Consumer News: CDC warns of multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry

The data show the growing economic stress on households

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A growing number of U.S. households are losing electricity due to unpaid utility bills, according to a new federal report

• The data highlights persistent energy affordability challenges, especially for low-income families

• Experts warn the trend could worsen as energy costs and economic pressures remain elevated

A new report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is shedding light on the economic pressure facing a growing number of American households.

According to the agencys report the first of its kind a significant share of U.S. households have experienced electricity shutoffs for non-payment in recent years. The report, based on nationwide survey data, underscores the financial strain many families face in keeping up with rising energy costs.

The EIAs Residential Energy Consumption Survey indicates that millions of households reported either being disconnected from service or receiving a disconnection notice. While the exact figures vary by year and region, the data consistently show that lower-income households are disproportionately affected.

Electricity rates are rising

Energy affordability has become an increasing concern as utility prices climb and wages fail to keep pace. Households already struggling with rent, food, and healthcare expenses often face difficult trade-offs, with electricity bills sometimes falling behind.

Consumer advocates say the consequences of shutoffs go beyond inconvenience. Loss of power can mean spoiled food, unsafe indoor temperatures, and disruption to medical devices that rely on electricity.

The report also highlights disparities across demographic groups. Renters, households with children, and those relying on fixed incomes are more likely to experience energy insecurity. In some regions, extreme weatherboth heat and coldcan intensify the risks associated with losing power.

Federal and state assistance programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), aim to help vulnerable households cover utility costs. However, advocates argue that funding often falls short of meeting demand, leaving many without adequate support.

How to reduce electricity usage

With summer heat on the way, the problem could get worse. However, a few targeted changes can make a noticeable difference in electric bills.

Start with your thermostat. Setting it a few degrees higher (around 78F when youre home) can significantly reduce cooling costs. Pair that with a programmable or smart thermostat so temperatures automatically rise when youre away.

Use fans strategically. Ceiling or box fans help circulate air, making rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Just remember: fans cool people, not roomsturn them off when you leave.

Block out heat from the sun. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective shades can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees.

Limit heat-generating activities. Ovens, stoves, and dryers add extra warmth to your home. Try grilling outdoors, using a microwave, or running appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines at night.

Seal and insulate. Small air leaks around windows, doors, or ductwork can let cool air escape. Weatherstripping and sealing gaps help your AC system work more efficiently.

Maintain your cooling system. Replace or clean air filters regularly and keep vents unobstructed. If you have central air, an annual tune-up can improve efficiency and extend the systems lifespan.

Finally, consider longer-term upgrades. Improving insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system can deliver lasting savings, especially in hotter climates.

Despite the pessimism, consumers are still spending

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. consumer sentiment fell to a record low of 49.8 in April, reflecting broad pessimism across income, age, and political groups, according to the University of Michigan survey.

• Rising inflation concerns and economic uncertainty drove the decline, with expectations for future conditions and personal finances weakening significantly.

• Despite worsening sentiment, consumer spending has remained relatively stable so far, though economists warn prolonged pessimism could eventually slow economic growth.

U.S. consumer sentiment fell sharply in April, dropping to the lowest level on record as households grew increasingly pessimistic about the economy, according to the University of Michigans latest Survey of Consumers.

The final April reading of the Consumer Sentiment Index came in at 49.8, down from 53.3 in March, marking a 6.6% monthly decline and a 4.6% drop from a year earlier. This represents the weakest level in the surveys decades-long history and underscores a broad deterioration in public confidence.

Broad-based decline across households

The decline was widespread, cutting across income levels, age groups, and political affiliations, with all major components of the index weakening.

• The Current Economic Conditions Index fell to 52.5, down from 55.8 in March.

• The Index of Consumer Expectations, which measures outlook for the economy, dropped to 48.1 from 51.7.

Preliminary data earlier in the month had shown an even steeper decline to 47.6, reflecting an approximately 11% drop from March and signaling a rapid shift in sentiment.

Survey director Joanne Hsu noted that the downturn has been broad-based, with declines observed across all demographic groups.

Inflation fears and global tensions influence outlook

Consumers cited rising prices and economic uncertainty as key drivers of their pessimism. Many respondents reported growing concern over inflation, declining personal finances, and weaker asset values, according to the survey data.

Expectations for inflation have also increased notably. One-year inflation expectations surged to around 4.7%4.8%, representing one of the largest monthly jumps in recent years.

Geopolitical tensionsparticularly the ongoing conflict involving Iranhave further intensified concerns, contributing to higher energy prices and broader economic uncertainty.

The Iran conflict appears to influence consumer views primarily through shocks to gasoline and potentially other prices, said Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu. In contrast, military and diplomatic developments that do not lift supply constraints or lower energy prices are unlikely to buoy consumers.

Not-so-great expectations

Forward-looking indicators showed some of the steepest declines. Expectations for business conditions and the broader economy weakened significantly, with one-year business outlooks dropping sharply and personal finance expectations falling by roughly 11%.

The survey also found that consumers are increasingly worried about their ability to maintain living standards amid rising costs, a trend that could weigh on future spending decisions.

Despite the sharp drop in sentiment, actual consumer behavior has not yet fully reflected the pessimism. Recent data show solid household finances and stable spending, suggesting a disconnect between how consumers feel and how they are acting.

Economists warn, however, that sustained low sentiment could eventually translate into reduced consumption, slower economic growth, and more cautious business investment if confidence fails to recover.

Aprils data highlights a significant shift in consumer psychology as economic uncertainty intensifies. While sentiment improved slightly from its preliminary reading, it remains near historic lows, signaling continued caution among U.S. households heading into the second quarter of 2026.

The refund approved message you should never trust

• Scammers are sending polished refund approved messages that look like theyre from the IRS, but clicking the link can lead to stolen personal and financial information.

• People who filed extensions are at higher risk through October, since ongoing tax activity makes these messages feel more believable.

• The best defense is simple: never click unsolicited IRS links. Go directly to IRS.gov, slow down, and verify before taking action.

Tax Day may be over, but scammers are just getting started. Right now, a new wave of tax is hitting inboxes, phones, and social media feeds across the country.

The message is simple and its a highly effective way to get peoples attention: Your refund has been approved. Claim it here.

For millions of Americans waiting on a refund or filing a tax extension, its exactly what they want to hear. And thats why it works so effectively.

ConsumerAffairs had the chance to interview Gary Orenstein, consumer security expert at Bitwarden, about how these work and how to protect ourselves.

What these actually look like

These arent the obvious scam emails weve seen for years that people tend to ignore.

As Orenstein explains, modern tax are built to look very polished and legitimate, often mimicking real IRS or tax platforms like TurboTax.

They can show up as:

• Emails
• Text messages
• Phone calls
• Social media messages

They use familiar language that you tend to see around refunds, credits, or account verification. Some even include official-looking logos and QR codes.

But once you click, youre typically taken to a fake site designed to capture sensitive information like your Social Security number, banking details, or login credentials.

From there, scammers can move quickly into identity theft or even financial fraud.

As Orenstein notes, the danger today isnt that look suspicious, its how convincingly the scam imitates a trusted source.

This rule still holds true: The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information.

Why extension filers are at risk longer

Many people assume tax fade after April 15,but thats not the case.

If you filed an extension, you remain in the process until October 15, which keeps you in the target zone much longer.

Orenstein points out that this extended timeline creates more opportunities for scammers to exploit confusion and expectation. If youre still waiting on documents or planning to file, a message about your taxes feels more believable.

With roughly 20 million Americans filing extensions each year, thats a large group of people who are still engaged with tax-related tasks for months after Tax Day.

Scammers take advantage of this by sending messages about:

• Verifying your account
• Resolving a tax issue
• Paying a balance
• Claiming a refund

When you already know your taxes arent complete, these messages feel much more legitimate.

Why urgency is their biggest weapon

Urgency is one of the most effective tools scammers use these days. And not surprisingly, it shows up in nearly every one of these fake messages.

Youll often see:

• Act within 24 hours
• Your refund will be forfeited
• Immediate action required

As Orenstein explains, urgency works because it pushes people to react before they stop to verify what they are seeing.

And with AI, scammers can now create more personalized, better-timed messages at a larger scale.

The one rule that stops most cold

Despite how advanced these have become, the best defense is still fairly simple.

Never click links in unsolicited messages claiming to be from the IRS.

Orenstein emphasizes that this one habit can stop the majority of before they even begin.

If you receive a message about your refund or tax account:

• Dont click
• Dont reply
• Dont enter any information

Instead, go directly to IRS.gov by typing the address into your browser.

Also remember:

• The IRS will never request payment via gift cards.
• They wont demand immediate action through email or text.
• They dont ask for sensitive information this way.

How to protect yourself moving forward

Beyond avoiding suspicious links, a few extra steps can add some much-needed protection.

Orenstein recommends using tools that help verify where youre entering your information.

• Use a password manager like Bitwarden, Dashlane, or LastPass.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Verify any tax-related messages directly with the IRS or your preparer.

Password managers can act as a useful early warning system and protect you. Meaning if a website is fake, they wont allow you to autofill your password and user ID, signaling that youre on a shady site.

The bottom line

In many cases, these dont look like obvious anymore.

With the help of AI, theyre designed to blend in, feel super familiar, and catch you in a moment of urgency.

As Orenstein makes clear, the best defense isnt complicated, it just comes down to changing your behavior.

Slow down. Dont click. Verify everything.

Because when it comes to tax refund , that one pause can make all the difference.

Furniture, baby accessories, and exercise equipment are part of this week's recall roundup

Recall Roundup

This roundup collects the latest consumer product and safety recall notices from the CPSC and FDA, with quick guidance on what shoppers, parents, pet owners and institutions should do next.

Wiifo tower stools can collapse

About 9,700 Wiifo childrens tower stools sold on Amazon are being recalled after reports that the wooden stools can collapse or tip over and trap a child.

• The wooden tower stools can collapse or tip over, and the side openings are large enough for a childs torso to become entrapped.
• About 9,700 units were sold on Amazon.com from June 2022 through March 2026 for about $60.
• Consumers should stop using the stool immediately, destroy it as instructed and contact Wiifo for a full refund.

Hangzhou Xinyanchuangxin Technology Co Ltd., doing business as Wiifo, is recalling Wiifo-branded childrens tower stools because the wooden kitchen helpers can collapse or tip over during use. The stools were sold in white, natural and light wood finishes, measure about 18 inches deep by 18 inches wide by 34 inches tall, and have Model LT005 printed on a label on the underside of the standing platform.

The hazard

The stools pose multiple dangers. CPSC said the product can collapse or tip over while in use, and a childs torso can fit through the openings on the sides, creating fall and entrapment hazards that can lead to serious injury or death. The firm said it is aware of 22 incidents of stools collapsing, resulting in six injuries including contusions and scrapes.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled tower stools immediately and keep them away from children. Wiifo says customers should disassemble and destroy the stool, email a photo of the destroyed product to support@wiifo.net, and then dispose of the product to receive a full refund.

Company contact

Wiifo can be reached toll-free at 888-505-6206 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, by email at support@wiifo.net, or online at www.wiifo.net/recall or www.wiifo.net by clicking Product Recalls.

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Baby loungers pose infant suffocation risk

HappyGira is recalling two baby lounger lines because the products violate federal infant sleep rules and create suffocation, fall and entrapment hazards.

• The loungers have overly thick sleep pads, low sides, no stand, and openings that can allow a baby to fall out or become trapped.
• About 70 loungers were sold on HappyGira.com from September 2025 through February 2026 for between $70 and $100.
• Consumers should stop using the loungers immediately, destroy them as directed and request a full refund.

Caw Group Inc., doing business as HappyGira, is recalling Sweetie Baby- and Style Life Eleven-branded baby loungers because the products do not meet the mandatory federal standard for infant sleep products. The recalled loungers are made with a foam sleeping pad, padded bumpers and cloth cover, and were sold in multiple styles and colors through HappyGiras website.

The hazard

CPSC said the sides are shorter than the minimum required height, the products do not have a stand, and an infant can fall out of the enclosed opening at the foot of the lounger or become entrapped. The sleeping pad is also thicker than allowed, creating a suffocation hazard. Taken together, those problems create an unsafe sleep environment that poses a risk of serious injury or death. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled loungers immediately. HappyGira says customers should destroy the loungers by removing the sleeping pad and bumper covers, cutting the bumpers, sleeping pad and covers in half, emailing a photo of the destroyed pieces to support@happygira.com, and then disposing of the product to receive a full refund.

Company contact

HappyGira can be reached by email at support@happygira.com or online at happygira.com/blogs/news/product-recall or happygira.com by clicking Recall at the top of the page.

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mGanna lye bags lack child-resistant packaging

Archie Xpress is recalling mGanna Sodium Hydroxide pellet bags sold on Amazon because the packaging is not child-resistant and can expose consumers to dangerous chemical burns.

• The bags contain sodium hydroxide, or lye, in packaging that is not child-resistant and also violates hazardous-substance labeling rules.
• About 3,240 packages were sold on Amazon.com from November 2024 through March 2026 for about $10.
• Consumers should stop using the product, secure it away from children, mark the pouch and request a full refund.

Dhanlaxmi Ashish Ganna, doing business as Archie Xpress, is recalling mGanna Sodium Hydroxide pellet bags sold online because the lye product was packaged in a way that children can access. The product came in a vacuum-sealed clear plastic bag inside a white zip-top pouch with a tear-away feature, labeled mGanna SODIUM HYDROXIDE (NaOH).

The hazard

Sodium hydroxide can cause severe chemical burns and irritation to the skin and eyes. CPSC said the packaging fails to meet the Poison Prevention Packaging Act requirement for child-resistant packaging and also violates labeling requirements under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. No incidents or injuries were reported, but the agency warned that exposure can cause serious harm.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled sodium hydroxide immediately and secure it out of sight and reach of children. Archie Xpress says buyers should write RECALLED on the back of the zip-top pouch, email a photo of the marked pouch to support@archieenterprise.in, and then dispose of the pellets in accordance with local and state regulations to receive a full refund.

Company contact

Archie Xpress can be reached at 302-261-5337 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at support@archieenterprise.in, or through www.archieenterprise.in by clicking Recall.

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Autobrush toothbrush boxes expose battery hazard

Autobrush is recalling packaging boxes for Sonic Pro Kids toothbrushes because the boxes contain an accessible lithium coin battery that children can reach.

• The delivery box has a speaker with a coin cell battery on the underside of the tray, creating a battery-ingestion hazard.
• About 48,000 boxes were sold through TryAutobrush.com from March 2023 through December 2025 for between $85 and $90 with the toothbrushes.
• Consumers should stop using the boxes, keep them away from children, mark them as recalled and seek the offered store credit.

Lander Enterprises LLC, doing business as Autobrush, is recalling the Sonic Pro Kids toothbrush delivery boxes used to ship certain childrens electric toothbrushes. The recall does not center on the brush itself, but on the white tray inside the cardboard box, which contains a speaker with a lithium coin battery on the underside.

The hazard

CPSC said the boxes violate the mandatory federal standard for consumer products containing button cell and coin batteries because children can easily access the battery. The packaging also lacks the required warnings under Reeses Law. If swallowed, a button cell or coin battery can cause internal chemical burns, serious injury and death. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled boxes immediately and take them away from children. Autobrush says customers should write Recalled on the box with permanent marker, email a photo of the marked box to recall-support@autobrush.com, and then dispose of the box to receive a $5 refund in the form of store credit.

Company contact

Autobrush can be reached toll-free at 844-656-3217 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at recall-support@autobrush.com, or online at tryautobrush.com/pages/recall or www.tryautobrush.com by clicking Recall at the bottom of the page.

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Lil Pick Up youth ATVs linked to death

Lil Pick Up is recalling youth ATVs after CPSC said the vehicles fail multiple federal safety requirements and one child died in a crash involving a recalled model.

• The ATVs can exceed allowed speeds for youth riders, have noncompliant suspension, can suffer a stuck throttle, and have footwells that can get hot enough to burn riders.
• About 4,900 Rex110 and Sierra110 youth ATVs were sold online and in stores through multiple powersports retailers.
• Consumers should stop using the ATVs immediately and contact Lil Pick Up to arrange a free pickup and a full refund.

Lil Pick Up Inc. is recalling Rex110 and Sierra110 youth all-terrain vehicles because CPSC said the machines do not comply with the federal mandatory ATV safety standard. The youth ATVs were sold online and in stores by Cougar Cycle, Texas Star DBA Flying Scooter, Vitacci Motorcycles, ODES USA, BV Powersports, Tool Store Go-Kart Shop, Offroad Mall, Triple J Imports and other retailers.

The hazard

According to CPSC, the ATVs fail to meet maximum speed limitations for vehicles intended for children ages 6 and older, the mechanical suspension does not comply with safety rules, and the throttle may get stuck during use, creating a crash hazard. The footwell surfaces can also reach high temperatures, posing a severe burn hazard. CPSC said it has received one report of a death involving a Rex110 ATV: a 6-year-old boy died in 2025 after a crash while riding with a passenger.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled ATVs immediately. Lil Pick Up says owners should go to www.lilpickup.us to register for the recall and receive instructions for returning the ATV, including free pickup and transportation, in order to obtain a full refund.

Company contact

Lil Pick Up can be reached collect at 951-245-5663 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, by email at contact@lilpickup.us, or online at www.lilpickup.us/recall-detail.html or www.lilpickup.us by clicking Recall.

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TOETOL HOME tower stools can tip over

TOETOL HOME is recalling childrens tower stools sold on Amazon because the kitchen step stools can collapse, tip over and trap a child.

• The stools can collapse or tip over, and the side openings are large enough for a childs torso to fit through.
• About 3,000 units were sold on Amazon.com from October 2024 through March 2026 for about $130.
• Consumers should stop using the stool immediately, destroy it as directed and request a full refund.

Dali Fortune Trade CO., doing business as TOETOL HOME, is recalling TOETOL HOME-branded childrens tower stools, model DETD0001. The wooden kitchen tower step stools were sold in white, gray and dark wood colors, measured about 20 inches deep by 15 inches wide by 36 inches tall, and carried the model number on a label on the side.

The hazard

CPSC said the stools can collapse or tip over during use, and a childs torso can fit through the side openings, creating serious fall and entrapment hazards. The firm said it has received 18 reports of stools collapsing, resulting in 11 injuries including contusions, cuts and scrapes.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled tower stools and keep children away from them. TOETOL HOME says customers should disassemble and destroy the stool, email a photo of the destroyed product to TOETOLHOMEStepStoolsrecall@outlook.com, and then dispose of it to receive a full refund.

Company contact

TOETOL HOME can be reached by email at TOETOLHOMEStepStoolsrecall@outlook.com.

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FitRx adjustable dumbbells can shed plates

Tzumi Electronics is recalling FitRx SmartBell adjustable dumbbells after more than 115 reports that weight plates came loose during use.

• Weight plates can dislodge from the handle during use, creating a serious impact hazard.
• About 50,000 dumbbells were sold at Walmart stores and Walmart.com from January through November 2024 for about $100.
• Consumers should stop using the dumbbell immediately, mark the tray as recalled and register for a free replacement.

Tzumi Electronics Inc. is recalling FitRx SmartBell Quick-Select Adjustable Dumbbells 5-52.5lbs, model 8361, with certain serial numbers because plates can come off while the product is being used. The black dumbbells with red accents include handles, weight plates and a molded plastic storage tray, and the model and serial numbers are printed on the side of the tray.

The hazard

The recalled dumbbells can shed weight plates from the handle, which can strike the user or someone nearby. CPSC said there have been more than 115 reports of plates dislodging during use, with at least six injuries including broken toes, bruises, contusions and lacerations.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the adjustable dumbbell. Tzumi says customers should write the word Recalled across the dumbbell tray using permanent spray paint or marker, register at https://myfitrx.com/recall-52-lbs/, and dispose of the product after the registration is confirmed in order to receive a free replacement dumbbell and tray.

Company contact

Tzumi Electronics can be reached toll-free at 866-363-2237 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, by email at smartbellrecall@tzumi.com, or online at https://myfitrx.com/recall-52-lbs/ or https://fitrxrecovery.com/ by clicking Recalls at the bottom of the page.

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Farm playsets pose choking danger

MISSJUNE is recalling KMUYSL Big Red Barn Farm Animal Playsets because detachable fence handles create a deadly choking hazard for young children.

• The fence handles can detach from the toy, leaving small parts that violate the federal ban for products intended for children under 3.
• About 3,000 playsets were sold on Amazon.com from July 2023 through June 2025 for about $20.
• Consumers should stop using the toy immediately, remove and throw away the fence handles, and contact MISSJUNE for a full refund.

Shenzhen Leye E-commerce Co., Ltd., doing business as MISSJUNE, is recalling KMUYSL Big Red Barn Farm Animal Playsets sold on Amazon. The toy set includes a red barn, a farmer figure and nine animal figures, and the packaging bears model number SY-MZ7S-TVMV on the back label.

The hazard

CPSC said the toy violates the small parts ban because it is intended for children younger than 3 and its fence handles can detach, creating a choking hazard that can be deadly. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled toy immediately and take it away from children. MISSJUNE says customers should remove and properly dispose of the fence handles in the trash, email a photo of the disposed product to kmuyslfarmanimalrecall@gmail.com, and then seek a full refund.

Company contact

MISSJUNE can be reached by email at kmuyslfarmanimalrecall@gmail.com.

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AMZCMJ DGD tower stools can collapse

AMZCMJ DGD is recalling a foldable childrens tower stool sold on Amazon after reports of falls and entrapment injuries.

• The stool can collapse or tip over, and a childs torso can fit through side openings, creating fall and entrapment hazards.
• About 130 units were sold on Amazon.com from February 2025 through March 2026 for between $85 and $100.
• Consumers should stop using the stool immediately, destroy it as directed and contact the seller for a full refund.

SiPaiSaiErDianZiShangWu (ShenZhen)YouXianGongSi, doing business as AMZCMJ DGD, is recalling AMZCMJ DGD-branded childrens tower stools. The wooden kitchen stools are foldable, convert into a table and chair, include a blackboard, and measure about 15 inches deep by 22 inches wide by 34 inches tall.

The hazard

CPSC said the product can collapse or tip over while in use, and a childs torso can fit through the openings on the sides, creating a risk of serious injury or death from falls and entrapment. The firm said it is aware of seven incidents of children falling from the stool or becoming entrapped, resulting in four injuries including contusions, splinters and scrapes.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled stool immediately. AMZCMJ DGD says customers should write recalled in permanent marker on all sides, disassemble the stool, email a photo of the destroyed product to dgdtoddlertowerrecall@dchskj.cn, and then dispose of it to receive a full refund.

Company contact

AMZCMJ DGD can be reached by email at dgdtoddlertowerrecall@dchskj.cn.

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Magnetic stick figures pose ingestion danger

BlissfulDestiny is recalling magnetic stick figure toy sets sold on Walmart.com because the figures contain loose magnets that children can swallow.

• The toy set contains small, loose magnets that violate the mandatory federal toy standard and can cause life-threatening internal injuries if ingested.
• About 140 sets were sold on Walmart.com from May 2025 to October 2025 for about $13.
• Consumers should take the toy away from children immediately, dispose of it and contact BlissfulDestiny for refund instructions.

Yiwu Shijie E-Commerce Co., Ltd., doing business as BlissfulDestiny, is recalling BlissfulDestiny Magnetic Stick Figure Sets sold on Walmart.com. The set includes 10 flexible stick figures in multiple colors, with four small magnets embedded in each figures hands and feet, and comes in clear plastic packaging.

The hazard

CPSC said the magnetic stick figures violate the mandatory standard for toys because they contain loose magnets that can be swallowed by children. When high-powered magnets are ingested, they can attract each other inside the body or to other metal objects, leading to perforations, twisting or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death. No incidents or injuries were reported.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic stick figures immediately and take them away from children. BlissfulDestiny says buyers should throw away the recalled product and email a photo of the disposed toy to Blissful_Destiny@outlook.com to receive information on obtaining a full refund.

Company contact

BlissfulDestiny can be reached by email at Blissful_Destiny@outlook.com.

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CPSC warns on magnetic chess games

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using magnetic chess games sold by Kaiwenshangpin because the products contain small, high-powered magnets that can be fatal if swallowed.

• The games contain loose, separable magnets that are stronger than allowed and small enough to be swallowed by children.
• The products were sold on Amazon.com from August 2025 through November 2025 for about $13.
• Consumers should stop using the games immediately, dispose of them, and never resell or give them away.

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using Magnetic Chess Games sold by Kaiwenshangpin because the product violates the mandatory federal toy standard for magnets. The game is sold in a blue box marked Magnetic, Magnetic Chess Piece and Intelligence Strategy Game, and includes 20 loose magnets, a yellow string, instructions and a plastic storage bag.

The hazard

The agency said the magnets are small, loose and separable, with magnetic flux stronger than permitted. If swallowed, high-powered magnets can attract each other inside the digestive system or to other metal objects, causing perforations, twisting, blockages, blood poisoning and death. CPSC issued a warning rather than a company-run recall notice.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the magnetic chess games immediately and dispose of them. CPSC also says consumers should not sell or give away the hazardous products.

Company contact

CPSC asks consumers to report any incidents involving injury or product defects at www.SaferProducts.gov.

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CPSC warns on Bauhini step stools

CPSC is warning families to stop using Bauhini SDADI kitchen step stools because the toddler towers can become unstable and cause serious injuries.

• The wooden step stools are unstable and pose entrapment, tip-over and fall hazards.
• The stools were sold on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com and Best Buy.com for between $45 and $155.
• Consumers should stop using the stools immediately, disassemble and destroy them, and do not resell or donate them.

CPSC issued a warning about Bauhini SDADI Kitchen Step Stools, wooden standing towers for kids that measure about 35 inches high, 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep. The stools were sold in gray, white and natural wood colors through several major online retailers.

The hazard

The agency said the step stools are unstable and can create entrapment, tip-over and fall hazards, posing a risk of serious injury. The notice is a CPSC warning, meaning consumers should treat the products as hazardous even without a listed company remedy.

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the toddler step stools and destroy them by disassembling them before disposal. CPSC also says consumers should not sell or give away the hazardous stools.

Company contact

CPSC asks consumers to report any incidents involving injury or product defects at www.SaferProducts.gov.

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CPSC warns on YCXXKJ bath seats

CPSC is warning consumers to stop using YCXXKJ baby bath seats because the seats can tip over and create a drowning hazard.

• The bath seats are unstable and violate the mandatory safety standard for infant bath seats.
• The seats were sold on Amazon.com from May 2024 through October 2025 for about $36 and may also have been sold by third-party sellers elsewhere.
• Consumers should stop using the bath seats immediately, dispose of them, and do not resell or give them away.

CPSC is warning consumers about YCXXKJ Baby Bath Seats, sold in blue, gray, pink and yellow and marked Model: YD-1958 on a tracking label on the back. The seats have two detachable arms that act as a restraint, four suction cups on the bottom and three toys: a duck, a turtle and a whale.

The hazard

The agency said the infant bath seats violate the mandatory federal safety standard because they are unstable and can tip over while in use. That creates a risk of serious injury or death from drowning, one of the most serious hazards involving infant bath products.

What to do

Consumers should stop using the infant bath seats immediately and dispose of them. CPSC says consumers should not sell or give away these hazardous bath seats.

Company contact

CPSC asks consumers to report any incidents involving injury or product defects at www.SaferProducts.gov.

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Trail mix recalled over wheat and soy

Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. is alerting shoppers that one lot of Frederiks by Meijer Vanilla Bourbon Trail Mix may contain undeclared wheat and soy.

• The trail mix may expose people with wheat or soy allergies to a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction.
• Affected product is lot #6069-1 distributed at Meijer stores in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky.
• Consumers should not eat the product and should throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. issued an allergy alert for Frederiks by Meijer Vanilla Bourbon Trail Mix because the product may contain undeclared wheat and soy. The affected product was distributed in Meijer retail stores in six Midwest states, and consumers should check packages for lot #6069-1.

The hazard

For consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat or soy, eating the trail mix could trigger a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. The FDA notice focused on the undeclared allergens and the risk to sensitive consumers.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the affected trail mix should not eat it. The company said shoppers should either throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact

Consumers with questions can contact Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. at 1-877-363-4537.

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Angio packs recalled over disconnection risk

Aligned Medical Solutions is recalling certain angio packs nationwide because a rotating adapter on a control syringe can unwind during use and disconnect.

• The syringe rotating adapter can unwind, causing a loose connection or full disconnection between syringes and the manifold.
• The recall covers AMS6908E lot 214875 and AMS6908F lots 215436, 225001, 226706 and 234088 distributed nationwide from Oct. 28, 2024, through Nov. 28, 2025.
• Customers and institutions should quarantine affected kits immediately and contact the company for instructions on replacement and labeling.

Windstone Medical Packaging, doing business as Aligned Medical Solutions, issued a nationwide recall for Namic Angiographic Rotating Adapter 10CC Control Syringes placed into Aligned Medical Angio Pack kits AMS6908E and AMS6908F. The affected kits were distributed nationwide to customers and institutions.

The hazard

According to the recall notice, the rotating adapter may unwind during use, which can cause a loose connection or complete disconnection between the syringes and the manifold. That failure can lead to biohazard exposure, blood loss, infection or air embolism, making the issue especially serious in clinical settings.

What to do

Customers and healthcare institutions should immediately review inventory and quarantine all affected kits. The company said customers should contact its Quality Department for instructions on labeling and replacement product, and that if a kit is opened for use, any MEDLINE 10cc Syringe should be removed and destroyed.

Company contact

Aligned Medical Solutions can be reached at 1-800-360-9428 or by email at fieldcorrectiveaction@alignedmedicalsolutions.com.

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Canine milk replacers recalled for vitamin D

Revival Animal Health is recalling two canine milk replacers because some products may contain elevated levels of vitamin D that can sicken dogs.

• Dogs that ingest too much vitamin D can develop vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, drooling, weight loss and possible kidney problems.
• The recalled products were sold nationwide online and in retail pet stores under several listed UPCs.
• Pet owners should stop using the products immediately and contact the company to return them for a full refund.

Revival Animal Health, LLC is voluntarily recalling Breeders Edge Foster Care Canine and Shelters Choice Canine Milk Replacers because testing found variable, elevated levels of vitamin D. The products were sold nationwide through online sellers and retail pet stores.

The hazard

Excess vitamin D can be dangerous to dogs. The FDA notice said dogs ingesting elevated levels may show vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling and weight loss, and at very high levels vitamin D can cause serious health problems including renal dysfunction.

What to do

Consumers who purchased the affected milk replacers should discontinue use immediately. Revival Animal Health said customers should contact the company to arrange a return and receive a full refund.

Company contact

Consumers can contact Revival Animal Health at 1-877-870-4059.

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