Consumer News & Alerts

June 23, 2008

ILLNESS, DEATH DOG NUTRO PET FOOD

A series of mysterious illness and death dogs Nutro pet food. In an exclusive report, ConsumerAffairs.com's Lisa Wade McCormick finds that scores of pet owners report their animals became ill while eating Nutro products, then recovered when they were switched to another brand. At least six dogs, including Sophia and Max (pictured above), have died in the past two months, according to an analysis of complaints to ConsumerAffairs.com. The company discounts the reports, saying they are isolated and unconfirmed; at least one Nutro employee, sickened by the company's response, told us she resigned. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has investigated the deaths of at least two dogs and there are mysterious shortages of Nutro food in at least some parts of the country. Read more ...

"DIRTY" PET FOOD PROMPTS FEDS' RAID ON PETCO WAREHOUSE
If worrying about possible contamination of your pet's food with chemicals wasn't enough, now pet owners have found that at least one major pet food manufacturer is accused of storing its wares in filthy, unsafe conditions. Lisa Wade McCormick reports that U.S. Marshals raided PETCO's Animal Supplies Distribution Center in Joliet, Illinois after repeated inspections by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found widespread vermin and bird infestation in the center, as well as food packaging that was easily permeable and could lead to contamination. Read more...

LOOK OUT! HIGH GAS PRICES CUT FLOW OF TAX FUNDS
High gas prices have Americans driving less, using more fuel-efficient cars, and taking public transit -- and that has the highway lobby fretting. Fewer drivers means lower revenue from gas taxes, and the road-builders are making noises about finding new ways to fund highways -- such as, oh, a higher gas tax. Others say that the proper response is to shift funding to improve America's woefully underdeveloped public transit infrastructure. Read more...

More gas price news ...

• Gas Prices Hold Steady for 4 Days Consumers flee to Mexico for cheaper fill-up.

• Limiting Oil Speculators Gains Ground Feds appear ready to clamp down on futures traders.

• Ford Delays New F-150 Consumers shunning big trucks, SUVs.

• Rental Car Companies Gouging Consumers with Refueling Fees Maryland AG fights fill-up costs for rentals.

QUIET HYBRIDS SNEAK UP ON BLIND PEDESTRIANS
In the wake of reports that quiet-running hybrids have harmed or killed visually or hearing-impaired pedestrians who can't detect their approach, the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced plans to convene hearings on how to modify hybrids to emit sound loud enough to warn pedestrians. Even as Congress and state legislatures are contemplating laws to set minimum sound standards for electric-powered hybrids, Joe Benton reports that one company is developing small mounted speakers that emit the noises of a typical gas engine in order to alert pedestrians of their proximity. Read more...

In other automotive news ...

• Senators Seek Delay in New Roof Strength Safety Rules Safety agency's proposed standard said to be too weak.

• NHTSA Investigates 2.7 Million GM Trucks, SUVs Fire hazard probed in 21 models.

RETAILERS GIVING BAD ADVICE ON DTV TRANSITION
As the February 17, 2009 deadline for the transition from analog to digitial television broadcasts draws closer, there's a lot of confusion in the air -- and electronics retailers aren't helping. The National Consumers' League conducted a survey of seven major retailers and found their employees regularly giving out inaccurate or confused information about what consumers have to do to prepare for the DTV transition. The League recommends that retailers set up and maintain regular, rigorous training for employees on what is and isn't true regarding the DTV switch. Read more...

The week's technology news...

• GAO: Government Can Do More to Protect Personal Data Reports recommend consistent safeguards for all uses of information.

• New Netflix Instant Movie Player Redefines Television Order movies and watch them 20 seconds later via streaming Internet connection.

• No Surprise: FCC Chair Decides to OK Sirius-XM Merger Justice Department rubber-stamped the deal in March.

• Disney, Panasonic Preview BD-Live Technology Interactivity is the new video buzz word.

AVOIDING FORECLOSURE TAKES MORE THAN HOPE
Foreclosures continue to pile up around the country, and many anxious homeowners are turning to counseling services and "workout groups" to help them stay in their homes. But as Mark Huffman reports, some workout groups are less about ensuring troubled buyers stay in their homes than maximizing the lender's profit from the house at all costs. Foreclosure expert David Petrovitch offers tips on who to call when you're facing foreclosure--and who to avoid. Read more...

More financial news...

• Feds Charge 406 in Mortgage Fraud Crackdown Bear Stearns hedge fund executives among those charged.

• Bankruptcy Rates Rise Among Older Americans Health care costs most often to blame; new bankruptcy law makes matters worse.

• Mortgage Group To Step Up Homeowner Aid New guidelines will offer more aggressive help to homeowners in trouble.

FEWER AMERICANS DIETING, BUT MORE EATING HEALTHY
In an unusual trade-off, studies are showing that Americans are dieting less, but more are eating healthier by swapping out the old junk food for reduced-fat, low-carb, and lower-cholesterol meals. Even adults who are financially worse-off due to the weakening economy are placing a priority on making sure they eat right first and foremost, with the results paying off in stabilizing rates of obesity and lower rates of childhood obesity. Read more...

"RUSSERT EFFECT" HAS AMERICANS QUESTIONING THEIR HEALTH
It's not all good news on the health front, however. The sudden death of TV journalist and "Meet The Press" anchor Tim Russert at 58 has sent a shockwave through Americans who thought they, too, were healthy. Even though Russert was generally in good shape for his age, with low cholesterol and stress levels, his excess weight around his midsection contributed to a buildup of plaque in his arteries, leading to a fatal heart attack. The news is a strong reminder that even a few inches of excess belly fat can be potentially dangerous if left unaddressed. Read more...

More health news...

• Soccer Rage, Road Rage Are Linked, Experts Say Control-oriented types more likely to take offense.

• Public Citizen Sues FDA for Failure to Act on Darvon Suit says Darvon is dangerous and no more effective than similar drugs.

• Heavy Coffee Consumption Not A Health Risk, Study Finds Spanish researchers find no effects one way or the other.

This week's consumer protection news...

• California Prods CVS to Stop Selling Expired Products Chain also agrees to improve customer privacy protection.

• Arizona Sues Great Expectations Dating service accused of fraud.

• Many Consumers Misread Nutrition Panels Researchers find labels lack crucial information on trans fats.

• FDA Cracks Down On Bogus Cancer Cures Agency sends warning letters to 25 firms hawking phony potions.

• Prepaid Legal Services Find Growing Acceptance Small monthly payment guarantees legal help when you need it.

• 'Do Not Call' List Entries Are Now Permanent Consumers will not have to renew their entries.

• Service, Not Cost, Sours Passengers On Airlines Survey finds satisfaction at lowest point in three years.

• Storm Season is Time to Review Insurance Policies Out-of-date policy can lead to financial ruin.

• NYC Cops Break-Up iPhone Craigslist Scam Bargain-hunters relieved of their cash at gunpoint.

• Scammers Exploit Iowa's Flooding Bogus utility employees prey on storm victims.

SAFETY RECALLS

Wal-Mart Recalls More 'Hip Charm' Key Chains
Dodge Journey Crossovers
Bush Hog Off-Road Vehicles
Tucker Rocky Off-Road Motorcycle Clamps
Toyota Siennas Recalled to Fix Liftgate
Ski-Doo Snowmobiles

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