Novartis had recently decided to temporarily suspend production at its Lincoln, Neb. Plant for “maintenance and other improvement activities.”

The Swiss drug maker is working with the Food and Drug Administration during its voluntary recall, which affects U.S. retailers. Novartis became aware of the potential problem during an internal review that revealed broken and chipped pills, and inconsistent bottle packaging (which could have caused the mix-up). The company said it wanted to make sure that customers didn’t take any pills that they might be allergic to or that might become dangerous when mixed with other medications. But Novartis also said there have been no complaints from consumers themselves.

Some bottles of headache medicine Excedrin and caffeine caplets NoDoz with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2014 or earlier will be subject to recall. And some packages of pain medicine Bufferin and stomach medicine Gas-X with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2013 or earlier will be affected.

Consumers should visit www.novartisOTC.com for a full list of recalled products, and they can also call the company at 1-888-477-2403 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST for more information.

The state agriculture department said Wednesday the cheese is labeled “Grumpy Goat Shreds” under the Nordic Creamery brand name.

The product is sold in 8-ounce bags with a code date of 10-MAR-12. It was sold in stores in California, Minnesota and Wisconsin beginning Nov. 11. Consumers who bought the cheese should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.

A processor informed Bekkum that its cheese was shredded on the same equipment as other cheese that has since tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Company spokesman Al Bekkum says the Bekkum product hasn’t tested positive for Listeria, but the recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Company is recalling nearly 300,000 Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the bears’ eyes can loosen and fall out, posing a choking hazard to small children.

So far, no injuries have been reported.

The bears were sold in the U.S. and Canada from April 2011 to December 2011.

Consumers can return the Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears and return them to any Build-A-Bear store to receive a coupon for any available stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear.

For more information, you can go to www.buildabear.com or call them at 866-236-5683.

Officials at Supervalu Inc., Walgreen Co., Kroger Co. and Safeway said Friday they have removed cans of Enfamil Newborn with the lot number ZP1K7G from various stores across the country. They say it’s a precaution until health officials complete tests on the formula.

Ten-day-old Avery Cornett died Sunday after getting sick several days earlier. Preliminary hospital tests indicated he died of a rare infection caused by bacteria known as Cronobacter sakazakii.

The source of the bacteria that caused the infection hasn’t been determined, but it can be found in dried milk and powdered formula.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

Salinas-based Pacific Cilantro said Friday the Food and Drug Administration found salmonella in a sample of their herbs.

No illnesses have been reported. The cilantro is being recalled as a precaution.

The cilantro, also known as coriander, was distributed in California, Arizona, Massachussetts, New Jersey, Indiana, South Carolina and Missouri through retailers.

Consumers are advised to return cilantro purchased after Nov. 16 and before Dec. 10.

The cilantro was grown by Salt River Farming in the Phoenix-area.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Each bunch has “Pacific” on the twist tie and the UPC code 33383 80104.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press)

The California Department of Public Health is warning people to throw out or return bagged salad products from Ready Pac Food Inc. because of possible E Coli contamination.

The recall includes bags under the Ready Pac, Trader Joe’s, Safeway and Dining In Classic labels. The recalled romaine products were distributed to retail locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. Products have a use by date of November 18th.

The recall was issued after random testing of bagged lettuce came back positive for E Coli. No illnesses have been reported.

For a list of the all the recalled products, go to the FDA’s Recall Website.

The civil penalty, announced Thursday, marks the third largest toy-related fine issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The Aqua Dots toy beads were imported by Spin Master in 2007 and recalled after tests showed they were coated with a chemical that, when ingested, can metabolize into the so-called “date-rape” drug gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). The compound can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death.

The commission alleged that Spin Master knowingly failed to report a defect and hazard associated with Aqua Dots. It also accused the company of knowingly importing and selling a banned hazardous substance. CPSC said Spin Master, based in Toronto with a subsidiary in Los Angeles, agreed to the settlement but denies allegations that it knowingly violated the law.

The toys consisted of tiny colored beads that stick together when sprayed with water, forming fun designs and shapes. About 4 million of the kits were recalled in November 2007.

The commission says Spin Master had enlisted an outside testing company to see whether the toy beads were safe, but the testing was inadequate.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Sony says has received 11 such reports in Japan, though none involved injuries or damage beyond the TVs. The models subject to the recall in Japan are the Bravia KDL-40X5000, KDL-40X5050, KDL-40W5000, KDL-40V5000 and KDL-40V3000.

The defective part — an inverter transformer used for LCD backlights — is also used in models sold overseas. But Sony says it has not received reports of similar problems.

The company will release local recall information for customers in each affected market.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the play tool sets have oversized, plastic toy nails that might cause young children to choke.

The recall is an expansion of a 2009 recall of about 1.6 million workshop sets and trucks with the same toy nails. The new recall involves an additional 11 models.

Little Tikes of Hudson, Ohio, has reported two additional incidents in which children choked when the toy nail became lodged in their throat. Both children made a full recovery. The incidents occurred before the 2009 recall.

The workshop and tool sets were sold by retailers nationwide from 1990 through 2004.

More information can be found here.

Six L’s Packing Company Inc. said in a statement that no illnesses had been reported in connection to the recall as of April 29.

The Immokalee, Fla.-based company says the recalled product was packed on April 11 under the Cherry Berry lot code DW-H in clam shells or 20-pound cardboard containers. The tomatoes were distributed to California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia, as well as Canada.

The contamination was found by a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector at a New York distributor, according to Six L’s. The tomatoes originated from a farm in Estero, Fla.

The tomatoes also were used in deli salads made by Tracy-based Taylor Farms Pacific Inc., which also recalled products Monday.

The salads were sold in plastic trays and at deli counters in Albertsons, Raley’s, Safeway, Savemart, Sam’s Club and Walmart stores across the West and some Midwestern states.

The affected states are Arizona, Oregon, California, Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah.

Customers are being asked to return the recalled products to the place of purchase for a refund.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Jennie-O said the product was distributed nationwide but sold only at Sam’s Club Stores.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall Saturday. The USDA could expand the recall as it continues to investigate illnesses connected to products from the Willmar-based turkey processing company, the West Central Tribune reported Sunday.

So far, 12 people in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Washington and Wisconsin have become ill over the last four months.

The recall includes 4-pound boxes of Jennie-O’s “All Natural Turkey Burgers with seasonings Lean White Meat.” Each box contains 12 individually wrapped burgers. The packages have a use-by date of Dec. 23, 2011, and identifying lot codes of “32710″ through “32780.”

The products were packaged on Nov. 23.

Jennie-O said the products were sold only at Sam’s Club. The company said consumers should not eat the turkey burgers, but should return them to a Sam’s Club store for a refund.

Jennie-O has created an online resource for consumers at http://www.jennieo.com/recall .

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

   The state Department of Public Health on Friday urged residents not to eat several sprout products packaged by Fresno-based Louie Foods International.

   Officials say so far no illnesses have been reported.

   Products being recalled include Louie’s brand alfalfa sprout mix, clover sprouts, spicy sprouts and broccoli sprouts with a use-by date on or before April 14, 2011.

   They were sold to distributors in the Central Valley and along the Central Coast.

   Salmonella infection can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and other symptoms. Most people recover within a week, but infection can cause more severe illness in infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

   The Arkansas City Traveler says Creekstone Farms Premium Beef confirmed Wednesday that it had recalled 14,148 pounds of ground beef.

   The company says the tainted meat was produced Feb. 22 and shipped to Missouri, Iowa, Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington.

   Creekstone and the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service say they have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the questionable meat.

Salmonella infection (salmanellosis) typically causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most cases usually last four to seven days even without treatment. But some people develop severe infections that require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics.

The recall – announced by Skippy’s manufacturer, Unilever, in conjunction with the FDA – involves both creamy and chunky varieties.

The recalled jars were distributed to retailers in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin, according to the manufacturer’s website.

The recalled peanut butter was sold in 16.3-ounce jars marked with UPC codes 048001006812 and 048001006782 and have Best-If-Used-By Dates of MAY1612LR1, MAY1712LR1, MAY1812LR1, MAY1912LR1, MAY2012LR1 and MAY2112LR1.

Consumers who have peanut butter affected by the recall should stop using it immediately and contact the company at 900-453-3432 for a replacement coupon.

Each year, about 40,000 cases of salmanellosis are reported in the U.S. But because many cases are not reported, the CDC says the actual number of infections may be 30 or more times greater.

Seven cases of E. coli infection, possibly linked to the nuts, have been reported in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The nuts were sold by retailers nationwide and in Canada in November and December. No E. coli has been detected in the products but the suspicion it may exist prompted the recall.

Symptoms of E. coli infection may include abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Most victims recover within a week; however, some may develop complications requiring hospitalization. Young children and the elderly are at most risk of a potentially life-threatening complication that can include kidney failure.

The hazelnuts affected by the recall were sold under the brand names Sunripe, George Packing, Firestone Farms, and Northwest Hazelnut, in a variety of packages as small as one pound. Fifty-pound bags of hazelnuts, and mixed nuts with hazelnuts, may have been repacked or sold from bulk containers to consumers.

- Full List Of Recalled Products

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

   The filberts were purchased from bulk bins at grocery stores. Three cases have been identified in Minnesota, three in Wisconsin and one in Michigan.

   Routine monitoring by health departments in the three states identified E. coli cases with the same DNA fingerprint.

   Agriculture agencies have traced the hazelnuts to a distributor in California. The company has recalled all hazelnut and mixed nut products distributed from Nov. 2 to Dec. 22, 2010.

   Officials urge consumers not eat any in-shell hazelnuts included in the recall.

   Symptoms of E. coli illness include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea.

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday that Taylor Farms Pacific of Tracy is recalling several premade dishes after routine testing discovered the contamination.

   The USDA says each item bears the establishment number “P-34013″ or “EST. 34013″ inside the department’s mark of inspection.

   The products were produced between Feb. 6, 2011, and Feb. 23, 2011, and shipped to Arizona, California, Colorado and Wyoming.

   The agency says it has not received reports of anyone sickened as a result of the contamination.

   Listeria infections can cause severe and sometimes fatal illnesses in young children, the elderly and those with frail immune systems.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Tracy-based Taylor Farms Pacific announced the recall this week after a random test by agricultural officials came up positive for the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The broccoli is in cooked and fresh products with expiration dates from Feb. 7, 2011, to March 7, 2011. The products were distributed in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. They were sold at Safeway, Vons, Pavilions and Pak N’ Save stores.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the broccoli.

The products are:

– TFarms, Snack Pot Penne Alfredo 8/10.75 oz Tray

– Raley’s, Asian Pasta Toss 1/12 oz Tray

– Signature Cafe, Veggie Pleaser 4/23 oz Tray

– Raley’s, Yellow Curry Chicken Rice Bowl 17 oz Tray

– Signature Cafe, Veggie Pleaser 1/23 oz Tray

– Raley’s, Veggie Blend 4/12 oz

– Raley’s, Cheese Stuffed Shells W/Rustica Tomatoes Sauce 14 oz

– TFarms, Snack Pot Pasta Primavera 8/12 oz Tray

– Raley’s, Grilled Chicken Breast W/Mashed Potatoes & Gravy 14 oz

– Raley’s, Vegetable 1/3(hash) Tray

– Raley’s, Broccoli Rice & Cheese 16 oz Tray

– Raley’s, Vegetable & Dip Pre-made Impulse 1/28 oz Tray

– Raley’s, Udon Pork Noodle Bowl 17 oz Tray

– Signature Cafe, Mediterranean Snacker Tray 4/34 oz

– Raley’s, Udon Chicken Noodle Bowl 17 oz Tray

– Signature Cafe, Mediterranean Snacker Tray 1/34 oz

– Raley’s, Family Grilled Chicken Penne Alfredo 37.5 oz Tray

– Raley’s Vegetable Catering Kit

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Toyota Motor Corp. recalled 2.17 million vehicles in the United States on Thursday to address accelerator pedals that could become entrapped in floor mats or jammed in driver’s side carpeting.

   The world’s No. 1 auto company said more than half of the vehicles under recall are being added to a massive 2009 recall that fixed gas pedals getting trapped in the floor mat.

   Toyota has now recalled more than 14 million vehicles globally over safety problems since 2009. U.S. regulators said earlier this month that electronic flaws were not to blame for reports of sudden, unintended acceleration.

   The Japanese automaker said it would add three models to the 2009 pedal entrapment recall: about 600,000 4Runner SUVs from the 2003-2009 model years; 761,000 RAV4 compact SUVs from the 2006-2010 model years; and 17,000 Lexus LX 570s from the 2008-2011 model years.

   The recall also includes 372,000 RX 330, RX 350 and RX 400H vehicles from the 2004 through early 2007 model years and 397,000 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander SUVs and hybrid versions to replace floor carpet covering and retention clips on the driver’s side that could interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.

   Toyota also recalled 20,000 2006 through early 2007 GS 300 and GS 350 all-wheel drive vehicles to change the shape of a plastic pad embedded in the driver’s side floor carpet that could cause pedal interference.

   Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said the company was unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the new recalls.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

–About 29,700 resistance stretch tubing, or exercise bands, imported by EB Brands of Yonkers, NY. The handle on the tubing can break while in use, which might lead to the tube or handle striking the user. There is one report of an incident involving a bone injury. The recall involves the Everlast Resistance Stretch Tubing, Everlast Pilates Stretch Tubing, Sportline Resistance Stretch Tubing and Pineapple Pilates Stretch Tubing. The bands were sold at sporting goods stores from March 2010 through December 2010. Consumers can contact EB Brands at 800-624-5671 for more information.

–About 1,550 Felt adult bicycles, manufactured by Felt Bicycles of Irvine, Calif. The bike’s fork can break, causing the rider to lose control. No injuries have been reported. The bikes were sold at bicycle specialty stores nationwide from July 2010 through November 2010. Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled bike and see a local Felt dealer to receive a free inspection and repair. For more information, see the firm’s website at www.feltracing.com or call 866-433-5887.

–About 160 Novara Fusion Bicycles imported by REI of Kent, Wash. The alloy steerer tube could separate from the fork causing the rider to lose control of the bike. The firm has received one report of a steerer tube detaching. No injuries have been reported. The bikes were sold at REI stores nationwide and at REI.com from November 2009 to November 2010. Consumers can call 800-426-4840 for more information.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

This can cause the mattress support to detach and collapse, creating a risk of entrapment and suffocation to a child in the crib.

The recall involves SNIGLAR non-drop-side, full-size cribs with model number 60091931.

For more information, call IKEA at 888-966-4532 or visit the company’s website at www.ikea-usa.com.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

   The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the electrical cords on the monitors can be dangerous for babies if placed too close to their cribs.

   According to the commission, a 10-month-old girl from Washington, D.C., died in March when she strangled on the cord of a Summer Infant monitor camera that had been placed on the top of the crib rail. In November, a 6-month-old boy from Conway, S.C., strangled in the electrical cord of a baby monitor placed on the changing table attached to his crib.

   CPSC and Summer Infant are also aware of a 20-month-old boy from Pittsburgh who nearly strangled on a camera cord that was mounted to the wall in reach of the child.

   Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum says cords and kids can be a deadly combination.

   “I urge all parents and caregivers to put at least 3 feet between any video or audio baby monitor cords and a child in a crib,” she said. “This simple step can save your child’s life.”

   In all, about 1.7 million monitors — more than 40 different models of handheld, digital and color monitors — are being recalled by Summer Infant, based in Woonsocket, R.I.

   The company will provide new on-product warning labels and instructions about monitor placement.

   The monitors were sold at major retailers nationwide between 2003 and 2011.

   The commission first warned about the potential danger of monitor cords last October. Since 2004, seven children have strangled on baby monitor cords placed too close to a crib.

   In addition to the recall linked to strangulations, Summer Infant also is recalling the rechargeable batteries in another 58,000 video monitors exclusively sold at Babies R Us in 2009 and 2010. The commission says the batteries sold with certain Slim and Secure Video Monitors can overheat, rupture and possibly burn people.

   The company has received five reports of ruptured batteries, including three cases of property damage.

   For more information on model numbers of recalled monitors, consumers can contact Summer Infant at 800-426-8627.

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture says products from One Great Burger in Elizabeth, N.J., were discolored and smelled wrong.

   The products came in 20 pound boxes of Onegreat Hamburgers, with the item number 02044 and the establishment number 34575. The products have packed-on dates between July and November 2010 and were distributed to institutions in California and Oregon.

   One Great Burger spokesman Frank Tobin says the beef was distributed to the prisons. He says none was sent to retailers.

   The Agriculture Department can answer food safety questions from consumers online at AskKaren.gov or by phone at (888) 674-6854 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. EST.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

JFC International Inc. of Los Angeles said consumers shouldn’t eat the product even if it doesn’t look or smell spoiled. The recall affects about 540 cartons of capelin, averaging 8 pounds apiece, that were sold nationwide in restaurants and retail stores between September and December.

Botulism is a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. The company said no illnesses have been reported.

The frozen capelin came from Vietnam and says “Shishamo ‘Imura”‘ on the wrapped Styrofoam tray.

The risk of contamination was discovered after routine testing by New York state authorities, who found the fish wasn’t properly eviscerated prior to processing, a company statement said.

For more information, contact the company at 800-633-1004.