Sarah Mahan

A hacker hacking someone’s pacemaker sounds like something that could only happen in a science fiction movie, doesn’t it? Unfortunately,  that reality may be a little too close for comfort. Last month the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of 465,000 pacemakers for the potential to be hacked, according to Fortune. The recall raises concerns of how internet-connected medical devices can ensure patient safety. The devices, which provide pacing for slow or irregular heart rhythms, contain “configurable embedded computer systems that can be vulnerable to cybersecurity intrusions and exploits,” according to the FDA alert. RF-enabled St. Jude ... Read More

Mazda is facing its second major recall this year. This time the recall centers on certain 2015-2016 Mazda6 vehicles for a wiring malfunction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states in a recall notice, “Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring.” The damaged wiring could cause a loss of power steering assist and deactivate the passenger airbag. The issue is estimated to affect almost 58,000 vehicles on the roadways. Mazda will notify owners potentially affected by the defect and authorized dealers will attach a “protective ... Read More

Got raw milk? It’s a slogan used by Texas-based K-Bar dairy, which is currently in the limelight for illnesses spanning seven states linked to Brucella bacteria found in its raw milk, which had not undergone pasteurization to kill germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas State Department of Health Services have received reports of people who drank K-Bar’s milk and have symptoms of brucellosis in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Ohio, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas, according to a CDC press release. “It’s very important for people who drank raw milk from this dairy to seek treatment ... Read More

Crashes are the leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old, according to the National Safety Council. To prevent unnecessary injury, safety organizations across the country are encouraging caregivers to take time during national Child Passenger Safety Week, September 17-23, to examine car safety systems and research information that could save young lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthychildren.org provides information on the types of car seats and corresponding ages for each: Infants and toddlers should use only rear-facing or rear-facing convertible car seats until they are at least 2 years old and typically up to 40 ... Read More

More than 100,000 Ford 2015-2017 F-150, F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab are under recall for a potentially defective seat belts. Certain trucks are equipped with a left rear inflatable seat belt buckle that may separate from its mounting bracket, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The defect fails to adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards ensuring seat belts are correctly anchored to prevent occupants from being injured in an accident, including being thrown from a car. This recall comes as almost a million Hyundai Sonatas were recalled earlier this year for a ... Read More

This month the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association along with safety organizations across the country are stressing the importance of childproofing your home as part of Baby Safety Month 2017. This year’s theme is properly using straps on children’s products, according to Baby Safety Zone. Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries to children, and each day 8,000 American children are treated for fall-related injuries. Experts stress the importance of always using the straps on baby gear to secure your precious cargo as the best way to reduce the risk of a fall. Other potential injuries to address when babyproofing ... Read More

Dr. Brown’s Natural Bottle & Dish Soap is under voluntary recall for possible contamination. That’s right: The cleaning agent is being recalled for potentially containing harmful bacteria that poses health risks. Didn’t think that it was possible for soap to contain bacteria? National Public Radio reports that all soap, even antibacterial soap, can contain bacteria. It’s all about trying to keep the bacteria at bay using antimicrobial agents to keep their numbers small. However, as the Dr. Brown’s recall suggests, bacteria can become unruly. Dr. Brown’s Natural Bottle & Dish Soap, manufactured by Greenblenz of Auburn Hills, Michigan, and distributed by ... Read More

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) FoodKeeper app aims to help consumers properly store food and beverages, maximizing freshness and quality while also helping prevent foodborne illnesses. The app has now integrated food safety recalls into its platform. “This is a great way for the public to stay informed when food is recalled,” Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg said in a release. “The FoodKeeper app is a very handy and easy to use tool; and it reflects USDA’s commitment to provide the public with information and knowledge to help them make informed decisions.” Depending on preference, ... Read More

Dr. Martens Vegan boots are under a voluntary recall for possible chemical exposure. The boots’ tongue lining may cause exposure to benzidine, a cancer causing substance that has not been sold in the U.S. since the 1970s, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The unisex 1460 boots in cherry red, made in Vietnam and imported by Airwair of Portland, Oregon, are the “original Dr. Martens boot,” according to the iconic company’s website. “Its boot’s recognizable DNA looks like this: 8 eyes, classic Dr. Martens Smooth leather, grooved sides, a heel-loop, yellow stitching, and a comfortable, air-cushioned sole.” According to ... Read More

An estimated 20,000 pounds of Expresco Goods Inc. chicken kabobs have been recalled after U.S. officials found Listeria monocytogenes during a routine foreign shipment inspection of the Canadian company’s imports. Both Expresco and West End Cuisine brand chicken kabobs are under recall, according to Food Safety News. No adverse events have been reported in relation to the fully cooked chicken kabobs packaged on Aug. 9, 2017, and Aug. 15, 2017. However, listeriosis, caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes, can cause serious infection in those who eat contaminated food, particularly for newborns, those who are pregnant, older adults and people with ... Read More