New York City Personal Injury Lawyer

OSHA fines NJ cup maker $156K after amputation of worker’s fingertips prompts inspection

Paul Napoli — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:01:56 GMT

Federal regulators have cited a New Jersey cup manufacturer for a slew of safety violations in an inspection following the amputation of a worker’s fingertips.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Plastico Products LLC with 28 safety and health violations at its Irvington, NJ facility and proposed penalties totaling $156,600. The inspection was prompted by an incident in November 2011 in which an employee suffered amputation of the fingertips involving machinery.

“Plastico Products continues to put workers at risk and neglect the implementation of safety measures,” said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office, which conducted the inspection. “Employers are responsible and liable for worker safety and health.”

OSHA issued citations for 23 serious violations, those that the agency considers to have a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. These citations carried penalties of $72,000 and included:

Failure to monitor noise levels from equipment, establish a hearing test program, ensure employees exposed to noise wore hearing protection, and institute training and hearing conservation programs despite exposure of workers to continuous noise levels that exceeded the allowable dose, in some instances more than twice the allowable dose
Failure to establish and implement a written respiratory protection program, provide medical evaluation to assess employees’ ability to use a respirator prior to its use and provide training on respirator use
Failure to implement and maintain a written Hazard Communication Program for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals, maintain a list of hazardous chemicals onsite and their material safety data sheet, and provide employee training on hazardous chemicals in their workplace
Failure to ensure eye protection when there was a reasonable probability of injury that they could prevent, in this case the handling of sulfuric acid without protective eye equipment
Stairs lacking proper handrails
Employees unable to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools or special knowledge.
Emergency exit door not marked with an exit sign
Lack of directional exit signs to guide people to an exit
Failure to provide suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body within the work area for employees exposed to injurious corrosive materials
Failure to require the use of hand protection when employee’s hands exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances and chemical burns
Failure to establish procedures and provide training on equipment lockout/tagout control of hazardous energy
Failure to mount portable fire extinguishers so that they were readily accessible to employees and provide fire extinguisher training to employees expected to use them
Failure to use machine guards that protect employees from a machine’s moving parts
Missing or inadequate fan blade guards on machine fans
Unguarded pulleys
Unguarded inclined belts
Unguarded chain
Screws on revolving part not made flush or guarded by metal cover
Use of compressed air exceeding 30 psi for cleaning purposes
Worn or damaged parts that adversely affected the safe operation or mechanical strength of equipment
Employees exposed to shock hazards by live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more that were unguarded against electrical contact by approved cabinets or other approved enclosures.
Unused openings in boxes, cabinets or fittings were not effectively closed
Uncovered electrical boxes and raceways

OSHA inspectors also cited the company and levied $84,000 in penalties for willful violations, those committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health:

Failure to protect employees from amputation hazards with energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures
Failure to protect employees from amputation hazards by providing machine guarding is in place during operation
Failure to prevent employees from placing their hands in machines’ points of operation

Plastico Products also received citations and $600 in penalties for other-than-serious violations involving the company’s failure to record injuries and illnesses on the required log, train operators of industrial trucks and labeling of electrical panels.

“A first step toward preventing hazards such as these is to develop and implement an illness and injury prevention program in which hazardous conditions are proactively eradicated,” said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional director in New York.

The company has 15 days to comply or contest the citations, or request a meeting with the OSHA area director.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Study finds increased risk of blood clots with transdermal patch and vaginal ring contraceptives

Paul Napoli — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:15:57 GMT

Women using a transdermal patch or vaginal ring contraceptives are at greater risk of blood clots than those taking certain oral contraceptives, according to a new study.

Between 2001 and 2012, researchers used national registries in Denmark to follow all Danish women aged 15-49 who were not pregnant and had no history of previous thrombotic disease or cancer. They compared the rate of venous thrombosis in women using no hormonal birth control to rates in women using one of several kinds of non-oral hormonal contraceptives.

The non-oral contraceptive products compared in the study included:

Transdermal patches containing norelgestromin and ethinylestradiol (such as Ortho Evra)
Vaginal ring with etonogestrel (third generation progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (such as NuvaRing)
Subcutaneous implants containing etonogestrel only (such as Implanon)
Levonorgestrel intrauterine system IUD (such as Mirena)

The study assessed two reference oral contraceptives with levonorgestrel and norgestimate for comparison.

A venous thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein. In cases of deep vein thrombosis where a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body such as the thigh, the blood clog can break off and travel through the bloodstream. If it blocks an artery of the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism.

Women taking oral contraceptives with oestrogen and levonorgestrel were 3 times more likely to develop venous thrombosis than women using no hormonal birth control. While use of the transdermal patch was associated with 7.9 times the risk and the vaginal ring 6.5 times the risk.

Researchers saw only a small increased risk of venous thrombosis in woman using the subcutaneous implants. They noted that use of the levonorgestrel IUD actually decreased the risks.

Researchers advised women to use combined oral contraceptives with levonorgestrel or norgestimate, rather than transdermal patches or vaginal rings.

The study Venous thrombosis in users of non-oral hormonal contraception: follow-up study, Denmark 2001-10 appears in the May 10, 2012 issue of the journal BMJ.

“The transdermal patch and vaginal ring confer at least a six fold increased risk of venous thrombosis as combined pills with desogestrel or drospirenone, a risk which is about twice the risk among women using second-generation pills with levonorgestrel,” lead researcher Dr. Ojvind Lidegaard, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Copenhagen, told HealthDay News. “Women should be informed about these risks in order to be able to choose the most appropriate hormonal contraceptive product. There are hormonal contraceptive alternatives which confer less or no risk of venous thrombosis.”

Women should be aware that different types of progestin in oral contraceptives might carry different risks of venous thrombosis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says some studies have shown the risk of blood clots associated with birth control pills containing drospirenone may be 1.5 to 2 times higher than those containing levonorgestrel. Brands of oral contraceptives containing drospirenone include Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Safyral, Syeda, Zarah, Beyaz, Gianvi and Loryna.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Inflatable pool slides recalled after one dead, another paralyzed

Paul Napoli — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:54:37 GMT

One death and two cases of serious injury have prompted the recall of Banzai Falls inflatable pool slides sold at Walmart and Toys R Us.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that both retailers Walmart and Toys R Us are recalling the Banzai Falls In-Ground Pool Slide in cooperation with the agency because of risks of serious injury and death associated with the product.

The recall affects about 21,000 Banzai pool slides. Walmart and Toys R Us sold these Banzai pool slides in their stores across the U.S. and online from January 2005 through June 2009 for about $250.

According to a release by the CPSC, the slide poses a fall hazard because it is unstable and can topple over with or without windy conditions present. Users of the Banzai pool slide can also sustain serious bodily injury or death from impact with the ground caused by deflation of the slide during use.

Robin Aleo, a 29-year-old mother from Colorado, died in July 2006 after using a Banzai pool slide at the home of relatives in Andover, MA, according to the Eagle-Tribune. The Banzai pool slide bought from Toys R Us was in use over the side of a concrete pool and Aleo slid head first down the slide when deflation of the slide caused her to strike her head on the edge of the pool as she came to the bottom. People present at the party pulled an unconscious Aleo from the pool. However, she died the following day having suffered a broken neck, which caused her to be paralyzed and unable to breathe.

The CPSC is aware of two similar instances involving Banzai slides that deflated during use.

On June 9, 2006, just seven weeks before Aleo died, 24-year-old Mark Grantham became a quadriplegic after hitting his head sliding down a Banzai pool slide bought from Walmart.

A woman from Allentown, PA also suffered a fractured neck related to this product.

The recall is the result of the CPSC investigation into these three cases and comes nearly six years after Grantham’s injury with a Banzai pool slide.

Other injuries or deaths involving Banzai pool slides may have gone unreported. CPSC spokesperson Alex Filip told MSNBC that it is common for more people to come forward after the announcement of a recall, that they may have attributed the failure of a product to poor maintenance or something they did wrong.

Consumers can identify the Banzai Falls In-Ground Pool Slide by the blue base and arch over the top, yellow slide and the words “Banzai Splash” printed on each side of the slide. The product is intended for use with in-ground pools. While the original slide packaging has the barcode 2675315734 and model number 15734, these do not appear on the slide itself.

The CPSC warns consumers to stop using these recalled Banzai slides. They can obtain a full refund by returning the entire slide or cutting out the two yellow safety notices near the bottom of the slide and presenting them at their nearest Walmart or Toys R Us retailer. Consumers can call Walmart (800) 925-6278 or Toys R Us (800) 869-7787 for more information.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Walmart trampolines recalled due to serious injuries from falls

Paul Napoli — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:26:43 GMT

Serious injuries have prompted the recall of about 92,000 trampolines sold by Walmart.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall today of Sportspower BouncePro 14' Trampolines because the netting surrounding the trampolines can break. As a result, children using the trampoline can fall off onto the ground.

Sportspower Limited, of China, manufactured the trampolines. The retailer Walmart imported the product and sold them exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide between February 2009 and February 2012 for about $275.

The trampolines are 14’ across and have a 6’ tall brown netting around the perimeter designed to contain individuals bouncing on the trampoline and prevent falls. The manufacturer has received seventeen reports of the net prematurely breaking due to wear from exposure to the elements. Eleven children have suffered injuries, including broken bones, contusions and injury to their back and neck.

Consumers can identify these recalled trampolines by the UPC code 68706404210 or 68706404244 printed on the product box, or the text “Sportspower BouncePro 14” and “TR-14-63-A” printed on a plate on the leg of the trampoline frame

“Customer safety is of the utmost importance to Sportspower, so we are conducting a voluntary recall and offering replacement of the affected brown trampoline netting free of charge,” Sportspower Limited said. “Since the problem was discovered, the trampoline netting was changed to a more durable material in “black” color. Trampolines since sold with this improved “black” netting are not included in the recall.”

The manufacturer warns consumers to stop using these recalled trampolines immediately. They can call Sportspower Limited at 1- 888-965-0565 or email customerservice@sportspowerltd.net for free replacement netting. They should have a copy of their sales receipt or if unavailable, a photo of the brown netting when requesting a replacement netting.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Google cars get their driver’s license in Nevada

Paul Napoli — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:35:10 GMT

Nevada has become the first state in the U.S. to license autonomous vehicles for use on public roads.

According to a release by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, the agency has issued the first autonomous vehicle license to Google’s self-driving cars.

In February 2012, Nevada’s Legislative Commission was the first in the nation to establish regulations for the operation of self-driving vehicles on the state’s roadways and is currently accepting license applications for testing of autonomous vehicles. The vehicles are not available to the public yet.

The state’s Autonomous Review Committee granted the first autonomous testing business license after driving demonstrations on public roadways in Carson City and the Las Vegas Strip, and reviewing Google’s safety plans, employee training, system functions and accident reporting mechanisms.

Google’s self-driving cars will wear a red license plate with a black and yellow infinity symbol.

“I felt using the infinity symbol was the best way to represent the ‘car of the future.’” Department Director Bruce Breslow said. “The unique red plate will be easily recognized by the public and law enforcement and will be used only for licensed autonomous test vehicles. When there comes a time that vehicle manufactures market autonomous vehicles to the public, that infinity symbol will appear on a green license plate.

Google may be the first company to get its autonomous vehicles on the road in Nevada, but they may not be the last as the agency says other manufacturers have expressed an interest in testing their autonomous technology in the state.

Google first unveiled the self-driving cars on its blog in October 2010, revealing that the company had been testing the automatic cars in California, always with a human behind the wheel to take over if necessary.

“Our automated cars use video cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder to “see” other traffic, as well as detailed maps (which we collect using manually driven vehicles) to navigate the road ahead,” Google said.

Along with Google’s announcement came the inevitable question of liability. Who is at fault when there is an accident involving an autonomous vehicle?

Watch an October 2010 video of Google’s self-driving car in action.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Boy crushed to death playing on a parking lot gate at Brooklyn apartments

Paul Napoli — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:14:18 GMT

A 12-year-old boy is dead after playing a game with other children involving an automatic parking lot gate at an apartment complex in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn.

Yakim McDaniels died Sunday after he was crushed in a 20-foot tall roll up gate securing the parking lot of the Plaza Residences apartment complex at 230 Lott Avenue where he lived with his family, reports the New York Post.

In a dangerous game, Yakim and a group of children climbed upon the closed gate and then activated the motion sensor that makes the gate go up when a car approaches. Then would see who could stay on the longest before jumping off. While two boys jumped to safety, Yakim’s hand or clothing entangled in the gate and he was unable to escape. His upper body crushed in the top of the gate’s frame as the gate rolled up.

“I was upstairs when it happened,” Doris Chase, Yakin’s mother, told NY1. “Somebody knocked on my door and told me my son was stuck on the gate and he was dead already. But then I heard one of the firemen said my son was saying he couldn't breathe. Then the super, somebody told me the super told the officers not to cross but they did anyway and them it went up higher.”

The FDNY responded to the scene and cut the child from the gate. He was transported to Brookdale Hospital where doctors later pronounced him dead.

A resident said that children have played on the gate for months and that they complained to management about the situation. According to residents, children play on the gate because the complex lacks safe places for children to play.

“It’s a game. Kids are always on that gate,” a neighbor told the New York Daily News. “They play chicken to see who can hang on the longest.”

The gate was equipped with sensors that stopped its downward motion if there was an object or person underneath, but no sensors to stop its upward movement.

Omni New York LLC, owner of the apartment building, has agreed to pay for the child’s funeral.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

OSHA sites Union Drilling for repeat violations at PA natural gas well

Paul Napoli — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:46:44 GMT

Texas based Union Drilling Inc. is facing workplace safety and health violations and proposed fines of $70,000 after an inspection of a Pennsylvania gas well by federal regulators.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Union Drilling for two repeat workplace safety violations at the Meyers Unit 1H natural gas well near Burlington, PA.

Violations included:

Failing to guard a floor hole
Failing to provide suitable eye and body-drenching or flushing facilities for employees exposed to corrosive materials

Repeat violations are those that are the same or similar to previous violations the employer received in the last five years. In this case, OSHA had cited Union Drilling for similar violations at work sites in 2009 and 2011.

"Union Drilling Inc. continues to put its workers at risk of serious injury or death by disregarding OSHA's standards," said Mark Stelmack, director of OSHA's Wilkes Barre Area Office in a release. "Employers are legally obligated to ensure a safe and healthful workplace, and will be held accountable when they fail to do so."

The inspection was part of the agency’s Local Emphasis Program (LEP) focused on the oil and gas industry.

Union Drilling has fifteen days to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the citations.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Recall expands to 12 brands of dry cat and dog food after at least 14 people sickened by Salmonella

Paul Napoli — Sun, 06 May 2012 01:25:15 GMT

Officials have linked an outbreak of Salmonella infections to recalled pet food manufactured by Diamond Pet Foods.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that fourteen people have developed infections with the rare strain Salmonella Infantis and the agency has linked some of those infections to Salmonella contamination of multiple brands of dog food produced at Diamond Pet Food’s plant in Gaston, SC.

The CDC has received reports of illnesses in nine states: Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Illnesses occurred between October 8, 2011 and April 22, 2012. Among the nine patients for which data was available, five required hospitalization for treatment of the infection.

Consumers can contract Salmonella by failing to wash hands after handling contaminated pet food or by touching a pet that has eaten contaminated pet food, even if the pet does not appear ill. They should be alert for symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms because the infection can spread from the intestines into the bloodstream.

There was no report of how many pets may have become ill from the contaminated pet food. Symptoms of Salmonella infection in pets include decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain, which can worsen to include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea and vomiting if left untreated. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if their pet has eaten any of the recalled food and exhibit any of those symptoms.

Diamond recalled three brands of its dog food since early April after bags sampled tested positive for Salmonella.

On April 6, Diamond recalled certain lots of Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice dry dog food.

On April 26, the company recalled certain lots of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food.

On April 30, certain lots of Diamond Puppy Formula were recalled.

Yesterday, Diamond expanded its voluntary recall to include all dry cat and dog food in the following brands with certain production date codes. Consumers can determine if their dry cat or dog food is affected by the recall by locating the production code on the exterior of the bag.

Only production codes with that have a number “2” or a “3” in the 9^th or 10^th digit AND an “X” in the 11^th digit are recalled. The best-before dates for these recalled brands are December 9, 2012 through April 7, 2013.

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul
Country Value
Diamond
Diamond Naturals
Premium Edge
Professional
4Health
Taste of the Wild

Also recalled are the following Kirkland Signature dog and cat foods with production codes that contain both a number “3” in the 10^th digit and an “X” in the 11^th digit. The best-before dates for these recalled brands listed are December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013.

Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula
Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula
Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs

Canidae Corp. is also recalling four Canidae dog food varieties produced at Diamond’s Gaston, SC facility with production codes that have BOTH a number “3” in the 9th position AND an “X” in the 10th or 11th position with best before dates of December 9, 2012, through January 31, 2013:

CANIDAE Dog Dry Dog Food, All Life Stages
CANIDAE Dog Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Rice
CANIDAE Dog Dry Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Rice
CANIDAE Dog Dry Dog Food, CANIDAE Platinum

While not listed in Diamond’s voluntary recall, the following brand pet foods are listed on the Refund Request form:

Apex
Solid Gold

Diamond distributed these pet foods to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Canada. However, the company says distributors and retailers may have distributed the products further to other states.

The company has posted instructions for consumers to obtain a refund or coupon for a replacement bag of cat or dog food here.

When buying a new bag of dog or cat food in any of the above brands, consumers should verify the production code is not the recalled production code. Some of the recalled dog and cat food remained on retailer shelves today.

Diamond halted production at its Gaston, SC plant on April 8 due to the Salmonella contamination, but the company says the plant has resumed production.

IMPORTANT UPDATES:

Diamond Pet Foods has updated the production code information for the cat and dog food brands recalled. Please visit http://diamondpetrecall.com/ for information on your specific brand. Consumers can call Diamond toll free 866-918-8756 Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm EST

WellPet recalls Wellness brand dog food made at Diamond's SC facility. For more information see the http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm303039.htm?source=govdelivery

Natural Balance recalls pet foods manufactured at Diamond's SC facility. See the Natural Balance site: http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/home/NB_productFAQ.html

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Study: Tasers can cause cardiac arrest and death

Paul Napoli — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:56:17 GMT

According to a new study, the electrical pulse of a Taser can cause ventricular arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest and death.

Use of a type of handheld electronic control device (ECD), generally known by the brand name Taser, incapacitates a person by shooting two insulated wires with small probes on the end that embed in skin and clothing and deliver a 50,000 volt electrical charge designed to override the sensory and motor functions of the nervous system.

Dr. Douglas P. Zipes, Indiana University Health cardiologist and professor emeritus at Indiana University School of Medicine, had unprecedented access to study records from police, medical and emergency response, autopsy results, electrocardiogram (ECG) and defibrillator data, along with incident data downloaded from individual tasers, for eight cases in which a healthy male lost consciousness after receiving a shock from a Taser® X26.

Results showed severely abnormal heart rhythms in six of the eight cases following shock with the Taser. Seven of the eight cases died.

“This study doesn’t say that we should abandon using Taser devices, but it does show that users should exercise caution, avoid chest shocks and monitor the person after shock to ensure there are no adverse reactions,” said Dr. Zipes. “Taser users need to be prepared for the possibility of inducing sudden cardiac arrest in those stunned and have adequate medical knowledge in such situations.”

Dr. Zipes also has a background as a paid expert advising on ECD issues in litigation and disclosed this in the study.

The study Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Death Associated with Application of Shocks from a TASER Electronic Control Device appears in the April 30, 2012 issue of Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association. It is a peer-reviewed journal and the study underwent independent review by other cardiologists before acceptance for publication.

“There have been 3 million uses of TASER device uses worldwide with this case series reporting 8 of concern,” Steve Tuttle, spokesman for Taser International Inc. told HealthPop. “This article does not support a cause-effect association and fails to accurately evaluate the risks versus the benefits of the thousands of lives saved by police with TASER devices.”

The company has faced a number of product liability lawsuits related to its Taser products.

USA Today reports that Tuttle questioned bias in the study, Dr. Zipes having testified as an expert witness against Taser International in the past.

The New York Times says that more than sixteen thousand law enforcement agencies around the world use Tasers.

However, use of Tasers in law enforcement is controversial. The human rights organization Amnesty International called for stricter limits on police Taser use after their research showed at least 500 people in the United States have died after receiving a shock from a Taser during arrest or while in jail since 2001. A report released by the organization in 2008 found 90% of people who died following a Taser shock were unarmed and many did not appear to present a serious threat.

"Of the hundreds who have died following police use of Tasers in the United States, dozens and possibly scores of deaths can be traced to unnecessary force being used," said Susan Lee, Americas program director at Amnesty International. "This is unacceptable, and stricter guidelines for their use are now imperative.”

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Diamond expands dog food recall again to include Diamond Puppy Formula

Paul Napoli — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:42:15 GMT

Diamond Pet Foods has expanded a Salmonella related dog food recall begun in early April to include its Diamond Puppy Formula.

After recalling the company’s Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice Formula dry dog food on April 6 and Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food on April 26, Diamond is recalling another dog food product after sampling revealed it too tested positive for Salmonella.

Affected by this dog food recall are:

Description	Size	Production Code	Best By Date
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	40 lb.	DPP0401B22XJW	6-Apr-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	40 lb.	DPP0401A21XAW	6-Apr-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	40 lb.	DPP0101C31XME	11-Jan-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	40 lb.	DPP0401B21XDJ	7-Apr-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	20 lb.	DPP0401B22XJW	6-Apr-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	20 lb.	DPP0101C31XME	11-Jan-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	20 lb.	DPP0101C31XRB	11-Jan-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	8 lb.	DPP0401B2XALW	7-Apr-2013
Diamond Puppy Formula dry dog food	6 oz. samples	DPP0401

According to a release by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Diamond distributed this product to 12 states: AL, FL, GA, KY, MD, MI, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN and VA. However, distributors and retailers may have further distributed this dog food to other states in their supply chain.

Pet owners who have any of the recalled dog food should dispose of the product. They can call 800-442-0402 for a refund or replacement product.

One of the nation’s largest pet food manufacturers, Diamond Pet Foods suspended production at its Gaston, SC plant on April 8 to investigate the source of the contamination. All three recalled products were made at that plant. The company also has plants in Meta, MO and Lathrop, CA.

Pet owners who have fed this product to their dog should be aware of potential symptoms of salmonellosis, including diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, decreased appetite and abdominal pain. If their pet exhibits these symptoms, they should contact their veterinarian.

People can contract salmonellosis via contact with the Salmonella contaminated dog food, or contact with a pet that has eaten the contaminated dog food, even if the dog is not exhibiting symptoms. Signs of salmonellosis in humans include vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea. While most people recover, a Salmonella infection can lead to serious medical conditions such as arterial infections, infective endocarditis (an inflammation of the endocardial surface of the heart and valves), and reactive arthritis (a condition causing pain in the joints, painful urination and eye irritation).

The company says it has received no reports of illnesses related to the products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli