product contains plastic that can be harmful to the environment.

Environmental advocates are pushing for the ban to extend to other items including glitter, as most glitter is made with plastic. Scientists support this move by noting that glitter is a microplastic that not only ends up being ingested by marine animals, but it can in turn be consumed by humans eating seafood.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Amber Lamoreaux via Pexels

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CDC Downgraded Its Zika Virus Warning, Which Is Good News for Pregnant Women

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 26, 2019

There is some good news for expectant moms hoping for a babymoon or vacation getaway: Zika travel warnings for pregnant women have been eased significantly by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pregnant travelers and those hoping to conceive can rest a little easier knowing that the Zika virus that swept the globe in a widespread outbreak the past few years seems to have passed its peak. The CDC has downgraded its Zika warning to American travelers and the World Health Organization will be doing the same.

photo: Nelly Aran via Pexels

Instead of avoiding travel to certain countries entirely, the CDC’s newly updated recommendation is that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should check with their health providers about the risk if Zika when making travel plans.

“Where there are those big outbreaks, we’re definitely going to tell you not to go,” said Martin Cetron, director of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. “Where there is a range of possibilities, from no Zika to low-level background Zika, we’re going to tell you there’s been virus there before; it could still be there. If you’re a zero-risk person, don’t go. If you’re not, you decide.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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FDA Issues Safety Warning: Asbestos Found in Claire’s Makeup

by Karly WoodMarch 6, 2019

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a warning regarding asbestos in certain Claire’s products after test results demonstrated the presence of the fibers in several makeup palettes. Asbestos is dangerous when particles or fibers enter the lungs or stomach and can lead to lung damage and cancer.

The items affected by the warning are Claire’s Eye Shadows, Compact Powder and Contour Palette and currently, are not being sold in stores. The FDA issued the warning to alert consumers to check their home for previously purchased items and to cease using the products immediately.

photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

The FDA released the warning several years after Claire’s pulled nine makeup products from their shelves back in 2017. The statement comes after the organization tested several of those pulled items and found tremolite asbestos.

Claire’s has been in contact with the FDA and actually disputes the findings, stating that the methods used to classify the fibers as asbestos are incorrect. Representatives from Claire’s sent Red Tricycle the following statement via email:

At Claire’s, customer safety is paramount, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the highest quality and safest products. We wish to address today’s FDA warning that three cosmetic items sold by Claire’s may have been contaminated with asbestos. We assure customers that our products are safe.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have removed the three products identified by the FDA from our stores, and are also removing any remaining talc based cosmetic products. We will honor returns of any Claire’s talc based cosmetics.

There is no evidence that any products sold by Claire’s are unsafe. In early 2018, the three items identified by the FDA were extensively tested by multiple independent accredited laboratories, and all products were found to be compliant with all relevant cosmetic safety regulations. The recent test results the FDA have shared with us show significant errors. Specifically, the FDA test reports have mis-characterized fibers in the products as asbestos, in direct contradiction to established EPA and USP criterion for classifying asbestos fibers. Despite our efforts to discuss these issues with the FDA, they insisted on moving forward with their release. We are disappointed that the FDA has taken this step, and we will continue to work with them to demonstrate the safety of our products.

You can contact Claire’s via its Customer Service page here.

––Karly Wood

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Hedgehogs Are Super Cute & All—But Stop Cuddling Them, Says CDC

by Shahrzad WarkentinFebruary 1, 2019

If you’ve got a prickly pet at home, you’re going to want to cool it with the pet PDA. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about hedgehogs that surprisingly has nothing to do with those sharp quills.

After a multi-state salmonella outbreak, the CDC is putting out an APB against kissing hedgehogs. Ten out of 11 patients infected during the recent outbreak reported having contact with a hedgehog. Although these prickly pets are popular, they still pose a health risk and should be handled with care.

photo: amayaeguizabal via Pixabay

Hedgehogs can carry salmonella bacteria without appearing sick themselves—and easily spread it around. The CDC says it’s important to always wash your hands after handling your hedgehog and to always keep them out of the kitchen. Avoid bathing your hedgehog in the kitchen sink and bringing them into your bed. Keep their toys and cage clean.

If all else fails, get a dog instead ;)

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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ML Interest Tag: warn

Recall Alert: JoJo Siwa Make-Up Recalled for Asbestos

Recalled Product Description: Claire’s JoJo Siwa Makeup Set

Why the Makeup Set Was Recalled

How to Tell If Your Makeup Set Was Recalled

What Consumers Can Do

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