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New data shows romance are surging ahead of Valentines Day, with fake dating apps and AI bots flooding inboxes

February 13, 2026

• Romance are surging ahead of Valentines Day, with hundreds of thousands of malicious links and fake dating app downloads blocked in just the past month.

• Scammers often build trust before asking for money, using polished photos, vague backstories, AI bots, and urgent financial emergencies as red flags.

• Anyone can be targeted, but younger adults report the most exposure, while men particularly ages 35 to 44 are more likely to report losing money, including higher-dollar losses.

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If youre planning to swipe right this Valentines season, youre not alone and unfortunately, neither are the scammers.

New data from McAfee shows that romance are ramping up fast, with hundreds of thousands of malicious links and fake dating app downloads blocked in just the last month.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Sandra Glading, online safety expert at McAfee, to get the ins and outs of the latest romance and how consumers can ensure they stay safe this Valentines Day.

Know the signs

Glading explained that what makes romance so hard to spot is that they often present very naturally, which makes it harder to know that something is wrong.

One major warning sign is when a profile or story feels manufactured, she said. If a photo looks overly polished, the backstory feels vague, or the details dont hold up when you ask basic follow-up questions, thats a reason to slow down and verify.

Another red flag is resistance to real-world confirmation. Scammers often avoid phone calls or live video chats, or theyll make excuses about broken cameras, overseas work, or poor service. The longer someone avoids showing up as a real person, the more cautious you should be.

One of the most common red flags to look out for: a shift in conversation to money.

The request may come as an emergency, travel issue, medical bill, or even an investment opportunity, Glading said. Once money enters the conversation, especially via gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency, thats a serious red flag.

Take your time

Whether youre talking to a potential romantic partner on a dating app or social media platform, there are ways to avoid falling victim to these experienced scammers. Glading shared her best tips for consumers:

• Slow down and give yourself time to think. Romance often succeed because scammers create a sense of urgency and prey on strong emotions. If someone youve just met online is escalating quickly, whether emotionally or financially, thats your cue to pause.

• Be cautious.Especially when it comessharing personal information early, and always remember that genuine relationships dont generally require financial assistance. Any request involving gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency should be treated as a serious red flag.

• Look beyond the surface. If a photo looks overly polished or a story doesnt quite add up, ask follow-up questions. Do a reverse image search. See if details stay consistent over time. Scammers rely on people not verifying.

• Consider using protection built for how work today. Tools like McAfees Scam Detector can help flag suspicious messages, links, and financial requests across text, email, and social or messaging platforms, adding an extra layer of protection before a scam has a chance to escalate.

Everyone is vulnerable

Glading says that scammers dont discriminate when it comes to scam targets.

Anyone can be targeted by a romance scam, but vulnerability shows up in different ways, she explained.Younger adults report the most frequent exposure. Two in five adults ages 18-24 say they encounter potential romance at least weekly, compared with just 1 in 20 adults age 65+.

An important distinction: When it comes to financial loss, the pattern shifts. Men are more likely than women to report losing money 21% of men compared with 10% of women. Higher-dollar losses also cluster among men ages 35 to 44, and in McAfees research, losses above $5,000 were reported only by men.

Theres also an emotional dimension to vulnerability, Glading said. People who are open to forming connections online, including with AI bots, may be more susceptible to romance once trust is established.

The key takeaway is that romance arent confined to one age group or demographic. Scammers follow attention and emotion, and they tailor their tactics accordingly.

Before you fill your cart, heres where the real deals are and the items youre better off waiting on

February 13, 2026

• Buy now: Mattresses, large home appliances and winter apparel are among the strongest Presidents Day deals.

• Wait it out: Spring clothing, new tech and grills typically see better discounts later in the year.

• Shop smarter: Dont let flashy markdowns rush you compare prices and use AI tools to make sure youre getting the real best deal.

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Presidents Day weekend has quietly become one of the biggest shopping events of the winter. Mattresses? On sale. Appliances? Marked down. Winter clothes? Practically begging to be taken home. If youve been holding off on a big purchase, this three-day weekend can feel like the green light youve been waiting for.

But heres the catch: not every limited-time discount is actually worth it.

To make sure you end up with the deals that are actually worth it, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Bobby Ghoshal, CEO of Dupe.com. He shared which categories are truly worth the splurge this weekend and which ones you should leave in your cart for now.

Dos and donts

If your inbox is already filling up with emails about sales and discounts, how do you know which ones to pounce on and which ones to hold off on? Ghoshal shared the top three best and worst buys for Presidents Day Weekend.

Best buys:

• Mattresses: Presidents Day has always been a hot time to upgrade your mattresses. Retailers are looking to clear out their stores to make room for new models, so we often see up to 60-75% off reliable retailers. Many retailers also offer free shipping, but my advice would be to go in-store to test out each model before making that purchase.

• Large home appliances: From washing machines, refrigerators and more, stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy will be boasting competitive sales on the most coveted brands. If your appliances need upgrading, now is definitely time to buy. You wont see deals like this until Memorial Day, and if youre concerned that your machines wont make it until then, you may just want to bite the bullet and make the purchase.

• Winter apparel: As we get closer to spring, we are going to see retailers pushing deals on coats and winter apparel, and right now is a great time to buy. After all, many of us are still battling low temperatures. Sure, we would have liked a deal on the trendiest coats a few months ago, but now is the time to make that upgrade.

Worst buys:

• Spring clothing: Unfortunately, were never going to see deep discounts on the apparel we need or want to buy right now. In some areas, the weather is warming up, people are gearing up for spring break and may want to upgrade their wardrobe. They may find sitewide deals at their favorite retailers, but the spring apparel sales will be a little lackluster. The best times to buy will always be closer towards the end of season.

• New tech/gadgets: You may find some weaker deals on new tech items in an attempt to seduce consumers into making these purchases, but Presidents Day is absolutely not the best time of year to upgrade your gadgets. Tech deals tend to focus on older models in an attempt for retailers to clear out inventory, so if youre looking for deals on newer gadgets I highly recommend waiting until Prime Day when retailers will be competing for sales.

• Grills: While we will see great deals on in-home appliances, Presidents Day will not be the time to upgrade your grill or splurge on outdoor dcor and furniture. We tend to see these items go on sale closer to Labor Day (again end of season), so if you can make due with your grill until the end of summer, I suggest you do so and upgrade for next year during the Labor Day sales.

Make the most of the sales

In addition to knowing what to buy and what not to buy there are other things to keep in mind when youre shopping the sales. Ghoshal shared some of the mistakes shoppers can make during big sales weekends:

• Being seduced by low prices:If you dont actually need the new refrigerator, coat or mattress, you shouldnt buy it simply because youre seeing a good deal. Were going to see an uptick in email marketing promotions from our favorite stores offering sitewide deals for the holiday. Its not always easy, but if you dont need it, youre still overspending even if its half the price.

• Avoiding AI apps: Just because stores are offering low prices on popular items does not mean that your favorite AI tools cant help you find an even lower price. Be sure to price check your items because while 50% off does seem great, you could still find it for 70% off.

The big three are closer than ever heres who leads where

February 13, 2026

• Verizon wins for best reliability and overall performance, with speeds up to 226.5 Mbps. It costs more, but it'sworth it in rural or spotty areas.

• T-Mobile leads in 5G and speed. They boast 95% 5G availability and the fastest median speeds (374.5 Mbps). Great for urban users. Negotiate using competitor promos.

• AT&T gains ground with faster speeds (193 Mbps) and strong call/text performance. Theyre a solid all-around option but always check coverage by ZIP code before switching.

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A new State of the Mobile Union report shows tighter competition among the big threewireless carriers in late 2025, with one carrier pulling ahead overall.

Between July and December 2025, RootMetrics conducted more than three million real-world tests across all 50 states and 125 major metro markets. The results show good gains in speed and reliability across the board.

Heres what stood out.

Verizon: Best overall network, strongest reliability

Verizon delivered the strongest national performance in the second half of 2025, earning seven U.S. RootScore Awards, including:

• Best Overall Network Performance
• Network Reliability
• Network Responsiveness
• Data Performance
• Video Performance

It also won Best 5G Experience, Fastest 5G, and Most Reliable 5G.

Verizon improved its national median download speed from 192.1 Mbps in early 2025 to 226.5 Mbps in the second half.

What this means for consumers: Verizon is one of the more expensive carriers for a reason. This is especially the case if youre like me, and live in a more rural area, where cell service is very spotty.

Verizon is well worth the extra money in my situation as I have neighbors who struggle with T-Mobile and AT&T, as the coverage is just not as reliable yet.

T-Mobile: Fastest national median speeds, widest 5G availability

T-Mobile tied with AT&T for the national Network Speed award and maintained the highest 5G availability at 95.2%.

It remained the only carrier to hit median download speeds of at least 100 Mbps in all 125 major metro markets, and reached 200 Mbps in 124 of them.

Its national median download speed clocked in at 374.5 Mbps, significantly faster than both Verizon and AT&T.

T-Mobile also increased its footprint in state and metro awards compared to earlier in the year.

What it means for consumers: If raw speed and broad 5G access are your top priorities, especially in urban areas, T-Mobile continues to be extremely competitive.

Pro tip: Dont be afraid to call and negotiate a better rate. For example, if T-Mobile is offering a $25 plan and youre paying $45 elsewhere, call your carrier and ask if they can match a competitors promo. Retention teams are often willing to throw you a bone to keep you as a customer.

AT&T: Improving speeds, strong call and text performance

AT&T shared three national awards:

• Network Speed
• Call Performance
• Text Performance

AT&Ts national median download speed improved from 168.7 Mbps to 193.0 Mbps in the second half of 2025.

AT&T also delivered median speeds of at least 100 Mbps in 122 of 125 metro markets, up from 116 earlier in the year, and won or shared Overall State awards in 29 states.

While it slipped behind Verizon in overall and reliability rankings, the gap narrowed.

What it means for consumers: AT&T remains a strong all-around option, particularly for dependable call and text performance and improving data speeds.

I highly recommend using free coverage maps from all three carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) and compare them to the reports metro results.

Performance can vary block by block so dont automatically assume your network is bad everywhere.

Food and housing costs led the increase

February 13, 2026

• The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2%on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.4%before seasonal adjustment.

• Shelter costs rose 0.2%in January, accounting for the largest share of the monthly increase, while energy prices fell 1.5%.

• Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, climbed 0.3%for the month and 2.5%over the past year.

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Inflation moderated slightly in January, as lower energy prices helped offset continued increases in housing and other service-related costs, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The 0.2% monthly rise in the Consumer Price Index follows a 0.3% increase in December. On an annual basis, consumer prices were up 2.4% for the 12 months ending in January, down from a 2.7% year-over-year increase recorded in December.

Shelter costs which include rents and owners equivalent rent rose 0.2% in January and were the largest contributor to the overall monthly gain. Over the past 12 months, shelter prices have climbed 3.0%, continuing to put upward pressure on household budgets.

Grocery prices continued to climb

Food prices also moved higher, increasing 0.2% in January. Grocery prices, measured by the food-at-home index, rose 0.2%, while food away from home such as restaurant meals increased 0.1%. Compared with a year ago, overall food prices are up 2.9%, with restaurant prices rising 4.0% and grocery prices up 2.1%.

Energy prices, however, provided some relief. The energy index fell 1.5% in January, led by a 3.2% drop in gasoline prices. Energy commodities overall declined 3.3% for the month. On a year-over-year basis, gasoline prices are down 7.5%, contributing to a 0.1% decline in the broader energy index over the past 12 months.

Core inflation which excludes the more volatile food and energy categories rose 0.3%in January. Over the past year, core prices increased 2.5%.

Within the core categories, airline fares, personal care, recreation, medical care, and communication were among the indexes that posted gains in January. Medical care services rose 0.3% for the month and are up 3.9% compared with a year ago.

Some categories saw declines. Prices for used cars and trucks fell 1.8% in January and are down 2.0% over the past 12 months. Household furnishings and operations and motor vehicle insurance also recorded monthly decreases.

Furniture, toys, and board games are included in this week's list

February 13, 2026

SOOWERY dressers recalled for tip-over hazard

SOOWERY is recalling a small number of 6-drawer dressers sold on Amazon because they can tip over if not anchored, creating a dangerous entrapment risk for children.

• Specific hazard: Unstable dresser can tip over and trap a child, risking serious injury or death.

• Scope/stats: About 166 units sold on Amazon.com from December 2025 through January 2026 for about $130.
• Immediate action: Stop using the dresser if it is not anchored and contact the firm to request a refund.

Shenzhen Zhongyuantong Technology Co., Ltd., doing business as SOOWERY, is recalling SOOWERY 6-Drawer Dressers sold in black with a metal frame, wooden top and six collapsible fabric drawers. The company says the dresser can be unstable if it is not anchored to the wall, creating a tip-over and entrapment hazard that can be deadly to children. The product also violates the mandatory clothing storage standard required by the STURDY Act.

The hazard

The dresser can tip if it is not secured, potentially falling onto a child and trapping them underneath. CPSC said the product violates the mandatory standard for clothing storage units, a safety benchmark designed to reduce tip-over injuries and deaths. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the dresser if it is not properly anchored and contact SOOWERY for instructions to receive a refund. Keep children away from any unanchored clothing storage unit until it is secured.

Company contact

Email SOOWERY at SOOWERYrecall@outlook.com.

Source

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Beloems bed rails recalled for entrapment risk

Beloems is recalling its adult portable bed rails after regulators said users can become trapped and face a risk of asphyxiation.

• Specific hazard: Entrapment within the rail or between rail and mattress can lead to asphyxiation; also fall and laceration hazards.
• Scope/stats: About 800 units sold on Amazon.com from June 2025 through October 2025 for about $90.
• Immediate action: Stop using the bed rail immediately and contact Beloems for a full refund.

Leioujiapin Technology Co., Ltd., doing business as Beloems, is recalling Beloems-branded adult portable bed rails, model BL-BR201. The foldable rails have white metal tubing, foam handle grips (black or grey), support legs and a fabric pouch, with the Beloems logo printed on the fabric cover. CPSC said the product violates the federal mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails.

The hazard

CPSC said users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. The rails also do not meet structural stability or retention strap requirements, which can lead to falls, and the push pins and pin holes are incorrectly sized, posing a laceration hazard. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bed rails and contact Beloems for a full refund. To obtain the refund, consumers should destroy the bed rails by cutting the handrails foam padding and writing RECALLED on the upper and lower rails with permanent marker, then take a photo of the destroyed rails and email it as directed by the company.

Company contact

Contact Beloems by email at leioujiapin@163.com.

Source

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Fortemotus Direct bed rails recalled for asphyxiation

Fortemotus Direct is recalling adult portable bed rails sold on Amazon because users can become entrapped and face a risk of asphyxiation.

• Specific hazard: Entrapment between the rail and mattress can cause asphyxiation; fall and laceration hazards also cited.
• Scope/stats: About 550 units sold on Amazon.com from August 2025 through October 2025 for about $100.
• Immediate action: Stop using the bed rail immediately and contact the seller for a full refund.

Guangzhou Kezhinuo Maoyi Youxian Gongsi, doing business as Fortemotus Direct US, is recalling Fortemotus-branded adult portable bed rails, model USFTMTJAS008. The black rails have foam handle grips, support legs and a fabric pouch, measure about 30 inches wide by 30 inches high, and have the Foremotus logo printed on the fabric cover. CPSC said the rails violate the mandatory standard for adult portable bed rails.

The hazard

CPSC said users can become entrapped within the bed rail or between the bed rail and the side of the mattress, posing a serious entrapment hazard and risk of death by asphyxiation. The rails also fail structural stability or retention strap requirements, posing a fall hazard, and the push pins and pin holes are incorrectly sized, posing a laceration hazard. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled bed rails immediately and contact Fortemotus Direct US for a full refund. The company instructs consumers to destroy the bed rails by cutting the handrails foam padding, take a photo of the destroyed rails and email the photo to the address provided to receive the refund.

Company contact

Contact Fortemotus Direct US by email at fortemotusofficial@outlook.com.

Source

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Magnetic board games recalled over ingestion danger

A Colombia-themed board game set is being recalled because loose, high-powered magnets can be swallowed and cause life-threatening internal injuries.

• Specific hazard: Loose high-powered magnets can be ingested and cause intestinal perforation, twisting or blockage.
• Scope/stats: About 1,200 games sold at Centro Envos Aventura in Miami and online on Amazon.com from April 2023 through June 2025.
• Immediate action: Keep the game away from children and arrange a return for a full refund.

Surveying Accessories Cheaper is recalling Colombia-themed magnetic board games after CPSC said the magnetic pieces can contain loose, high-powered magnets. The recalled sets include a two-sided board, a storage bag, 32 multi-colored magnetic pieces and two dice with a storage pouch; Colombia que linda eres is printed on the board and Cositas Colombianas is printed on the storage box. Only the four- and six-player versions are included in the recall.

The hazard

CPSC said the products violate the mandatory standard for toys because the game pieces can contain loose, high-powered magnets. If swallowed, magnets can attract one another (or other metal objects) inside the body and become lodged in the digestive system, potentially causing perforations, intestinal twisting, blockage, blood poisoning and death. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnetic board games and keep them away from children. Contact Surveying Accessories Cheaper to obtain a pre-paid shipping label and return the game for a full refund issued to the original payment method or by check.

Company contact

Call Surveying Accessories Cheaper collect at 305-336-6042 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email zlipgo.sales@gmail.com.

Source

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LShome smoke alarms recalled for failure to alert

LShome photoelectric smoke detector alarms sold on Amazon are being recalled because the alarm may not sound quickly enough in a fire.

• Specific hazard: Alarm may not warn in time during a fire if the sensing threshold is set too high.
• Scope/stats: About 11,000 3-packs sold on Amazon.com from February 2024 through December 2025 for about $30.
• Immediate action: Stop using the alarms and request a refund through the seller.

TIANJINSHIHAOWEIXINSHENGJIDIANANZHUANGGONGCHENG is recalling LShome 3-pack photoelectric smoke detector fire alarms sold exclusively on Amazon.com. The 9V battery-operated alarms are white and circular with a test button; model XG-7D04-KZ9Z and SKU CX-50YP-A5VN are printed on the bottom. The recall was issued because the device may not sound in a timely manner during a fire.

The hazard

If the sensing threshold is set too high, the alarm might not sound quickly enough to warn occupants, increasing the risk of serious injury or death in a fire. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled smoke alarms and contact the seller for instructions on receiving a full refund through Amazon.com. The firm says the alarms can be discarded in household trash; consumers should ensure they have working smoke alarms in their home as soon as possible.

Company contact

Email lmm15957491237@163.com.

Source

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CheerKid bath seats recalled after tipping risk

CheerKid baby bath seats sold on Amazon are being recalled because they can tip over, posing a drowning risk for infants.

• Specific hazard: Unstable infant bath seat can tip during use, creating a drowning hazard.
• Scope/stats: About 590 units sold on Amazon.com in September 2025 for about $35.
• Immediate action: Stop using the bath seat and follow the firms destruction steps to obtain a refund.

Hangzhouyoupengmaoyiyouxiangongsi (Hangzhou Youpeng Trading Co., Ltd.), doing business as Babibaby, and Woot of Carrollton, Texas, are recalling CheerKid-branded baby bath seats sold in gray, pink and light blue. The bath seats have five suction cups on the bottom and a multi-colored rolling abacus toy at the front, with Model: BH-222 on a label on the back. CPSC said the bath seats violate the mandatory federal standard for infant bath seats because they are unstable.

The hazard

The bath seats can tip over while in use, which can submerge an infant and lead to drowning. CPSC said the design violates the mandatory standard for infant bath seats intended to reduce instability risks. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bath seats and contact Babibaby for a full refund. The firm instructs consumers to write Recalled on the front in permanent marker, disassemble the bath seat by removing the back rest and arm restraints, discard the screws, cut the five suction cups on the bottom, and send a photo of the disassembled and marked product to the company to receive the refund.

Company contact

Email Babibaby at CheerKid-Recall@outlook.com.

Source

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Hot Spring spa jets recalled for entanglement

Watkins Manufacturing is recalling certain hydromassage rotary jets in Highlife Collection spas because the jets can create suction that entangles hair and can lead to drowning.

• Specific hazard: Suction from rotary jets can entangle hair and pull a users head underwater.
• Scope/stats: About 32,900 units in the U.S. (plus about 853 sold in Canada) across model years 2023-2025 Highlife Collection spas and replacement parts.
• Immediate action: Stop using the recalled jets and follow the companys instructions to turn them off and install free inserts.

Watkins Manufacturing Corporation is recalling hydromassage rotary jets (6 fin) used in Highlife Collection spas and also sold as replacement parts. The affected spas include eight modelsGrandee, Envoy, Vanguard, Aria, Prodigy, Sovereign, Jetsetter and Jetsetter LXfrom model years 2023, 2024 and 2025. The firm said the jets can create a suction force that can entangle a users hair and pose drowning hazards.

The hazard

The hydromassage rotary jets can create suction that allows hair to become entangled, potentially submerging a users head underwater and creating an entanglement and drowning risk. The company reported one incident involving hair entanglement, and no injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled jets and visit the companys recall website to determine whether their spa includes the affected parts. If the spa has the recalled jets, consumers should contact the company to obtain instructions and a video showing how to turn the jets off and how to install free replacement jet inserts.

Company contact

Contact Watkins Wellness toll-free at 888-450-5748 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email jetrecall@watkinsmfg.com, or visit http://www.hotspring.com/recalls (or http://www.hotspring.com and click Recalls at the bottom of the page).

Source

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Aroeve air purifiers recalled after overheating reports

Airova is recalling Aroeve air purifiers because the units can overheat and ignite, creating fire and burn hazards.

• Specific hazard: Air purifier can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards.
• Scope/stats: About 191,390 units sold on Amazon.com, Shopify.com, TEMU.com and TikTok.com from September 2024 through June 2025.
• Immediate action: Stop using the purifier and request a free replacement from Airova.

Airova, Inc. is recalling Aroeve brand air purifiers, model MK04, sold in black or white. The recalled units were manufactured prior to July 2025 and have a serial number starting with BN, with model, date code and serial information on a label on the bottom. The company said the units can overheat and ignite.

The hazard

The air purifiers can overheat and ignite, creating a fire and burn hazard. Airova reported 37 overheating incidents, including one report of fire, and said no injuries or property damage were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled air purifiers immediately and contact Airova to obtain a free replacement air purifier. Do not attempt to repair the unit yourself.

Company contact

Email Airova at Aroeve-airpure-recall@outlook.com, or visit https://aroeve.com/pages/product-recall-information (or https://aroeve.com/ and click Product Recalls at the top of the page).

Source

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Shein toddler toy set flagged for choking

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using a 5-in-1 toddler musical instrument set sold online because small parts can create a deadly choking hazard for young children.

• Specific hazard: Small parts and spherical-ended drumsticks can obstruct a childs airway; a long cord also poses a safety risk.
• Scope/stats: About 380 units sold online at Shein.com from August 2025 through December 2025 for about $10 to $20.
• Immediate action: Stop using the toys immediately and dispose of them; do not resell or donate.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning urging consumers to immediately stop using 5-IN-1 Toddler Musical Instruments sold online. The set includes items such as bell sticks, a xylophone, maracas and castanets, along with toys like stacking rings with a ball, a shape sorter, a clock puzzle and a fidget snake. CPSC said the product is intended for children under 3 and violates federal safety requirements.

The hazard

CPSC said the products violate the small parts and small ball bans, posing a deadly choking hazard. Regulators also said the drumsticks that come with the xylophone have spherical ends that can pose a choking hazard, and the cord included with the toy clock exceeds 12 inches in length, which violates safety requirements. CPSC urged consumers to report incidents through SaferProducts.gov.

What to do

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the toys immediately and dispose of them so children cannot access the parts. Do not sell or give away the toys. Consumers should report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Company contact

There is no company remedy listed in the CPSC warning; consumers can report incidents to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source

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PandaEar hook-on chairs warned for fall risk

CPSC is warning families to stop using PandaEar portable hook-on chairs because a removable crotch restraint can allow a child to fall.

• Specific hazard: Crotch restraint can be removed, increasing the risk of a child falling and suffering serious injury or death.
• Scope/stats: About 8,950 units sold online at Amazon.com from February 2022 through November 2025 for about $25.
• Immediate action: Stop using the chair immediately and dispose of it; do not resell or donate.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning urging consumers to stop using PandaEar childrens portable hook-on chairs. The chairs have a black or gray metal frame covered with black or gray polyester and cotton material, with two metal arms that anchor to a dining table so a child is suspended from the table. CPSC said the products violate the mandatory standard for portable hook-on chairs.

The hazard

CPSC said the crotch restraint can be removed, which can cause a child to slip or fall from the chair, posing a risk of serious injury or death. The products were sold online at Amazon.com and also on pandaear.com and through third-party sellers, according to the agency.

What to do

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the portable hook-on chairs immediately and dispose of them. Do not sell or give away the chairs. Consumers should report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Company contact

There is no company remedy listed in the CPSC warning; consumers can report incidents to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Source

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Muduo crib bumpers warned after federal ban

CPSC is warning caregivers to stop using Muduo crib bumper sets sold online because the padded bumpers violate the federal crib bumper ban and can cause suffocation.

• Specific hazard: Padded crib bumpers can obstruct an infants breathing, posing a suffocation risk.
• Scope/stats: Sold online at DHGate.com by the seller lilytoy1988.
• Immediate action: Stop using the crib bumpers immediately and dispose of them; do not resell or donate.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning urging consumers to immediately stop using Muduo Crib Bumper Sets sold online. The agency said the padded crib bumpers included in the bedding sets violate the federal ban on crib bumpers. CPSC said the bumpers can obstruct an infants breathing.

The hazard

CPSC said the padded crib bumpers can obstruct an infants breathing, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to suffocation. The agency noted that the product violates the federal crib bumper ban.

What to do

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the crib bumpers immediately and dispose of them so they cannot be used again. Do not sell or give away the crib bumpers.

Company contact

No company contact information was provided in the CPSC warning.

Source

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BJs salmon recalled for possible Listeria

Slade Gorton & Co. is recalling one lot of Wellsley Farms farm-raised Atlantic salmon sold at BJs Wholesale Club because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

• Specific hazard: Potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination can cause severe illness, especially for pregnant people and other vulnerable groups.
• Scope/stats: One lot (Lot 3896) with UPC 888670025963 sold in BJs stores across seven states.
• Immediate action: Do not consume the product and contact the company for refund instructions.

Slade Gorton & Co., Inc. announced a recall of one lot of Wellsley Farms Farm-Raised Atlantic Salmon sold at BJs Wholesale Club because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product is identified as Lot 3896 with UPC code 888670025963. Distribution was listed for BJs stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virgina.

The hazard

Listeria infection can cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, according to the FDA posting. The agency said Listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Consumers should take extra precautions if they are pregnant, elderly, or have weakened immune systems.

What to do

Consumers should not eat the recalled salmon. Call the company for instructions on how to obtain a full refund and what to do with any remaining product.

Company contact

Consumers can call (888) 628-0730 at any time. Media can call (781) 366-9251 or email Annie.tselikis@sladegorton.com.

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Junebar recalls bars for undeclared allergens

Junebar issued an allergy alert for Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars due to undeclared milk and soy.

• Specific hazard: Undeclared milk and soy can trigger serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
• Scope/stats: Lots L1300, L1300A, L1300B, or L1301A distributed in New York State in January 2026.
• Immediate action: People with milk or soy allergies should not eat the bars and should return them for a refund.

Junebar issued an allergy alert for Chocolate Cherry and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars because the products may contain undeclared milk and soy. The affected products were distributed in New York State in January 2026 through grocery retailers or direct deliveries from website orders. People with allergies or severe sensitivities to these ingredients are most at risk.

The hazard

The FDA notice warns that consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk or soy risk a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled products. Undeclared allergens are a leading cause of emergency reactions and can be especially dangerous for people with a history of anaphylaxis.

What to do

Consumers who have purchased the recalled Chocolate Cherry or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Junebars should not consume them if they have a milk or soy allergy or sensitivity. The company urges consumers to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact

Call 315-226-3339 or email contact@junebars.com.

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TRUE METRIX glucose systems get urgent label update

Trividia Health is issuing a labeling correction for TRUE METRIX blood glucose monitoring systems to stress that users with an E-5 error and symptoms of high glucose should seek immediate medical care.

• Specific hazard: Inadequate instructions could delay treatment during dangerously high blood glucose, risking severe harm or death.
• Scope/stats: All TRUE METRIX, TRUE METRIX AIR, TRUE METRIX GO, and TRUE METRIX PRO systems distributed in multiple countries.
• Immediate action: Follow the updated instructions and seek medical attention immediately if E-5 occurs with high-glucose symptoms.

Trividia Health, Inc. is initiating a labeling correction for all TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems, including TRUE METRIX, TRUE METRIX AIR, TRUE METRIX GO, and TRUE METRIX PRO. The FDA notice states that the Owners Booklets/System Instructions for Use do not sufficiently emphasize that users must seek medical attention immediately if they receive an E-5 error code and have symptoms of high glucose. The company said products are not being returned or replaced.

The hazard

Trividia said the lack of emphasis in the instructions could potentially lead to a delay in treatment if a user receives an E-5 error code and is experiencing symptoms of high glucose. The FDA notice warns that delayed treatment may result in serious adverse health consequences or death.

What to do

Consumers should not return the product, as this is a labeling correction rather than a removal from the market. Watch for and follow the companys Product Notice with updated instructions, and seek medical attention immediately if an E-5 error occurs and you have symptoms of high glucose.

Company contact

Contact Trividia Health Customer Care at 1-888-835-2723 or trividia0126CC@trividiahealth.com.

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Ground beef recalled over E. coli O145 risk

CS Beef Packers is recalling raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145, with distribution to foodservice locations in three states.

• Specific hazard: Possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145 can cause severe illness and, rarely, kidney failure.
• Scope/stats: FSIS recall 003-2026 for products with case codes 18601, 19583, 19563 and establishment number EST. 630 distributed in CA, ID and OR.
• Immediate action: Foodservice operators should not serve the products and should throw them away or return them.

CS Beef Packers, LLC is recalling raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O145, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service. The affected items include product associated with case codes 18601, 19583 and 19563 and establishment number EST. 630, with distribution listed for California, Idaho and Oregon. FSIS said the products went to foodservice locations.

The hazard

E. coli O145 is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), FSIS said. Most people infected develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting, and some cases can be more severe; hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon but can occur. Anyone who becomes ill after consuming ground beef should seek medical care, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What to do

Foodservice locations should not serve the recalled ground beef products. FSIS said the products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase to prevent consumers from being exposed.

Company contact

Contact Roger Cooper, Operations Manager of CS Beef Packers, LLC, at 208-810-7510 ext 7531 or roger.cooper@csbeef.com.

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