Here’s a look at some of the latest recalls and product safety announcements.
Ford recalling 36,000 vehicles for air bag defect
Ford Motor Co is recalling more than 36,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because their air bags may not inflate properly.
The recall affects the 2016-2017 Ford Edge, 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX and 2017 Lincoln Continental. Most are in the U.S. but around 4,300 are in Canada.
The air bags were made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp., but they don’t have the same deadly problem that has led to a recall of millions of Takata air bags.
In that case, air bags can inflate with too much force and spew shrapnel at occupants.
In Ford’s case, the air bags may not fill completely because of misaligned components.
Ford is not aware of any injuries associated with the defect.
Dealers will replace affected air bags for free.
Dunkin’ Donuts to remove artificial colors by end of 2018
The parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins says it will remove artificial colors from its products in the U.S. by the end of 2018.
Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. says the exception will be on brand-name ingredients it sources to use as toppings, ice cream mixes and decorations for its sweets. It also noted that Baskin-Robbins will take longer to find replacements for ice cream cake decorations.
Other chains including Subway, Panera and Taco Bell have said they’re removing artificial colors and other ingredients in response to customer demand, but the changes can be challenging. Taco Bell, for instance, said it would remove artificial preservatives by the end of 2017, but earlier this year said it’s taking longer to determine what maintains products freshness without sacrificing taste.
Suit: Kona Brewing dupes drinkers seeking Hawaii-made beer
A class-action lawsuit says Kona Brewing Company leads customers to believe they are buying made-in-Hawaii beer.
The lawsuit filed earlier this week in California is against Craft Brew Alliance, which advertises, markets, distributes and sells the Kona brand.
Craft Brew Alliance spokeswoman Jenny McLean won’t comment on pending litigation. She explains that all packaged Kona Brewing beer is produced in Oregon, Washington state, New Hampshire and Tennessee. A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii brewery produces draft beer that’s sold in Kona Brewing pubs and elsewhere in the islands.
The lawsuit says consumers purchased Kona Brewing beer because they believed it came from Hawaii. The lawsuit says Craft Brew’s advertising and labeling is deceptive.
According to its website, Kona Brewing ensures freshness and minimizes its carbon footprint by brewing beer close to distribution markets.