Top recalls for the week of July 15 include chia seeds, BMWs

Walmart, BMW, REI, Ford, Al-Safa recalls overview:

• Who: Walmart, BMW, REI, Ford, and Al-Safa US LLC recalled products last week.
• Why: The top recalls involve product safety and possible risk of harm. 
• Where: The recalls are effective in the United States; the Al Safa recall is also effective in Canada.

Several popular companies, retailers and manufacturers announced recalls for products that may pose a risk of injury to consumers last week. Here are Top Class Actions’ top recalls for the week of July 15.

Walmart-brand chia seeds recalled over high salmonella risk

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has heightened the risk alert on a recall of chia seeds sold nationwide at Walmart stores. Natural Sourcing International recalled many of its 32-ounce Great Value Organic Black Chia Seeds on May 13 due to potential salmonella contamination. On June 28, the FDA classified this recall as a Class 1 risk, indicating a reasonable probability that the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Salmonella can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections. This is particularly true in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms in healthy individuals include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. 

The affected chia seeds, identified by lot code 24095 C018, with an expiration date of Oct. 30, 2026, and UPC 078742300665 should be discarded. Consumers can contact the company for a replacement at 818-405-9705 or [email protected].

BMW recalls 394K cars due to airbag explosion risk

BMW is recalling over 394,000 vehicles due to the risk that their Takata-made airbag inflators could explode. The recall notice states that if an inflator ruptures, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion. That could potentially cause injury or death to vehicle occupants.

The recall was announced on July 3 via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. It affects the following models: 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi) and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d). 

Multiple automakers, including BMW, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota, recalled defective Takata airbags. They have been linked to at least ten deaths and over 100 injuries globally. Takata has settled with the U.S. Department of Justice, agreeing to pay up to $1 billion in penalties over allegations of criminal wrongdoing. Affected BMW owners will receive notification letters on Aug. 23, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag module free of charge.

REI issues recall for children’s bicycles due to fall, injury hazards

REI recalled more than 75,000 children’s bicycles with training wheels following reports of the wheels detaching and causing injuries. The recall affects approximately 75,860 REI Co-op Cycles REV models from 2022 to 2024. These bicycles are available in 12-inch, 16-inch, and 20-inch sizes. The training wheel assembly knob on these bicycles can loosen and detach, posing a fall and injury risk to children.

REI has received four reports of training wheels falling off, resulting in scrapes, bruising, and one broken arm. While no lawsuits have been filed, REI advises consumers to stop using the bikes with training wheels immediately. 

Owners should contact their local REI store for a free repair, which will include replacement training wheel attachments. If visiting a store is not feasible, they can also request a repair kit be shipped. 

Ford Mustang recalled due to steering sensor defect

Ford recalled over 30,000 Mustang vehicles due to a potential defect that can cause the steering wheel to oscillate unexpectedly, turning right and left while the driver is steering. The issue arises from the electronic power steering gear providing unintended steering assistance. The problem causes the steering wheel to turn clockwise and counterclockwise on its own.

As of June 6, Ford has been made aware of two warranty claims potentially related to this defect, but no injuries have been reported. Affected owners will be notified by mail by Aug. 12 and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford dealer for a free Power Steering Control Module software update. 

Recall announced for halal chicken products due to potential listeria contamination

Al-Safa US LLC recalled approximately 2,010 pounds of imported frozen ready-to-eat chicken products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects specific Al Safa Halal products, including Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab, Grilled Minced Chicken Patty Kebab and Fully Cooked Chicken Chapli Kebab, which is a Seasoned Chicken Patty. 

These products were produced on June 5, 2024 in Canada and imported to the U.S. on June 13 and June 21, 2024. They can be identified by their expiration date Nov. 30, 2025, and the numbers 0605404 or 0605416 on the package stickers.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) discovered the potential contamination through routine testing. The FSIS advises consumers to avoid eating the recalled products and to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase. For further inquiries, consumers can contact Al-Safa at 800-268-8174. 

Have you purchased any of the products listed in our top recalls recently? Let us know in the comments. And be sure to check out other top recalls.

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