Former New York State Senator Nicholas A. Spano Pleads Guilty in White Plains Federal Court to Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns

Senator Guilty of Falsely Characterizing and Failing to Report Certain Income

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeFebruary 10, 2012

Southern District of New York

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Victor W. Lessoff, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (“IRS-CID”), and Janice K. Fedarcyk, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that former New York State Senator NICHOLAS A. SPANO pled guilty today in White Plains federal court to obstructing the ability of the IRS to assess and collect U.S. income taxes by filing fraudulent tax returns.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “Former Senator Nicholas Spano is the latest in a regrettably long line of lawmakers turned lawbreakers. When elected officials put padding their pockets above the law, they tarnish our government and undermine people’s faith in their public servants. We will not tolerate this conduct and will continue to aggressively prosecute those who engage in it.”

IRS Acting Special Agent in Charge Victor W. Lessoff stated: “Public officials, whether elected or appointed, hold positions of trust in the eyes of the public. That trust is broken when these officials commit crimes. Public officials do not get free passes to ignore the tax laws and they will still be held accountable after they leave office. IRS-CI works to ensure that everyone pays their fair share. “

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk stated: “We hope that our elected representatives hold themselves to a higher standard. At a minimum, the people of New York have the right to expect that lawmakers will not be lawbreakers.”

According to the information and statements made during today’s proceeding:

Background

NICHOLAS SPANO served as a New York State Senator for the 35th district, representing most of Westchester County, from 1987 until 2006. In that capacity, SPANO was responsible for voting on and approving the operating budget for New York State, a portion of which included funding for the Office of General Services (“OGS”).

In 1993, a White Plains-based insurance company began paying SPANO a $1,500 monthly fee to act as an outside consultant. In 1996, after the insurance company was awarded a lucrative contract by OGS to become the broker of record for New York State, the payments increased to $5,000 per month. The payments were subsequently increased to $6,000 per month in 1999 and $8,333.33 (or $100,000 per year) in 2002. The payments stopped in 2008 when the insurance company ceased to be OGS’s broker of record.

The payments from the insurance company were paid through various corporate entities controlled by SPANO, including ONAPS, Inc. which later changed its name to HVM Corp. ONAPS had no employees or offices and was used almost exclusively to receive money paid to SPANO by the insurance company.

Spano’s Concealment of Income

From 2000 through 2008, SPANO engaged in a scheme to impede and impair the due administration of the Internal Revenue Laws by filing false federal income tax returns that falsely characterized income he received from the insurance company and other sources to unlawfully reduce his tax burden.

During the relevant time period, SPANO wrote checks that totaled more than $180,000 from HVM to a real estate holding company he owned, 221 Ridge Ave. Corp, which owned a two-family rental property in Yonkers, New York. The checks were for non-existent rental expenses. SPANO falsely advised his tax return preparer that HVM conducted business at 221 Ridge Avenue, had an office at that location, and paid rent to the holding company. As a result, HVM deducted more than $180,000 in false and fraudulent rental expenses on its tax returns.

In 2004, SPANO also failed to report to the IRS a $45,000 commission he received from the sale of a building to a White Plains real estate developer, and between 2005 and 2006, failed to report cash rental payments he received from residential real estate tenants.

* * *

SPANO, 58, of Yonkers, New York, pled guilty to one count of obstructing and impeding the due administration of the Internal Revenue Laws. He faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a maximum fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the crime.

SPANO will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel on June 11, 2012, at 3:30 p.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding work of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI in the investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Perry A. Carbone, Jason P.W. Halperin, and Cynthia Dunne are in charge of the prosecution.

Attorney General Eric Holder Launches Consumer Protection Working Group to Combat Consumer Fraud

Department of Justice

Office of Public Affairs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attorney General Eric Holder Launches Consumer Protection Working Group to Combat Consumer Fraud

Working Group Created Under President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force Brings Together Federal, State and Local Partners

The Consumer Protection Working Group, formed under President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF), convened its first meeting in Washington, D.C., today to address consumer fraud, which can financially cripple households and can cause extensive losses to our economy. The newly-created group will work across federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies, and with state and local partners, to strengthen efforts to address consumer-related fraud, including schemes targeting vulnerable populations, such as the unemployed, those in need of payday loans, and those suffering from the burden of high credit card and other debt. The new working group will also focus on scams that exploit prospective students, active-duty military personnel and veterans.  

“The schemes we are combating are as diverse as the imaginations of those who perpetrate them, and as sophisticated as modern technology will permit. Thanks in large part to the leadership of the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force we are tackling financial fraud, in all its forms, head on,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “Through the extensive and coordinated partnership we start today, we will strengthen our collective efforts, enhance civil and criminal enforcement of consumer fraud and educate the public in an effort to prevent consumers from being victimized in the first place.”  

Attorney General Holder delivered remarks at today’s meeting which was convened by FFETF Executive Director Michael Bresnick along with the working group’s co-chairs: Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division Lanny Breuer, U.S. Attorney  for the Central District of California André Birotte and Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) David Vladeck. Another co-chair, Director of Enforcement for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Kent Markus, was unable to attend the meeting.

“We know all too well how opportunistic fraudsters have adapted their schemes to take advantage of consumers facing financial hardships, using false promises of mortgage modification, debt relief, and job placement, to name a few. Since 2009, the FTC has brought over 90 cases to stop these scams,” said Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the FTC David Vladeck. “This partnership will only serve to enhance our collective efforts to protect consumers.”  

The Consumer Protection Working Group will address several areas of concern, including payday lending and other high-pressure telemarketing or Internet scams, business opportunity schemes, for-profit schools that engage in fraud or misrepresentation and fraudulent third party payment processors that facilitate payments on behalf of other fraudsters without the permission of the customer.

At today’s meeting, the Consumer Protection Working Group members set priorities and discussed taking collaborative steps to continue to seek out and prosecute consumer fraud as well as protect consumers from fraud before it happens through outreach and education. The new working group plans to establish a best-practices tool kit, legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives and an information sharing structure.   

Other members of the Consumer Protection Working Group include representatives from the Department of Treasury, FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, U.S. Secret Service, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, Department of Education’s Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Trustee Program, the National Association of Attorneys General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board and the National Credit Union Administration. The state attorneys general are represented on the working group by Attorney General Lisa Madigan from Illinois, Attorney General Greg Zoeller from Indiana and Attorney General Roy Cooper from North Carolina.  

The Consumer Protection Working Group is part of ongoing enforcement efforts by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.  The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources.  The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.   

Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations.  Task force members have charged a record number of  mortgage fraud cases in the past two years, trained more than 100,000 professionals responsible for awarding and overseeing Recovery Act funds and held regional summits around the country to discuss strategies, resources and initiatives, as well as to meet with communities most affected by the financial crisis.

Learn more about the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force at www.stopfraud.gov .

Regeneca, Inc. Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of A Specific

Regeneca, Inc. Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of A Specific Lot Of RegenArouse Because Of Potential Health Risks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 10, 2012 - Regeneca, Inc. announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of RegenArouse, Lot Number 130100, because FDA lab analysis has confirmed the presence of Tadalafil making these products unapproved new drugs. Tadalafil is an FDA-approved drug used as treatment for male Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The active drug ingredient is not listed on the label for these products.

Use of these products may pose a threat to consumers because it may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. FDA has advised that consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. FDA has advised that ED is a common problem in men with these conditions, and consumers may seek these types of products to enhance sexual performance.

Regeneca, Inc. has distributed RegenArouse via sales made over the internet to consumers in the United States of America and Puerto Rico between November 29, 2011 and February 10, 2012.

RegenArouse, Lot Number 130100, is a pink capsule sold individually in foil packets, with the expiration date of 12/5/2013 and a UPC code of 816860010079. Regeneca, Inc. had this specific lot of RegenArouse capsules tested at a testing facility and had received a report indicating that no PDE-5 inhibitors or any of their analogues were detected in the capsules. The Company learned today that there was an error on this test and has thus made the decision to issue a voluntary nationwide recall on this lot of RegenArouse. Regeneca, Inc. is committed to improving its products and avoiding future recall issues by improving its existing testing procedures.

Regeneca, Inc. advises any customers in possession of the RegenArouse product matching the lot number above to return any unused product for an exchange, or a full refund, to the company directly. Customers can call (800) 690-6958 (Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm Pacific Time) for instructions on the return and exchange/refund process.

Any adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

New Jersey Firm Recalls Cobb and Spinach Salads Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-006-2012 HEALTH RISK: HIGH Congressional and Public Affairs Adam Tarr  (202) 720-9113 WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2012 - F&S Produce Company Inc., a Deerfield, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 389 pounds of Cobb and spinach salads. The salads contain eggs that are the subject of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall due to concerns about contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels] 10-oz. plastic containers of "Fresh Garden Highway Spinach Salad with Bacon" 10.75-oz plastic containers of "Fresh Garden Highway Cobb Salad" Recommendations for people at risk for Listeriosis Wash hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meat and poultry for at least 20 seconds. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean spills. Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods. Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, bologna or other deli meats unless reheated until steaming hot. Do not eat refrigerated paté, meat spreads from a meat counter or smoked seafood found in the refrigerated section of the store. Foods that don't need refrigeration, like canned tuna and canned salmon, are safe to eat. Refrigerate after opening. Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk and do not eat foods that have unpasteurized milk in them. Do not eat salads made in the store such as ham salad, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad or seafood salad. Do not eat soft cheeses such as Feta, quesco blanco, quesco fresco, Brie, Camembert cheeses, blue-veined cheeses and Panela unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk. Use precooked or ready-to-eat food as soon as you can.Listeria can grow in the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be 40° F or lower and the freezer 0° F or lower. Use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature of your refrigerator. The products subject to recall have a "Sell By" date through 2/8/2012, and bear the establishment number "Est. 39897" as well as the USDA mark of inspection The products were distributed to a warehouse in Pennsylvania for further distribution to retail locations. The problem was discovered when F&S Produce Company Inc . was notified by one of its suppliers that hard-cooked eggs (a product inspected by the FDA) had tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and are being recalled by Michael Foods Egg Products Co. The salads contain the recalled eggs and are the subject of this FSIS recall. FSIS, FDA, and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at:  www.fsis.usda.gov/ FSIS_Recalls/ Open_Federal_Cases/ index.asp. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider. Media and Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Douglas Nicoll, Ph.D, Director of Technical Services, at 800-886-3316 ext. 217. Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day atAskKaren.gov. "Ask Karen" live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. # Labels

North Carolina Firm Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination

North Carolina Firm Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due To Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL FSIS-RC-007-2012 HEALTH RISK: HIGH Congressional and Public Affairs Catherine Cochran (202) 720-9113 WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 - Bost Distributing Company doing business as Harold Food Company, a Bear Creek, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,200 pounds of chicken salad products. The products contain eggs that are the subject of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall due to concerns about contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The following products are subject to recall: 30-lb. boxes of "Harold Food Co. Grand Strand Deluxe Chicken Salad." Recommendations for people at risk for Listeriosis Wash hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meat and poultry for at least 20 seconds. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean spills. Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry and egg products and cooked foods. Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, bologna or other deli meats unless reheated until steaming hot. Do not eat refrigerated paté, meat spreads from a meat counter or smoked seafood found in the refrigerated section of the store. Foods that don't need refrigeration, like canned tuna and canned salmon, are safe to eat. Refrigerate after opening. Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk and do not eat foods that have unpasteurized milk in them. Do not eat salads made in the store such as ham salad, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad or seafood salad. Do not eat soft cheeses such as Feta, quesco blanco, quesco fresco, Brie, Camembert cheeses, blue-veined cheeses and Panela unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk. Use precooked or ready-to-eat food as soon as you can.Listeria can grow in the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be 40° F or lower and the freezer 0° F or lower. Use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature of your refrigerator. Each box has a "Sell By" date of 2/15/2012 and bears the establishment number "P-20479" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were sent to a distributor in South Carolina for further distribution to retail establishments in North Carolina and South Carolina. The chicken salad products may have been repackaged as sandwiches under a brand other than Harold Food Co. and no longer bear the identifying information listed above. Through a follow-up investigation of the FDA's recall of hard-cooked eggs sold by Michael Foods Egg Products Co., it was determined that Bost Distributing Company had received hard-cooked eggs that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The chicken salad products contain the recalled eggs and are the subject of this FSIS recall. FSIS, FDA, and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify that recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at: www.fsis.usda.gov/ FSIS_Recalls/ Open_Federal_Cases/ index.asp. Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider. Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact Bost Distributing Company's General Manager, Jeff Bennett, at (919) 775-5931. Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day atwww.AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. "Ask Karen" live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day

Wisconsin Firm Recalls Cooked Pork Hocks Due To Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

Wisconsin Firm Recalls Cooked Pork Hocks Due To Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen

Recall Release CLASS II RECALL FSIS-RC-008-2012 HEALTH RISK: LOW Congressional and Public Affairs WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2012–Han Yang Inc., a Milwaukee, Wisc., establishment, is recalling approximately 25,600 pounds of cooked pork hocks because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain wheat, a known allergen, which is not noted on the label. The products subject to recall include: [View Label]: Shrink wrapped packages of various weights of "JANG CHUNG DONG HAN YANG KING JOAK BAL COOKED PORK HOCKS." The products bear the establishment number "EST. 21880" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and have a four month shelf life. The products subject to recall were produced between Oct. 7, 2011, and Feb. 7, 2012, and were distributed for wholesale and retail use in Los Angeles, Calif. and Chicago, Ill. areas. The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector during a label review. The inspector reviewed the ingredient statement of a seasoning component used in the product and the finished product label and discovered that wheat, an allergen, was listed as an ingredient in the component, but not declared on the finished product label. FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. Consumers and media with questions about the recall should contact the company's President, Chang Choi, at (414) 389-1099. Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day atwww.AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. "Ask Karen" live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. #

SHANDONG YONGTAI / NEGOTIATOR COMMERCIAL H/T / LT235/85R16

Tire Brand Name / Tire Line / Tire Size:     Production Dates:     SHANDONG YONGTAI / NEGOTIATOR COMMERCIAL H/T / LT235/85R16     MAY 01, 2009 - MAY 31, 2011     SHANDONG YONGTAI / NEGOTIATOR COMMERCIAL H/T / LT265/75R16     APR 01, 2009 - MAY 31, 2011 Manufacturer: ITR USA, INC. (DBA ITA) Mfr's Report Date: JUL 11, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11T006000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: TIRES

Potential Number of Units Affected: 51,003

Summary:   ITR USA IS RECALLING CERTAIN SHANDONG YONGTAI NEGOTIATOR COMMERCIAL H/T TIRES, SIZES LT265/75R16 AND LT235/85R16, PRODUCED FROM APRIL 2009 THROUGH MAY 2011. SOME OF THE SUBJECT TIRES EXPERIENCE BLISTERING OR BUBBLES ON THE TIRE'S SIDEWALL. THESE TIRES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 139, "NEW PNEUMATIC RADIAL TIRES FOR LIGHT VEHICLES."

Consequence:   THESE TIRES MAY EXPERIENCE BLISTERING ON THEIR SIDEWALL THAT, WITH EXTENDED USE, COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, THEREBY INCREASING THE POTENTIAL RISK OF PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR A CRASH.

Remedy:   ITR USA IS NOTIFYING OWNERS AND THEY WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ITR USA AT 1-818-715-7080.

Notes:   OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153)

TOYO TIRE HOLDINGS OF AMERICAS INC. RECALL

Tire Brand Name / Tire Line / Tire Size:     Production Dates:     TOYO / EXTENSA A/S / P225/60R16 97T     SEP 20, 2009 - NOV 06, 2010 Manufacturer: TOYO TIRE HOLDINGS OF AMERICAS INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 19, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12T002000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: TIRES:BEAD

Potential Number of Units Affected: 68,763

Summary:   TOYO TIRE IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOYO EXTENSA A/S TIRES, SIZE P225/60R16 97T, PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 20, 2009, THROUGH NOVEMBER 6, 2010. SOME OF THESE TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH A KINK IN THE BEAD AREA. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE KINK MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A CRACK IN THE BEAD AREA, WHICH IS NEAR THE RIM.

Consequence:   IF A CRACK DEVELOPS AND IS LEFT UNDETECTED, THE TIRE MAY FAIL, POTENTIALLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy:   TOYO TIRE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYO TIRE AT 1-800-442-8696 (6:30AM TO 5PM PACIFIC TIME) (9:30AM TO 8PM EASTERN TIME).

Notes:   OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153),

Tassimo Espresso T Discs Recalled by Kraft Foods Due to Burn Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Tassimo espresso T Discs

Units: About 2.1 million packages in the United States and an additional 1.9 million in Canada

Manufacturer: Kraft Foods Global Inc., of Northfield, Ill.

Hazard: The recalled espresso T Discs can become clogged and spray hot liquid and coffee grounds onto consumers and bystanders during or after brewing, posing a burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 21 reports of incidents of hot liquid and/or coffee grounds spraying onto consumers and bystanders, including four reports of second-degree burn injuries. One injury involved 2-year-old girl from Canada who received second-degree burns to her face.

Description: This recall involves Gevalia, Maxwell House and Nabob brand espresso T Discs. The T Discs are plastic discs filled with coffee that are inserted into Tassimo coffee makers to brew single cups of hot espresso drinks. They were sold in packages of eight or 16 espresso T Discs. T Discs with codes ending with 11213 through 12020 are included in this recall. The code is printed on the T Disc’s foil lid and on the side of the package.

Recalled T Discs
Gevalia	Maxwell House	Nabob	Codes ending with
Espresso	Espresso	Espresso	11213 through 12020
Espresso Decaffeinated	Café Collection Cappuccino	Cappuccino
Cappuccino	Café Collection Crème Cappuccino	Decaf Cappuccino
Cappuccino Decaffeinated	Café Collection Skinny Cappuccino	Latte
Skinny Cappuccino	Café Collection Latte	Skinny Latte
Latte	Café Collection Crème Latte
Caramel Latte Macchiato	Café Collection Caramel Latte Macchiato
Mocha
Peppermint Mocha

No other T Discs are included in this recall.

Sold by: Department, mass merchandise, home improvement and other stores nationwide and on various websites, including www.tassimodirect.com, from August 2011 through February 2012 for between $8 and $11 per package.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled espresso T Discs immediately and contact the firm for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit www.tassimodirect.com/safetyrecall or call the firm toll-free at (866) 918-8763 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET Saturday.

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1541

       

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product onwww.saferproducts.gov

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing a Walmart recall

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing a Walmart recall of its eight-count packages of Cruller bakery pastries because the common name for milk was not listed following sodium caseinate, a milk derivative, on the ingredient label.

“Customers whom have milk allergies that do not recognize sodium caseinate as a milk derivative run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product.” according to the FDA.

The eight-eight count packages bakery items affected by this recall have a UPC code of 787429847 which can be found on the box label. The effected products in this recall have the expiration dates of on or before February, 9th 2012. The pastries can be recognized as a ring-shaped twisted sweet cake similar to a doughnut. 

The recalled products were sold in Walmart store bakeries in Puerto Rico and in all US states with the exception of Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

All stores affected by the recall have been notified to remove and discard the mislabeled products. Corrective action has been taken to ensure all current and future products are properly labeled to reflect the common name of milk as an ingredient.

One adverse reaction has been reported by a customer. Customers with questions about this recall may call the Walmart Customer Service at 1-800-Walmart (1-800-925-6278) or return the product to their nearest store for a full refund.

Marine Point Forecast

SYNOPSIS...A 30.9 INCH HIGH WILL DRIFT SOUTH ACROSS THE PLAINS THIS WEEKEND...WHILE A SECONDARY COLD FRONT DROPS ACROSS THE LAKE. MEANWHILE...A 29.3 INCH LOW OFF THE CAROLINA COAST WILL LIFT NORTHEASTWARD DEEPENING TO 28.7 INCHES AS IT REACHES NOVA SCOTIA BY SUNDAY. BEHIND THIS LOW...THE PLAINS HIGH WILL GRADUALLY WORK TO THE EAST ACROSS THE OHIO AND TENNESSEE VALLEYS ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY. SOUTHWEST TO SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL DEVELOP ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY BETWEEN LOW PRESSURE OVER NORTHERN ONTARIO PROVINCE AND THE REGION OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN STATES. 

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
1031 PM EST SAT FEB 11 2012

NYZ012-019-020-085-121145-
/O.CON.KBUF.LE.Y.0006.000000T0000Z-120212T2300Z/
WYOMING-CHAUTAUQUA-CATTARAUGUS-SOUTHERN ERIE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WARSAW...JAMESTOWN...OLEAN...
ORCHARD PARK...SPRINGVILLE
1031 PM EST SAT FEB 11 2012

...LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* LOCATIONS...SOUTHERN ERIE AND WYOMING COUNTIES.

* TIMING...THROUGH EARLY SUNDAY EVENING.

* ACCUMULATIONS...1 TO 3 INCHES OVERNIGHT AND 2 TO 4 INCHES
  SUNDAY.

* WINDS...WEST 15 TO 30 MPH.

* IMPACTS...SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CREATE LIMITED
  VISIBILITIES AT TIMES AND PRODUCE SNOW COVERED ROADS AND
  DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IN LAKE EFFECT SNOW THE WEATHER CAN VARY FROM LOCALLY HEAVY SNOW
IN NARROW BANDS TO CLEAR SKIES JUST A FEW MILES AWAY. IF YOU WILL
BE TRAVELING ACROSS THE REGION BE PREPARED FOR RAPID CHANGES IN
ROAD AND VISIBILITY CONDITIONS.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR YOUR FAVORITE SOURCE OF
WEATHER INFORMATION FOR THE LATEST UPDATES. ADDITIONAL DETAILS
CAN ALSO BE FOUND AT WWW.WEATHER.GOV/BUFFALO.

Incident Page Network Violent Crime Beverly Holton

Statement by Senator Mark Grisanti on Seneca Niagara Incident

Statement New York State Senator   Mark J. Grisanti, 60th District   Senator Grisanti's Statement on Seneca Niagara Incident  (BUFFALO, NY) - Friday night my family and I attended the Seventh Annual Seneca Diabetes Foundation Chairman's Ball at the Seneca Niagara Hotel in Niagara Falls. This was a wonderful event raising funds for a great cause. We also had additional interest in the event because my daughter was performing on stage with the world-famous Scintas singing group. Later in the evening, two men from the Seneca Nation were in a heated argument that appeared about to turn physical when I stepped in, introduced myself and tried to calm to the situation. One of the men then physically attacked me. My wife, Maria, was then also attacked and I moved to try to protect her. As a result, my wife was injured and was subsequently treated at a local hospital. Maria is doing fine today and resting comfortably at home. We were stunned by the incident and truly relieved nothing worse occurred. I appreciate the quick response of Seneca Niagara security and particularly the professional actions of the Niagara Falls Police Department. My family and I are also thankful for the support we have received from the community and the compassionate apology from Seneca Nation of Indians President Robert Odawi Porter. This isolated incident by a few people must not detract from what was a successful event that raised funds to support diabetes education outreach, prevention awareness and research to improve the lives of Seneca Nation members and non-Native Americans affected by diabetes. -Senator Mark Grisanti, 60th District. ###

Heavy Freezing Spray Warning

Heavy Freezing Spray Warning

URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY
346 PM EST SAT FEB 11 2012

LOZ062>064-120500-
/O.CON.KBUF.UP.W.0001.000000T0000Z-120212T1100Z/
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM THE NIAGARA RIVER TO HAMLIN BEACH-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM HAMLIN BEACH TO SODUS BAY-
LAKE ONTARIO OPEN WATERS FROM SODUS BAY TO MEXICO BAY-
346 PM EST SAT FEB 11 2012

...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST
SUNDAY...

* FREEZING SPRAY: THE COMBINATION OF ARCTIC AIR ARRIVING IN THE
  REGION AND HIGH WINDS AND WAVES ON THE LAKE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO
  HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY THROUGH TONIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING MEANS HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY IS
EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY ACCUMULATE ON VESSELS. THESE CONDITIONS CAN
BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS TO NAVIGATION. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT
MARINERS NOT TRAINED TO OPERATE IN THESE CONDITIONS OR VESSELS
NOT PROPERLY EQUIPPED TO DO SO...REMAIN IN PORT OR AVOID THE
WARNING AREA.

&&

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Highlights Blueprint for Iowa Revitalization and Job Creation Following President Obama's State of the Union Address

	ANKENY, IA, Feb. 10, 2012 – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack held a roundtable meeting today with local business and agricultural leaders at the Des Moines Area Community College to discuss the vision laid out in President Obama's State of the Union address that will help grow the Iowa economy. The meeting provided Secretary Vilsack with an opportunity to hear directly from Iowans on how to make sure our students and workers get the education and training they need so that we have a workforce ready to take on the jobs of today and tomorrow. "President Obama believes this is a make or break moment for the middle class and has laid out a blueprint for an economy that is built to last—an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values," said Vilsack. "Today I had the opportunity to hear directly from Iowans on how we work together to build a nation where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules. Together we will keep our nation moving forward and rebuild an economy where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded." Last Friday's employment report shows that private sector payrolls increased by 257,000 in January and the unemployment rate fell to 8.3 percent. After losing more than 8 million jobs in the recession, the economy has added private sector jobs for 23 straight months, for a total of 3.7 million jobs over that period. Manufacturing jobs are coming back and the auto industry has rebounded. In the last 12 months, 2.2 million private sector jobs were added on net. To ensure we build an economy to last over the long term, we must continue this progress. In his State of the Union Address, the President announced proposals and outlined his vision for: How we will bring about a new era of American manufacturing, with more good jobs and more products stamped Made in the USA; A new era for American energy—an economy fueled by homegrown and alternative energy sources that will be designed and produced by American workers; How we will make sure our students and workers get the education and training they need so that we have a workforce ready to take on the jobs of today and tomorrow; and Return to American Values - of fairness for all, and responsibility from all. USDA is working to support the President's efforts to promote a new era of American manufacturing by supporting rural businesses, farmers and ranchers to export products made or grown in America. USDA is also supporting the President's vision for a new era for American made renewable energy by working with scientists, farmers and entrepreneurs to help develop a nationwide biofuels economy that will create hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the countryside. In Iowa, USDA has provided 62 grants and loans to assist rural small and mid-sized businesses create or save 5,300 jobs over the past three years. USDA has also improved and modernized rural electric infrastructure for over 91,000 rural residents and businesses in Iowa with more than 2,636 miles of new and upgraded electric lines. Across the country, USDA has helped more than 7,435 rural families in all 99 counties buy or refinance a home. The department has provided grants and loans for water and waste water community infrastructure projects to help safeguard the health of 257,000 rural residents and create or save 1,900 jobs. Learn more about President Obama's Blueprint for an America Built to Last here. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).