Consumer News: Consumer confidence reversed months of declines in May

The chips were distributed to nationwide retailers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Utz Quality Foods has issued a voluntary recall of certain Zapps and Dirty potato chips in the U.S.

• The recall stems from a seasoning ingredient that may be contaminated with Salmonella

• No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are urged not to eat affected products

Utz Quality Foods is recalling limited varieties of its Zapps and Dirty brand potato chips after a supplier flagged a potential contamination issue, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notice.

The Hanover, Pennsylvania-based snack maker said the recall was initiated after it was notified that a seasoning ingredient used in certain products may contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections.

The affected chips were distributed to various retailers in the United States, though the recall applies only to specific flavors and production lots tied to the seasoning ingredient.

Salmonella infection can lead to symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can result in more severe illness, particularly among young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

No reports of illness

Utz said it has not received any reports of illness related to the recalled products.

The recall follows notification from a third-party supplier that a seasoning containing dry milk powder could be contaminated, prompting the company to act out of an abundance of caution, according to the FDA notice.

Consumers who have purchased the affected chips are advised not to eat them and instead discard the products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Retailers have been instructed to remove impacted items from store shelves.

Zapps, known for its Cajun-style kettle chips, and Dirty chips are both brands owned by Utz Quality Foods.

Food recalls are typically issued when a product may pose a health risk due to contamination or mislabeling, and federal agencies advise consumers to check product details carefully to determine whether items they have purchased are affected.

The FDA said it continues to monitor the recall as part of its ongoing food safety oversight.

A U.S. senator issues a warning about this growing scheme

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Scammers are using AI-generated images to trick pet owners searching for their lost animals.

• Victims report being asked for urgent payments after receiving proof photos of their pets.

• Sen. Richard Blumenthal warns the scheme is cruel, calculated exploitation and calls for action.

A disturbing new scam is targeting one of the most emotionally vulnerable groups of consumers: pet owners searching for their lost animals.

According to media reports from around the nation, criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to generate convincing images of missing pets, duping owners into believing their animals have been found only to demand money for their return.

The scheme typically begins when a pet owner posts about a missing dog or cat on social media or community boards. Scammers monitor these posts, then use AI tools to create realistic images of the pet in distress or in a new location. The images are sent directly to the owner as proof, often accompanied by urgent messages claiming the animal has been found but requires payment for veterinary care, transport, or a finders fee.

Federal warning

The scam has claimed so many victims that it prompted a warning from a United States Senator.

These criminals are exploiting heartbreak in real time, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who addressed the growing threat at a recent news conference. It is cruel, calculated exploitation of people who are desperate to be reunited with a beloved member of their family.

Blumenthal called for stronger oversight of AI tools and urged social media companies to take faster action against fraudulent accounts. He also encouraged law enforcement agencies to prioritize cases involving digital impersonation and AI-generated deception.

Consumer protection experts say the are particularly effective because AI-generated images can closely match a pets markings, color, and even unique features based on photos shared online.

Red flags

Victims often report being pressured to act quickly, with scammers warning that the pet could be sold, relocated, or harmed if payment is not made immediately. Requests typically involve hard-to-trace payment methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps.

Authorities advise pet owners to remain cautious when contacted by unknown individuals claiming to have found a missing animal. Experts recommend asking for real-time verification, such as a live video call or a specific action that cannot be easily fabricated, like holding up a handwritten note with the current date.

Senator Blumenthal urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspected . We need awareness, accountability, and action, he said. Technology should not be weaponized against people in their most vulnerable moments.

Federal safety inspectors are investigating to determine how it happened

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A United Airlines jet struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.

• The aircraft, arriving from Venice with more than 230 people onboard, landed safely with no passenger injuries.

• The incident is under federal investigation after the truck driver sustained minor injuries and dramatic video surfaced.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is on the scene at Newark Liberty Airport, investigating the latest close call involving a commercial airliner.

In this case, it was a United Airlines passenger jet that narrowly avoided catastrophe Sunday afternoon when it struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike while descending to land at the airport.

The dramatic dashcam video below shows the moment when the wide-bodied jet made contact with the truck carrying bakery goods.

The Boeing 767 aircraft, operating as United Flight 169 from Venice, Italy, was on final approach when its landing gear and underside collided with roadside infrastructure and a truck traveling below the flight path. The approach route takes planes low over one of the busiest stretches of Interstate 95, leaving little margin for error.

Despite the impact, the plane continued its descent and landed safely, taxiing to the gate without further incident. None of the 221 passengers or 10 crew members onboard were injured.

Driver injured, highway chaos narrowly avoided

The collision damaged the tractor-trailer and snapped a light pole, which then fell and struck a nearby vehicle on the highway, authorities said. The truck driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and later released.

Dashcam footage from the truck captured the moment of impact, showing the aircraft flying alarmingly close to traffic before striking the pole and vehicle. The video quickly spread online, underscoring how narrowly the situation avoided becoming far more deadly.

Investigation underway

The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched investigations into the incident, which has been formally classified as an aviation accident due to the damage involved. Officials are reviewing flight data recorders and interviewing the crew, who have been removed from service pending the outcome.

Preliminary information suggests the aircraft was flying unusually low during its final approach, though such low-altitude passes over the Turnpike are routine for Runway 29 at Newark.

Airport operations resumed shortly after the incident, following runway inspections, and United Airlines said its maintenance teams are evaluating the aircraft for damage.

While no lives were lost, aviation experts say the close call highlights the risks inherent in approaches over dense infrastructure and raises fresh questions about safety margins at one of the nations busiest airports.

No offense to florists, but there are more creative gifts to consider

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Experiences over things:Book a spa day, cooking class, or weekend getaway tailored to her interests.

• Personalized keepsakes:Custom jewelry, photo books, or handwritten letters that carry emotional value.

• Subscription surprises:Monthly deliveries like flowers, books, gourmet foods, or wellness boxes.

As Mothers Day approaches, bouquets remain a classic gesture to show appreciation to Mom, but many families are rethinking how to celebrate the mothers in their lives with gifts that feel more personal, lasting, and meaningful.

Nothing against flowers, but if you can afford it, consider an additional gift to go with the bouquet. Here are some ideas.

Retail analysts note a growing shift toward experience-based giving. Instead of another vase of roses, many are opting for activities that create memories, whether thats a wine tasting, an art workshop, or even a simple day off from responsibilities. These gifts acknowledge something many mothers say they want most: time, relaxation, and shared moments.

Make it personal

Personalization is another major trend. Customized gifts like engraved jewelry, curated photo albums, or even a letter expressing appreciation are gaining popularity for their emotional impact. Unlike traditional gifts, these items often become keepsakes that mothers cherish for years.

Subscription services are also reshaping the gifting landscape. From monthly book deliveries to specialty coffee or self-care kits, these gifts extend the celebration well beyond a single day.

For those looking to think even further outside the box, some families are embracing acts of service as gifts. Taking over household duties for the week, organizing a long-postponed project, or planning a stress-free family gathering can sometimes mean more than anything purchased in a store.

Put some thought into it

Ultimately, the most appreciated gifts tend to share one common trait: thoughtfulness.

Whether its an experience, a personalized item, or simply time spent together, the best Mothers Day gestures reflect an understanding of what makes each mom feel valued not just on the holiday, but every day.

Now, its easier to compare the cost of the same procedure at different facilities

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• FAIR Health has added interactive sliders to its consumer website, allowing users to view a wider range of healthcare procedure costs.

• The new feature displays prices from the 20th to 90th percentile, including both provider charges and insurer-negotiated rates.

• The update aims to make cost data more accessible and easier for consumers to interpret when planning care.

Hospitals dont always make it easy to compare prices for procedures. A mammogram may cost one price at one facility but cost a lot less at a facility six miles away. But how would you know?

FAIR Health has rolled out enhancements to its free consumer website designed to give patients a clearer picture of what medical procedures may cost. The nonprofit said the updates add interactive sliders to its medical, dental, and hospital cost lookup tools, enabling users to see a broader range of prices for specific procedures in their local area.

By adjusting the sliders, consumers can now view typical costs spanning from the 20th to the 90th percentile, offering insight into both lower and higher-end charges providers may bill, as well as insurer-negotiated in-network rates. Average costs are also displayed alongside the range.

A clearer picture

Previously, this percentile-based data was available but less prominently displayed. The new design places the information directly on the main results page, making it easier for users to understand the variability in healthcare pricing, according to FAIR Health.

The enhancements build on FAIR Health Consumer, a longstanding online tool that allows users to estimate healthcare expenses and compare costs by procedure and location. The platform draws on one of the nations largest repositories of healthcare claims data to provide estimates of what providers charge and what insurers typically pay.

Healthcare prices can vary widely depending on provider, location, and insurance arrangements, and FAIR Health said the new interface is intended to better reflect that range. By presenting costs across percentiles, the tool aims to give consumers a more realistic sense of what they might encounter when seeking care.

The organization, an independent nonprofit focused on healthcare cost transparency, said the update is part of its broader mission to help consumers make informed decisions and better plan for medical expenses.