Crib Recall

Two infant deaths are prompting the recall of more than 1.5 million drop side cribs made by Delta Enterprises. Both infants suffocated in their cribs after becoming stuck in a gap due to missing or dysfunctional pegs.

The CPSC says a portion of the recalled cribs made between 1995 and 2005 have missing safety pegs, other cribs have spring pegs that don't work properly.

Visit the link below for information on how to inspect your own crib- as well as information on the CPSC's efforts to address crib defects.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09018.html

Mars Changes Candy Facts

The candy you purchase may start looking a little different in the next couple of months. Starting in December- the Mars company-- makers of products like M&M's and Skittles- will be placing Guideline Daily Amounts- or GDA's- in large print on the front of the products, as well as more detailed information on calories, fat, and sugar in an easier to read box on the back. The Mars company hopes to help combat the obesity epidemic- by helping consumers make more informed choices.

Phone Scammers Pose as FTC

The following are headlines from stories aired in my Consumer headlines on 10/21/08...

Con artists are trying to collect money under the name of the very organization that helps protect consumers from fraud. Scammers claiming to work for the Federal Trade Commission are calling consumers, claiming they've won a lottery or sweepstakes. They then ask you to pay the taxes and insurance on the winnings- and you receive nothing in return.

The public may be fooled- because the scammers are able to make it appear on caller I.D. that they're located at FTC headquarters in Washington DC. Officials with the FTC say the commission never collects money from consumers. If you receive one of these calls- hang up.

"Eating Patterns in America"

The NPD Group (New Product Development) conducts extensive retail market research for a range of industries. They recently put out a report on consumers' eating habits- it's the gruop's annual "Eating Patterns in America" report. I compiled some information for a consumer report during one of our Tuesday (10/14) newscasts. Here are some interesting findings...

-Dieting has hit a new low
-Americans are eating more at home, but not using restaurants any less
-Stopping at restaurants for breakfast has hit a new high
-More snacking is happening in the morning than the evening
-More people are grilling out in the winter

Visit this link for more information on the NPD's study...
http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_081013.html

Sweet Cereal!

I've noticed this story is starting to get some national attention... it aired as part of my consumer headlines Tuesday on TV-3... information courtesy of Consumer Reports website.

After a 32-nation study, Consumer reports says cereal in the U.S. is sweeter than the same brands sold overseas. U.S. cereals were found to be higher in sodium and sugar content. For example, Honey Smacks sold in Germany, Slovenia, and Switzerland had about 40 percent sugar- compared with 55 percent sugar in the U.S. product.

Consumers International is calling on the World Health Organization to develop international guidelines that would restrict advertising and marketing of foods high in sugar, fat, or sodium to children.

Will this impact you and your family's cereal consumption? Leave a comment with your opinion, or email eeddington@wsiltv.com