Medical device alert issued over damaged VITEK 2 test cards exposing risk to antibiotic degradation
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a medical device alert over VITEK ® 2 AST Test Cards after the discovery that when the cards are exposed to moisture, it can stop antibiotics from working.
Manufacturer BioMérieux published a Field Safety Notice to inform consumers of the issue at hand, and confirm the potential problems. The Notice explains that a defective test card may:
- Yield false resistance for antibiotics on the AST panel
- Cause a false negative ESBL test
- Result in a false positive urea reaction on ID cards
Regulators expand investigations into Ford Explorer SUVs over concerns of carbon monoxide leaking
Regulators are investigating Ford Explorer SUVs that may be leaking harmful carbon monoxide from their exhaust systems.
The popular and reputable models are commonly used by U.S police forces, and earlier this year between March and July, six police officers were reportedly taken to hospital to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Five officers required treatment but were not kept overnight, and the first police officer who was admitted for carbon monoxide poisoning in March was reportedly placed on medical leave for around a month.
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Defective Takata airbag may reportedly be involved in traffic fatality
We’ve been covering the Takata airbag scandal for some time now, and news has emerged of another potential fatality that may be directly linked to the defective airbags.
A woman reportedly died from injuries sustained in a car collision in July this year, which involved a Honda Accord 2002 said to be fitted with the recalled Takata airbags. In the incident, another vehicle failed to yield right of way and collided with the victim, and although authorities have yet to confirm whether or not the cause of death is linked to an exploding Takata air bag inflater, it has not been ruled out.
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Britax recalls over 207,000 infant car seats due to a choking risk
Manufacturer of car seats and strollers, Britax, are reportedly recalling a number of their infant car seats as the chest clip between the safety straps may be a choking hazard.
Affected models of infant car seats include the B-Safe 25, BOB B-Safe 35; and the 35 Elite.
It’s thought that the recall is limited to models manufactured between 1st November 2015 and 31st May 2017, and it’s thought to be a pre-emptive one as no injuries have been reported so far.
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Endo International Plc to put aside more than £580 million to pay off mesh lawsuits
Global pharmaceutical company Endo International Plc are reportedly putting aside another £583 million to settle the remaining vaginal mesh lawsuits made against them. The staggering but deserved sum is to go towards settling some 22,000 lawsuits internationally, and Endo are to begin paying the amount in instalments at the end of this year and into 2019.
They have not admitted any liability.
The £583 million is in addition to the over £2 billion already agreed for 48,000 cases. Last year, Endo reportedly paid out over £800 million in mesh legal settlements.
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Consumers encouraged to take caution over cosmetics and toiletries
Cosmetic procedures and products are often assumed to be safe for use, but authorities are warning consumers to be aware of the potential dangers and risks that can be associated with them.
Whilst manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products comply with relevant legislation, it doesn’t mean they always do; nor does it mean every product is safe for use by every individual.
On top of that, some people may not be aware of the risks because they fail to research products more thoroughly. Complacency is a common pitfall when people fall victim to cosmetic product problems…
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Steel company fined £1 million over flammable toxic cloud that endangered employees
A number of employees at Tata Steel were reportedly exposed to a toxic gas that could have killed them or at least seriously maimed them if ignited. Two employees found themselves choking on the airborne chemicals and “suffered coughing and breathing difficulties”.
Both were admitted to hospital for treatment.
The Scunthorpe site in question is reportedly registered as a “top tier” Control of Major Accidents Hazards, as the site stored a lot of dangerously toxic and extremely flammable substances. With the serious risk of explosion and harm, Tata Steel were accused of failing to protect their workers.
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German financial authorities to investigate major car makers over suspected cartel
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) for Germany has confirmed with German newspaper, Handelsblatt, that they will indeed be “examining whether VW and Daimler respected their duty to inform markets following their allegedly reporting themselves to the authorities” of alleged wrongdoing.
On top of that, Volkswagen and Daimler have reportedly admitted to colluding amongst themselves and other carmakers to discuss sensitive business topics. In exchanging such information and advice, the car makers may be guilty of creating a cartel, which is prohibited in EU law as they can be harmful to the market and its consumers.
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Regulators issue reminder warnings for nail care products
Regulators are reminding the public to be cautious over nail care products as there are a number of health risks associated with their use.
Nail polishes need to be strong to resist chipping or flaking, and nail polish removers need to be even stronger to dissolve the polish. These products therefore contain a medley of chemicals that can be extremely dangerous when used for other purposes, so for those who enjoy a manicure or pedicure, or simply live with someone who possesses nail care products, take note.
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JetBlue Airways sued for violent turbulence, injuring 27 on board
JetBlue Flight 429 took off from Boston, Massachusetts on 11th August 2016, heading towards Sacramento in California. During the flight, the aircraft came into contact with extreme turbulence which forced the pilot to make an emergency landing in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Once landed, 24 passengers and 3 crew members were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
In this rather unique and possibly groundbreaking legal case, we’re seeing passengers sue an airline as a result of adverse weather and it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.
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Honda recalls over 24,000 cars after manufacturing defect may cause risk of fuel leak
Honda has issued a voluntary recall for 24,000 cars over concerns that its fuel supply pipes may not be connected properly, or may come apart, and may therefore leak fuel; and pose a risk of fire.
The two models involved in the recall are:
- AWD Honda CR-V Touring
- 2WD Honda CR-V
If the pipes disconnect, flow of fuel could be disrupted, leading to the engine stalling and therefore increasing the risk of an accident. On top of that, as with any fuel leak, there is a risk of fire as well.
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The Case of the Incredible Shrinking Airline Seats…
Unless you have the luxury of flying first-class or some other form of premium package, air plane journeys can be a nightmare with the small space you’re sometimes allocated. However, a recent ruling in the U.S. held that there are health and safety risks associated with having such a small space whilst flying, and this is something we’re going to watch closely here in the U.K.
Although the ruling technically has no legal bearing on us here in Britain, it may lead to similar investigations and cases being tried with similar outcomes.
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