A salmonella outbreak in some gourmet meat products has prompted a nationwide recall that includes meats being sold at Kroger food stores and all Wal-Marts in Louisiana. Click here for details about the recalled meat products.

Toyota recently issued a massive recall and sales suspension of eight vehicle models due to accelerator pedals getting stuck. Models named in the recall include: 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Consumers who encounter such problems can report them to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration by calling their safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT. Here’s another helpful website that explains how car recalls actually work.

More than 600,000 infant cribs sold at popular stores, like Wal-Mart, Sears and K-mart have been recalled following the recent death of a 6-month old baby. Click here to get more detail on the recall or to see all recalled models.

Barred from using lead in children’s jewelry, some manufacturers in China are substituting the more dangerous metal cadmium in charm bracelets and pendants being sold across the U.S. Many of the toxic pieces are sold in popular stores like Wal-Mart, Claire’s and dollar stores. Read more about the harmful effects of cadmium and get a list of recalled jewelry related to this story. Photo by: GeekMom Heather

Just in time for National Influenza Week (January 10-16), the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has expanded H1N1 vaccine availability to the general public. Until recently, the vaccine has been available only to high risk populations. Now, anyone interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccine may contact his or her healthcare provider, or any provider listed on the H1N1 flu shot locator at www.fighttheflula.com.

The government and the window covering industry have recalled more than 50 million Roman-style shades and roll-up blinds because the cords pose a strangulation risk for children. Consumers are advised to remove all Roman shades immediately and to make sure other shades and blinds with cords are out of reach of children. Click here for detailed instructions or contact the Window Covering Safety Council toll-free at 1-800-506-4636.

Slim-Fast has issued a massive recall of all Ready to Drink (RTD) cans due to the possibility of contamination with Bacillus cereus, a microorganism which can cause diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting. Consumers who have purchased Slim-Fast RTD products in cans are urged to discard them immediately and contact the company at 1-800-896-9479 for a full refund. Get more details.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recalls on several products that pose a variety of safety hazards to infants, children and adults. Click on the links below for more information about each product recall:

Bobby Chupete Infant Pacifiers
EXO-Tech Safety Harness
Century 21 Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets
Perfect Flame Gas Grills (Sold at Lowe’s)
Dropdown Sides Cribs

Maclaren USA has issued a large recall of baby strollers that pose a serious risk to children. The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip and laceration hazard to the child when a consumer is unfolding or opening the stroller. Get the details of the recall and what to do if you have this stroller.

More than 400 medical professionals and support workers will be providing free health care services, including general medical exams and limited lab tests at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans this Saturday, November 14th. Doors will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 2,000 appointment slots available. Individuals can make an appointment by calling 877-233-5159 and walk-ins are welcome. While this free health clinic event is both needed and welcomed, it is also important to establish a relationship with an ongoing source of high quality, continuous primary health care. To locate a quality, affordable community health clinic in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard or Plaquemines parishes, call 504-872-0750 or visit www.GNOCommunity.org to search by zip code, parish or health care service type.