The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been informed that Menu Foods, Inc., a private-label pet food manufacturer based in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada, is recalling all its "cuts and gravy" style dog and cat food produced at its facility in Emporia, Kansas between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007. The products are sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The recall was prompted by consumer complaints received by the manufacturer and by tasting trials conducted by the manufacturer. There has been a small number of reported instances of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected product. To date, Menu Foods, Inc. has reported 14 animal deaths to the FDA. Nine cats died during routine taste trials conducted by the company. Consumers reported deaths of four cats and one dog. The firm has undertaken extensive testing of the pet food products in question, but to date has been unable to find the source of the problem.

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Fisher-Price Fined $975,000 for Failing to Report a Serious Choking, Aspiration Hazard with a Popular Children’s Toy

WASHINGTON , D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y., has agreed to pay a $975,000 civil penalty. The penalty, which the Commission has provisionally accepted, settles allegations that the company failed to report to the government that a nail fastener in the Little People® Animal Sounds Farm could separate from the toy and pose a serious choking or aspiration hazard to young children.

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Final Opportunity For Victims To File Claims Against International Pyramid Scheme Defendants

The Federal Trade Commission is announcing the final date for victims of the SkyBiz.com pyramid scheme to file claims for a refund with the redress administrator. The illegal scheme operated internationally until 2001 and promised wealth but delivered nothing. SkyBiz victims from more than 200 countries throughout the world will soon be receiving a refund.

The Commission filed a complaint against the company and its principals in May 2001 and reached a settlement with the defendants in January 2003. The settlement provided for up to $20 million in consumer redress.

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“Surplus Goods” Scam Duped Consumers

Two persons have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for their roles in a fraudulent business opportunity scheme targeted in early 2005 as part of “Project Biz Opp Flop,” a crackdown on violations of the FTC’s Franchise Rule, which requires that prospective franchisees must be given a full disclosure document about business opportunities they are offered, and Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair and deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce.

Jennifer Lynn Klotthor and her sister, Jaime L. Klotthor, a/k/a Jaime Valentine, were involved with the deceptive practices of World Traders Association Inc., a Nevada corporation, and several other corporate and individual defendants. According to a complaint filed by the FTC in January 2005, the defendants made false and deceptive promises to franchise purchasers who paid as much as $8,000 in return for access to overstocked merchandise, expert training in the surplus goods industry, and substantial income.

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FTC Alleges Ads For “Free” Credit Report Violate Federal Court Order

Consumerinfo.com, doing business as Experian Consumer Direct, will pay $300,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that ads for its “free credit report” offer failed to disclose adequately that consumers who signed up would be automatically enrolled in a credit- monitoring program and charged $79.95. The FTC alleged that the failure to clearly disclose the enrollment and charges violated a previous settlement.

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This Travel Warning is being updated to inform Americans of heightened security concerns in East Timor and to warn American citizens to defer travel to East Timor at this time.  Americans currently in East Timor should evaluate carefully their safety and security in light of this Travel Warning.  This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on November 1, 2006.

The Department of State advises Americans of heightened security concerns in East Timor in light of the current International Stabilization Force (ISF) operations in and around the town of Same, where forces have surrounded dissident military leader Alfredo Reinado. Americans are advised against travel to Same or adjacent areas, and to exercise caution in the western districts.  ISF and UN Police (UNPOL) forces have recommended the evacuation of foreign nationals from Same.  In a separate incident, the recent deaths of two Timorese citizens during an ISF intervention in Dili have contributed to the volatile security situation.  On February 27, the Government of Indonesia temporarily closed its border with East Timor.  The Government of Australia similarly has advised its citizens against travel to East Timor at this time and warns that Australians and Australian interests may be specifically targeted.  Attackers could indiscriminately target foreigners, including Americans.  The Australian travel advice can be viewed at http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East_Timor (more…)

This Public Announcement is updated to reflect the current situation in Fiji following the December 5, 2006 military coup.  The declared state of emergency remains in effect.  The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to the Republic of Fiji until the security situation is clarified.  This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on January 28, 2007, and expires on May 28, 2007.

On December 5, the Commander of Fiji’s military force deposed the lawfully elected government of Fiji and declared a state of emergency.  The unelected interim government established by the military reiterated January 15 that a state of emergency remains in effect.  Many basic rights have been curtailed, including the rights of assembly and freedom of expression.  Individuals who speak out against the military are routinely questioned, detained and intimidated.  While the situation in Fiji currently is quiet, political and economic uncertainties continue and military checkpoints remain in place in and around major population centers, including Suva, Nadi and Lautoka.  The Department recommends that private American citizens in Fiji evaluate their personal security.  The security situation, especially in Suva, is uncertain and could deteriorate rapidly.  Risks could include indiscriminate attacks on government or civilian targets.

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This Public Announcement is being issued to advise American citizens of violence in association with Senegal’s upcoming presidential election, and of special travel restrictions on Sunday, February 25, 2007.  This Public Announcement will expire on March 26, 2007.

Senegal is scheduled to hold a presidential election on Sunday, February 25, 2007.  In the past two weeks, various political parties have had violent confrontations throughout Senegal.  One such confrontation on February 21 resulted in grave injuries and destruction of several vehicles.  A popular expatriate restaurant, Le Regal, was seriously damaged by an uncontrolled mob.  The U.S. Embassy expects that this type of violence may continue, and possibly worsen once election results are reported.

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This Public Announcement is being issued to inform American citizens about security concerns in northern Laos.  Multiple sources report fighting between Lao Government forces and one or more unidentified groups as well as increased movements by Lao Government forces in the area of Vang Vieng in northern Vientiane Province beginning around February 7. This Public Announcement expires on May 23, 2007.

The U.S. Embassy in Laos has received reports from multiple sources of fighting between Lao Government forces and one or more unidentified groups and of increased movements by Lao Government forces in the area of Vang Vieng in northern Vientiane Province beginning around February 7.  The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution in and around the area of Vang Vieng and recommends against travel by any form of ground transportation north from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.

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The Department of State continues to be concerned about the security situation in Liberia and urges American citizens contemplating a visit to Liberia to obtain updated security information before they travel and to be prepared to change their plans at short notice. Americans in Liberia should use caution while in country and make an effort to plan in advance all aspects of their stay.   This updates and supersedes the Travel Warning of March 30, 2006.

The UN’s deployment of 15,000 peacekeepers and over 1,200 police advisors has kept the overall security situation peaceful and stable over the past year.  However, crime rates are still high, and resources for responding to emergencies of any kind are minimal.  Liberia's local and national police forces are in the process of being reconstituted and still lack adequate capacity to prevent or to investigate criminal activity.

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