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Consumer Recalls: Hershey York Pieces, Firehouse Jerky + More

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Tylenol MeltawaysThere have been several consumer recalls over the past couple of days that may affect Deal Seeking Mom readers, so be sure to check your stockpile this weekend. Please refer to the links included in each section for more details about the specific recalls:

Hershey York Pieces

The convenience store-sized bags (5 oz.) of Hershey York Pieces have been recalled because they may contain small pieces of metal. The affected product was available for purchase primarily at convenience stores nationwide after 5/20. These packages have a UPC code of 34000-11435-000 and production code beginning with the characters 27 or 28. If you have bags that fall within this recall, you should contact Hershey Consumer Relations at 1-800-468-1714.

Thanks, Dealicious Finds!

Firehouse Jerky

Two Firehouse Jerky varieties are being recalled for containing undeclared wheat and soy. All affected packages bear the establishment numbers EST. 6935 or EST. 10002 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

  • Firehouse Jerky Mild Beef Jerky Smoke Flavor Added (1 oz. and 3 oz.) with “Sell By” dates ranging between 06/16/11 and 11/14/11.
  • Firehouse Jerky Pepper Beef Jerky Smoke Flavor Added (1 oz. and 3 oz.) with “Sell By” dates ranging between 06/12/11 and 11/25/2011.

The jerky is safe for consumers without wheat or soy allergies. All other inquiries can be directed to Terry Amerson at 586-677-3018.

Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl Recall Expanded

The McNeil Consumer Healthcare recall has been expanded again to include additional lots of Benadryl Allergy UltraTab, Children’s Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol Extra Strength and Tylenol PM. Refer to the list of lots that have been added to check against your stockpile.

Consumers with affected products should contact McNeil online or call 1-888-222-6036.

Deal Seeking Mom Coupon Database: Submit to Win!

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Don’t forget to Submit a Coupon to the Deal Seeking Mom Coupon Database. Submitting each month gives you the chance to win a $25 eGift Certificate from Amazon.com for your help in keeping the database updated. Our June winner is Michelle (chadandmichelle@…)!

For a chance to win in July, follow these instructions to begin submitting coupons:

1. Register now.

2. Search the Coupon Database for the coupons in your stash.

3. Read the instructions next to each field on the Submit a Coupon page.

4. Enter coupon information and hit submit.

That’s it! You’ll receive credit for every valid coupon you submit (duplicates already in the database won’t be counted), and we’ll choose a winner at the end of each month!

Please email us with any questions or suggestions!

Getting Back to Basics on DSM

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You often hear the saying, “You have to learn how to walk before you can run,” and it’s absolutely true. Learning basic fundamentals is key to mastering any skill, and so it goes with couponing.

I post a lot of deals here on DealSeekingMom.com every week, but I’m sure that they can seem a little confusing and even intimidating to someone who’s unfamiliar with using coupons but looking to cut their grocery budget.

With this in mind, I’m embarking on a series of posts this summer that will share the basics of paring back your grocery budget, starting with everything you ever wanted to know about coupons and moving on to how to shop strategically, using this knowledge to dramatically cut your weekly grocery bill.

Perhaps you may be thinking that there are dozens of books out there on this topic, but I feel that blogs have a huge advantage over any book available in that we have the ability to carry on an ongoing conversation about a topic. Don’t understand a concept in a post? Just ask a question in the comments. I love that so many of you are willing to offer your time and knowledge to help others save money as well.

Much of this information will be old news for some of you, but my hope is that each of you will learn something along the way. The discussion that I see taking place in posts here on DSM is often more valuable than the original post itself. I learn from your comments every day (like the Toilet Paper Principle!), and I’m eager to hear your tips, suggestions, and perspectives as we get back to basics over the next few months!

Do you have a specific topic that you’d like to make sure I touch upon? I’d love to hear about it — just leave a comment below or feel free to contact me!

Consumer Recalls: Chicken of the Sea, VapoSpray + More

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There have been several consumer recalls over the past couple of days that may affect Deal Seeking Mom readers, so be sure to check your stockpile this weekend. Please refer to the links included in each section for more details about the specific recalls:

Thousands of Fireworks Injuries Each Year

Although not technically a recall, the CPSC issued a release reminding consumers to follow the instructions and be extra careful when lighting sparklers, firecrackers and aerials in celebration of Independence Day. Last year, there were nearly 9,000 injuries, many of which included loss of limb and serious injury. The CPSC urges you to only use legal fireworks and to follow these guidelines for a safe celebration:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light one item at a time then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

Chicken of the Sea

A limited amount of Chicken of the Sea 12-oz. cans are being recalled during to a production error that resulted in loose seals and seams. The defect is limited to just 1,105 cases of the product that were distributed in February and May in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Utah, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, Colorado, Indiana, California and Oregon.

Affected products have the UPC code 4800000262, a Best By Date of 2/10/2014 and product code 7OA1E ASWAB, 7OA2E ASWAB, 7OA3E ASWAB, 7OA4E ASWAB, 7OA5E ASWAB, 7OAEE ASWAB or 7OAFE ASWAB on the can or label.

If you have any of these cans in your stash, call 1-877-843-6376 for information on returning the product to receive a full refund.

P&G 4-Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray

P&G is recalling its 4-Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray because the formulation may not meet the expiration dates on the bottles. This recall affects products sold under the names VapoSpray and Sinex. All products with the following UPC codes and an expiration date prior to June 2013 should immediately discard the remaining spray and call for a replacement coupon or refund.

  • VapoSpray 4 Hour Nasal Spray by Sinex, UPC Code: 3 23900 00082 7
  • Sinex Nasal Spray, UPC Code: 3 23900 00082 7
  • Sinex Ultra Fine Mist, UPC Code: 3 23900 00085 8

Sony VAIO Laptops

Sony is recalling more than 200,000 Vaio laptops that were sold between January and April 2010 because they can overheat, resulting in deformed keyboards and casings. Affected computers include the VPCF11 Series and VPCCW2 Series notebook computers. For a list of models which are known to be affected, refer to the original release.

I actually had this happen to me before I read this recall notice, and when I called, they had me follow the steps outlined below, which seems to have solved the problem. My laptop is not one of the Vaio models listed on the release (although it was purchased during the dates specified), so be sure to watch for this even if your model isn’t yet listed.

Visit Sony’s support site for instructions on updating your computer’s BIOS firmware to prevent your laptop from overheating. You can also call 866-496-7669 for more information or help on updating your firmware.

There have been several consumer recalls over the past couple of days that may affect Deal Seeking Mom readers, so be sure to check your stockpile this weekend. Please refer to the links included in each section for more details about the specific recalls:

Thousands of Fireworks Injuries Each Year

Although not technically a recall, the CPSC issued a release reminding consumers to follow the instructions and be extra careful when lighting sparklers, firecrackers and aerials in celebration of Independence Day. Last year, there were nearly 9,000 injuries, many of which include loss of limb and serious injury. The CPSC urges you to only use legal fireworks and to follow these guidelines for a safe celebration:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light one item at a time then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

Chicken of the Sea

A limited amount of Chicken of the Sea 12-oz. cans are being recalled during to a production error that resulted in loose seals and seams. The defect is limited to just 1.105 cases of the product that were distributed in February and May in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Utah, Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, Colorado, Indiana, California and Oregon.

Affected products have the UPC code 4800000262, a Best By Date of 2/10/2014 and product code 7OA1E ASWAB, 7OA2E ASWAB, 7OA3E ASWAB, 7OA4E ASWAB, 7OA5E ASWAB, 7OAEE ASWAB or 7OAFE ASWAB on the can or label.

If you have any of these cans in your stash, call 1-877-843-6376 for information on returning the product to receive a full refund.

P&G 4-Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray

P&G is recalling its 4-Hour Decongestant Nasal Spray because the formulation may not meet the expiration dates on the bottles. This recall affects products sold under the names VapoSpray and Sinex. All products with the following UPC codes and an expiration date prior to June 2013 should immediately discard the remaining spray and call for a replacement coupon or refund.

  • VapoSpray 4 Hour Nasal Spray by Sinex, UPC Code: 3 23900 00082 7
  • Sinex Nasal Spray, UPC Code: 3 23900 00082 7
  • Sinex Ultra Fine Mist, UPC Code: 3 23900 00085 8

Sony VAIO Laptops

Consumer Recalls: Select Kellogg’s Cereal, Scope Mouthwash + More

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Kellogg's Fruit LoopsThere have been several consumer recalls over the past couple of days that may affect Deal Seeking Mom readers, so be sure to check your stockpile this weekend. Please refer to the links included in each section for more details about the specific recalls:

Kellogg’s Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks Cereals

Kellogg’s has recalled select packages of Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Froot Loops and Apple Jacks cereals because of a strange smell coming from the liner and package. The recall includes products with  Better If Used Before Dates between March 22, 2011 and June 26, 2011 with the letters “KN” following the date. For replacement packages, call the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-801-4163.

Scope Original Mint Mouthwash

Scope® Original Mint Mouthwash (1 L) bottles are being recalled because they contain ethyl alcohol (which is toxic and can cause serious injury or death if ingested by children) but are not fitted with child-resistant caps. Affected bottles have a number 4 on the bottom of the bottle, and their tops twist off easily without squeezing the side tabs. Consumers who purchased the product with the expectation that it would be in child-resistant packaging can contact Procter & Gamble for a full refund or a replacement coupon at 877- 340-8825.

Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant, and America’s Choice Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach sold under the brands Krisp-Pak, Lancaster Fresh, Giant and America’s Choice in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia and with Best Enjoyed By dates of 19 June 10 through 27 Jun 10 are being recalled because they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. If you have an affected package, you trhow away the spinach but save the package, and contact Lancaster Foods  at 800-247-8125.

Baby Cribs from Multiple Manufacturers to Repair Cribs to Address Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

A variety of fixed-side and drop-side cribs from seven different manufacturers are being recalled to repair entrapment, suffocation and fall hazards. Refer to the links below for more information about the models being recalled and the remedies being offered. It is recommended that you find an alternate safe sleeping environment for your baby while waiting for a repair kit for your crib.