Who’s In Charge of Food Safety And What Is He Doing About It?
August 27, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
The latest outbreak of salmonella illnesses (2000 reports between May and July), traced to contaminated eggs from two major Iowa producers and involving more than half a billion eggs, raises once again the issue of food safety in America. Who’s in charge?
Until recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had exclusive jurisdiction over inspection of egg producing facilities. Once eggs entered the marketplace, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had authority to investigate any problems. That has all changed under new rules, effective July 9, 2010, giving the FDA authority to inspect food production facilities along with the USDA.
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs for Children: When Is Enough Enough?
July 20, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
Could we really be headed for a future where kids take Lipitor with their Flintstone vitamins? Childhood obesity is an epidemic, but this has the potential of going too far. A new study in the latest issue of Pediatrics, the leading journal of pediatric medicine, argues that current standards for pediatric cholesterol screening are inadequate, and that universal cholesterol screening of children 8 years and older should be instituted. Children are now being shoved into the spotlight, even though questions still surround the widespread use of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs by adults.
Yep, Grandmom Is Still Renting Her Old Telephone!
July 6, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
It seems that the expensive leasing of inexpensive telephones is still good business for AT&T. A Consumer Warning Network reader reported to us that her elderly mom has been renting her old phone for nearly 30 years.
It doesn’t seem to ring true, but unfortunately it is. Read on.
Who Is BP? Will It Survive?
June 23, 2010
By Terry Smilijanich:
As BP (formerly British Petroleum) continues to struggle with the massive amounts of oil leaking from its Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, many are wondering just how big this company is and whether it can make good on its promise to clean it all up and compensate all its victims. Let’s take a look at a little history of BP and see if we can answer these questions.
Insider Trading – Hypocrisy, Thy Name Is Congress!
June 2, 2010
Remember when Martha Stewart got into criminal trouble back in 2003 for lying to authorities about her alleged insider trading in securities, based on a stock tip from her broker? The SEC, the Justice Department and Congress were all outraged that the entertainment and publishing maven would try to make money off of information about an investment not available to the general public.
The Ultimate Hypocrisy
A bad thing, insider trading – that is unless you are privileged enough to get elected to Congress.
As Air Travel Costs Increase, Are the Airlines Gouging Their Customers?
June 1, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
Remember when traveling by air meant free drinks and a meal, followed by a movie, while your luggage traveled for free? Remember cheap air fares? Those days are gone, as we stuff ourselves into crowded seats, pay extra luggage costs and higher fares, and munch on peanuts. With all of these cost savings, are airlines taking advantage of us by pocketing huge profits? Not yet, but stay tuned.
Airline Ups & Downs
The airline industry has had its financial ups and downs, with downs predominating of late. With vastly increased fuel costs during the past decade, and with a recession in 2008-2009, profits have been few and far between for struggling airlines. The global aviation industry operated in the red all but two out of the past ten years. In the face of this reality, airlines began cutting corners everywhere.
Which Drugs are Best and Safest For You? Don’t Ask Your Doctor
April 9, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
When your doctor prescribes a drug for you, it seems safe to assume that he or she has clinical information demonstrating that the drug is the best and most cost-effective therapy for you, right? Think again.
As it turns out, most drug studies are not only financed by the drug companies themselves, but are really only studies indicating that the particular medicine under review is more effective in treating the condition than simply doing nothing at all! Relatively few clinical studies address whether other existing drugs, or other health alternatives (diet and exercise, for example) might be better for you, safer or more cost effective than the new drug.
Really Want To Reduce the Federal Debt? Step One – The Defense Budget
March 26, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
We are all concerned about the $12.6 trillion federal debt, the IOU’s for which will be flooding in on us, our children and our grandchildren. When we and our elected representatives decide to stop wringing our collective hands about the problem and actually start doing something about it, what do we need to do?
What’s the Most Serious Crime Problem Facing the Nation? Wrong!
March 16, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
Given the fact that the economic crisis of 2008 is costing this country trillions of dollars. And given that it was brought on in part by the criminal conduct of some financial institutions, not to mention all those who helped them, it stands to reason that federal prosecutions from October, 2008 to September 2009 (Fiscal Year 2008) would reflect that. Right?
Oysters and Food Safety – A Slimy Political Problem
February 24, 2010
By Terry Smiljanich:
“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” so goes the famous quote by Jonathan Swift.
Oysters have been a food treat since prehistory, but everyone knows they can also be a threat. Eating them raw can pose some risk. A big enough risk that the FDA wants to do something about it. But then came politics, rearing its ugly head.
Banding Together and Fighting Back!
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Recalls and Product Safety News- No Specific Cause Found Yet Linking Dry Max Diapers to Diaper Rash
- Toshiba Recalls T Series Notebook Computers Due to Burn Hazard
- Swing Sets Recalled by Kompan Inc. for Repair Due to Fall Hazard
- CPSC Makes Recall Data Available Electronically to Businesses, 3rd Party Developers
- 32-Inch Sharp LCD-TVs Recalled Due to Risk of Injury
- Slow Cookers Recalled by Sensio Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Kohl's Department Stores
