Baby Matters LLC has recalled Nap Nanny infant recliners purchased between January 2009 and July 2010 due to potential suffocation and falling hazards. Because infants can hang over the edge of the Nap Nanny even when properly strapped into the harness, the product is safely used only on the floor and should never be placed on a table (or other elevated area) or inside a crib or playpen. Two versions of the Nap Nanny have been produced: the first generation lacks Velcro hooks to secure the fabric cover to the foam base. These hooks here added to the second generation recliner. Consumers with a first generation Nap Nanny are advised to immediately stop using the product and to contact Baby Matters. All Nap Nanny users are advised to visit www.napnanny.com to watch video demonstrations on proper use. Click here for more information and images to help determine which generation of Nap Nanny you own.

This summer’s first case of West Nile Virus in Louisiana has been confirmed by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). The virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms and even brain and spinal cord swelling in severe cases, is transfered from person to person by mosquitoes and is most dangerous for people age 65 and over. The reported case was in East Baton Rogue Parish, but DHH recommends that all Louisiana residents take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as removing sources of standing water near the house and keeping gutters, pools, and water gardens clean. Click here to read more about the reported case of West Nile Virus. Click here for additional tips to avoid mosquitoes.

Tween Brands has recalled 137,000 pieces of metal children’s jewelry because they contain unsafe amounts of toxic cadmium. The recalled pieces include necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in heart, butterfly, cupcake, peace sign, and crown shapes. Some of the items have the words “Best,” “Friends,” “Forever,” and/or “BFF” written on them. The jewelry was sold and Justice and Limited Too stores nationwide and online. The Consumer Products and Safety Commission recommends that parents immediately take the jewelry away from children and return it to the store of purchase. Click here for style numbers and images of all the recalled items.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that air quality is a moderate health concern in Louisiana coastal towns near the oil spill. The assessment that oil is leading to odor-causing pollutants in the air is based on air sampling in Venice and Grand Isle. The EPA recommends that anyone who is especially sensitive to low quality air should avoid prolonged or heavy physical exertion. Click here to read more. Click here for EPA data reports on air quality in areas affected by the oil spill.

Seven companies have recalled drop-side cribs produced between 2000 and 2009 because the movables sides can detach from the cribs, creating a falling hazard for babies. The companies involved are: Child Craft, Delta Enterprise Corp, Evenflo, Jardine Enterprises, LaJobi, Million Dollar Baby, and Simmons Juvenile Products Inc. The companies are all offering consumers free repair kits to immobilize the sliding sides. Consumers should not try to immobilize the sides through any other method. Images of each recalled crib can be found by clicking on the company names listed in this article. Read more.

Three types of Spaghettios with meatballs have been recalled by Campbell Soup Company because the meat may be under processed. The affected varieties are Spaghettios with Meatballs, Spaghettios A to Z with Meatballs, and Spaghettios Fun Shapes with Meatballs with shapes from the movie Cars. All three have the code EST4K and a “use by” date between June 2010 and December 2011 printed on the bottom of the can. Consumers are adivsed not to eat the recalled Spaghettios and to return them to the store where they were purchased. Read more.

ConAgra Foods has recalled Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals because they may be infected with Salmonella. 29 cases of infection have already been reported in 14 states. The recall is for meals sold nationwide, regardless of production date. Consumers are advised to discard the recalled products or return them to the store where they were purchased. Read more.

The Consumer Products and Safety Commission has issued recalls on three products for babies and young children. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using all three products. Pictures of each product can be found by clicking on the links provided.

Kiwi Industries has recalled three types of infant apparel sold nationwide because snaps on the clothes have been reported to detach and pose a choking hazard. The recalled garments are short-sleeve onesies, long-sleeve onesies, and short sleeve rompers. Read more.

Regal Lager has recalled CYBEX 2.GO infant carriers. Straps on the carriers have been reported to break potentially causing infants to fall. The carriers were sold nationwide and online. Read more.

Target has recalled two types of children’s belts sold in stores nationwide. The black and brown Cherokee boys belts and pink and white Circo girls belts contain lead paint and do not meet the federal standard for lead. Read more.

Kroger grocery stores is recalling its Kroger brand Deluxe Chocolate Paradise Ice Creambecause it may have been contaminated with nuts that are not listed on the ingredients label. The nuts make the ice cream potentially dangerous to anyone with a nut allergy. Consumers who are not allergic to nuts should not be affected. Read more.

Also today, Portland Shellfish Company is recalling lobster claw and knuckle meat sold under the following brand names: Portland Shellfish Co., Claw Island, Craig’s All Natural, and Inland Ocean. The meat may be infected with Listeria, which can cause serious infections that are especially dangerous to children, the elderly, and pregnant women. The company urges consumers to return the affected products to the place of purchase. Read more.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), as of June 10, there have been 71 reported cases of illness in Louisiana related to the Gulf Coast oil spill, 21 of which are individuals who have not been directly involved with clean up efforts. The symptoms most commonly reported are throat irritation, cough, headache, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Complaints generally appear to be related to odors emanating from the spill. DHH recommends that people who are sensitive to the oil smell remain inside with windows and doors closed and air-conditioning on. People experiencing symptoms who also have a pre-existing condition, such as asthma or another respiratory illness, should contact their physicians for further guidence. The department says drinking water is currently safe. DHH has set up a website with up to date health information relating to the oil spill, as has the national Center for Disease Control. Read the full article by clicking this link.

McDonald’s has issued a recall of drinking glasses painted with images of characters from the movie “Shrek Forver After.” The images on the glasses contain unhealthy levels of the metal cadmium.  McDonald’s and the Consumer Product Safety Commisson (CPSC) recommend that consumers immeadiately stop using the glasses.  Click here for more information.