Consumer group applauds David Sunflower Seeds for reversing deceptive sodium labeling practices – National Consumers League

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December 19, 2012

Contact: NCL Communications, Carol McKay, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s oldest consumer advocacy organization founded in 1899 to protect and promote the rights of consumers and workers, today sent a letter to David Sunflower Seeds, a subsidiary of ConAgra congratulating it for discontinuing misleading sodium labeling in its David Sunflower Seeds products.

NCL originally wrote to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about David Sunflower Seeds in July of 2011, raising concerns about the misleading sodium values listed on its labels. While the instructions on the package told consumers to pop the entire seed in their mouth in order to crack it open, the sodium content listed was for only the actual kernel and not the salt on the shell.  In its letter, NCL emphasized that this labeling was deceptive and misleading to consumers.

Today, NCL is congratulating David Sunflower Seeds for making a change to their labels so that they now reflect the total sodium content of the product. The government recommends that consumers take in no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. But for many consumers, including those over 51, African Americans, and those with certain diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, the recommended amount is just 1,500 mg per day. Excessive consumption of sodium can result in serious health consequences, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.  With the rates of these diseases increasing worldwide, it is especially important for consumers to moderate their sodium intake if they hope to maintain their health.  Eating one bag of David Sunflower Seeds, which contains two and a half quarter cup servings, would account for 132 percent of one’s daily sodium intake.

“We are so pleased that David Sunflower Seeds has chosen to label its products more accurately,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL Executive Director. “Consumers deserve and need the ability to make healthy decisions about what they eat. For those with specific health problems, being able to control the amount of sodium in their diet is particularly important. Before this change, the packaging on these sunflower seeds was extremely deceptive; while the package said that a serving had about 6 percent of your daily sodium, the actual amount was closer to 53 percent.”

New labels on the product reflect the levels of sodium for both the seed consumed on its own and the salt on the shell of the seed. “We are glad that this company has chosen to do the right thing and create a label that is much more consumer friendly,” said Greenberg. “We hope other companies will follow their lead and put a halt to deceptive labeling.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit https://nclnet.org.

NCL statement on the passing of Senator Inouye – National Consumers League

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December 19, 2012

Contact: Carol McKay, NCL Communications, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League is saddened to learn of the death of Senator Daniel Inouye, the senior senator from Hawaii and the president pro-tempore of the Senate. We salute him for his distinguished service to the nation.

Senator Inouye represented Hawaii in Congress — first as a representative, from 1959 to 1963, when Hawaii first bccame a state,  and then as a senator. As a high-school student, Inouye witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Inouye was always among the first to speak out against injustice, whether interned Japanese Americans, Filipino World War II veterans, Native Americans and Native Hawaii.

Senator Inouye was injured in battle during World War II  and had his arm amputated without anesthetic, as doctors were concerned that drugs  would drive his blood pressure too low.

Inouye studied law at George Washington University, returned to Hawaii, and became a member of the U.S. House on August 21, 1959, the day it became a state. While in Congress, he served on the Senate Watergate Committee and later a special committee on the Iran-Contra scandal as well. He also gave the keynote speech at the chaotic 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. He was asked recently how he wished to be remembered. “I represented the people of Hawaii and this nation honestly and to the best of my ability. I think I did OK,” he said.

The story of Senator Dan Inouye is the story of modern Hawaii. During his eight decades of public service, the Senator helped build and shape Hawaii.

When the Democrats regained control in the 2006 elections, Inouye became chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, a Committee with which NCL frequently works. He left that post two years later to become chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

Inouye became president pro-tem of the Senate in 2010, when Senator Robert Byrd died. Byrd is the only senator to serve longer than Inouye (51 years, 5 months, and 26 days versus 49 years, 349 days). He had intended to run for reelection in 2016, at age 92. His last words were “Aloha.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit https://nclnet.org.

NCL statement on the Location Privacy Protection Act of 2011 – National Consumers League

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December 14, 2012

Contact: NCL Communications, Carol McKay, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–The following statement is attributable to Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League:

“The National Consumers League applauds today’s vote to report S.1223, the Location Privacy Protection Act of 2011, out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This action represents an important first step towards better protecting consumers’ sensitive geolocation data. These data are collected and used in a largely hidden marketplace over which consumers have little information and almost no control. The profileration of location tracking technology in smartphones and other devices and applications has made it clear that more needs to be done to protect this data from misuse. We strongly believe that it is in the public interest for consumers to be made aware of how their geolocation data will be used by companies.

Today’s vote shows that protection consumers’ location data is an issue with bipartisan appeal. We applaud the leadership of Senator Franken and the bill’s co-sponsors as well as the dedicated coalition of advocates from the consumer rights, privacy, and domestic violence prevention communities for this victory. We look forward to continuing to support this bill as it moves forward in Congress.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit https://nclnet.org.

NCL statement on Michigan right-to-work law – National Consumers League

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December 11, 2012

Contact: NCL Communications, Carol McKay, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League has issued the following statement on the signing of a Michigan right-to-work law:

The passage of a “right to work for less money” statute in Michigan is a step backward for a state that has often led the nation in supporting workers in their fight for good wages and benefits. NCL agrees with President Obama, who stated that the attack on workers is an effort to “take away your rights to bargain for better wages or working conditions.”

Labor organizers are expecting thousands of people to arrive in Lansing, the state capitol, Tuesday for demonstrations in opposition to right-to-work legislation.

We support these workers and all working families in Michigan who are rightfully demonstrating against this odious anti-worker legislation that undermines the labor protections that working men and women have fought so long and so hard to win.

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Photo courtesy AFL-CIO.

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit https://nclnet.org.

NCL statement on Hostess executive bonuses – National Consumers League

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November 30, 2012

Contact: NCL Communications, Carol McKay, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, issued the following statement today regarding the announcement that Hostess management would be taking bonuses after laying off 18,000+ workers:

“The National Consumers League is stunned to learn that Hostess executives are awarding themselves bonuses totaling $1.8 million in the wake of management’s decision to close down the beloved and iconic Hostess brand of products and lay off 18,000+ workers.

This company has been notoriously mismanaged for years, yet management has scapegoated Hostess employees instead of taking responsibility for their own incompetence. Their behavior boggles the mind.

We at NCL are not alone in our outrage. We call upon the judge who authorized the bonuses to reconsider this disgraceful decision.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit https://nclnet.org.

Seven tips for giving tickets for the holidays – National Consumers League

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November 29, 2012

Contact: Chris Grimm, (202)-250-3099, chris@fanfreedom.org
Carol McKay, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org

Washington, DC – Are you thinking about giving someone on your holiday gift list a pair of tickets to a fabulous concert or an important game? This could be the gift of a lifetime – or it could be a major disappointment, according to new tips from the Fan Freedom Project (FFP) and National Consumers League (NCL).

“Tickets make great gifts this time of year, but consumers need to watch closely and make sure they know exactly what they are purchasing and from whom,” said FFP Consumer Advocate Elizabeth Owen. Too often consumers are confused and frustrated when they buy and share concert and sports tickets. This holiday guide will give them a chance to better understand the process, and make the best choices possible.”

John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at NCL added, “Bottom line, we want consumers to enjoy the option of giving sought after tickets as a holiday gift this season.  But as with any purchase, we encourage consumers to know the rules in advance, so they won’t be disappointed, and neither will the recipient.”

To help consumers avoid purchasing fraudulent tickets or even genuine tickets that aren’t transferable, FFP and NCL advises consumers to:

1. Know what type of ticket you are buying: Just because you bought a ticket doesn’t mean you can easily give it as a present. Some events have restricted “paperless tickets, which require the buyer to show up at the venue and present the purchasing credit card and photo ID.  This means you still have to go to the event with them – or they will not be able to get in. This can be inconvenient at the very least, or even impossible if you plan to give tickets to someone who lives far away.

2. Be prepared to pay additional fees: Unlike airline fares, now required by law to include all taxes and additional fees in the advertised price of a ticket, concert and sporting events tickets are not required to include fees upfront, leaving many consumers shocked at the final price of a ticket.

3. Use Reliable sellers: Beware of fly-by-night ticket sellers. If you’re unsure about a company, check with the Better Business Bureau. If you’re buying from a ticket broker, make sure they are members of the National Association of Ticket Brokers, whose Code of Ethics requires members to adhere to basic consumer protections.

4. Pay Attention to URLs: Check any website’s URL to ensure that you don’t get duped by an imposter. Remember, even if a website looks like the official site, it may be bogus.

5. Check Your Ticket Vendor’s Guarantee Policy: For example, websites like Stub Hub, TicketsNow, Ace Tickets and All-Shows guarantee every ticket sold on their sites and will replace them or refund money to consumers if they receive wrong or invalid tickets, or if an event is cancelled. Craigslist and other online classifieds sites do not offer such guarantees; it’s “buyer beware” when shopping there.

6. Buy with a Credit Card: Regardless of where you buy tickets, be sure to use a credit card so you can dispute any unfair or unauthorized charges. Before entering your credit card information online, be sure the site has “https://” at the beginning of the website address. This means the site is encrypted and safer for use.

7. Know the Rules: Some venues limit the number of tickets you can buy.

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About The Fan Freedom Project

Launched in February 2011, the Fan Freedom Project is supported by more than 150,000 live-event fans and is backed by leading consumer and business organizations such as the American Conservative Union, National Consumers League, Consumer Action, the Institute for Liberty, and Net Choice. For more information, visit https://www.fanfreedom.org.

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit https://nclnet.org.

NCL statement on tragic Bangladeshi factory fire – National Consumers League

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November 28, 2012

Contact: Carol McKay, NCL Communications, carolm@nclnet.org , (412) 945-3242

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (NCL) today expresses sincere condolences to the families of the more than 100 workers killed in a factory fire in Bangladesh. “We see a consistent pattern of indefensible and preventable loss of life in Bangladesh factories. In the past six years, over 600 workers have been killed in these deadly fires,” said Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League. 

NCL noted that the Banglideshi factory fires that keep killing workers are reminicient of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in the United States in 1911. That fire in New York City killed 146 mostly immigrant workers and galvanized workers and government to make workplaces far safer, put in place fire codes, sprinklers, strict fire codes related to smoking and open flames inside the factory, and keeping the factory free of flammable piles of fabric. 

“United States companies that buy from firms that run these factories must insist on strict fire codes, training of workers and owners, or stop doing business with them immediately. American and Western companies can do a great deal to improve the conditions of these workers and keep them safe from hazardous working conditions. NCL intends to inform American consumers which companies are doing their part to improve safety standards and acting to protect the vulnerable workers in these factories,” said Greenberg. 

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About the National Consumers League 

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL statement on liquidation of Hostess Brands, Inc. – National Consumers League

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November 16, 2012

Contact: Carol McKay, NCL Communications, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242

Washington, DC—Upon today’s announcement that Hostess Brands, Inc. has shut down operations and will liquidate assets, the National Consumers League continues to stand with the striking members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM).

The following statement may be attributed to National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg:

“Today is a sad day in America, and not just because of the demise of a brand that has produced iconic, well-loved treats and goods for generations, but  because of the scapegoating taking place by corporate executives who are blaming brave union workers for the company’s collapse rather than taking responsibility themselves. It is years of poor management – not the reasonable demands to improve working conditions of the BCTGM – that led to the company’s demise. What a terrible time of year to take away the livelihood of 18,500 workers and the dozens of communities with factories that will be shuttered. Today’s announcement is a sad commentary on corporate America. The Hostess Brand’s executives put profits before people, paying large bonuses to executives while forcing the workers to give up benefits and pensions, once again putting Wall Street investors and themselves before the interests of the workers who build the brand.”

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

National Consumers League applauds House Energy and Commerce Committee for holding hearing on meningitis outbreak – National Consumers League

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November 14, 2012

Contact: Carol McKay, (412) 945-3242, carolm@nclnet.org

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (NCL) today commends the House Energy and Commerce Committee for holding a hearing on the outbreak of fungal meningitis caused by contaminated injectable steroids made and distributed by the New England Compounding Center (NECC).  NECC has a long history of dodging effective regulation and engaging in shoddy drug compounding practices. Those practices ultimately led to the deaths this year of 32 patients and 438 sickened by the injectable pain medications.

NCL supports legislation, HR 6854, the Verifying Authority and Legality in Drug (VALID) Compounding Act. The bill will close loopholes that allowed the contaminated drug to get into the marketplace and be administered to 14,000 innocent patients. The bill’s sponsor, Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA), is a longstanding and distinguished member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL lends support for Hostess Brand worker strike – National Consumers League

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November 13, 2012

Contact: NCL Communications, Carol McKay, (412) 945-3242

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League supports the hardworking members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers (BCTGM) International Union and the workers of the Hostess Brand factories in their strike to protect wages, benefits, and fair treatment of workers. Hostess Brand has unfortunately failed to make contributions to employee pension plans as agreed upon in collective bargaining agreements and has drastically cut health benefits and imposed an 8 percent wage decrease.

Sally Greenberg, Executive Director of the National Consumers League, said, “We are proud to support the Hostess Brand workers who are only fighting for their rightful wages and benefits as negotiated through the collective bargaining agreement.”

With Hostess’s first bankruptcy declaration in 2004, Hostess workers, in the spirit of sharing reduced revenues and profits, took dramatic cuts in wages and benefits. The closing of 21 factories left thousands of workers without jobs. Hostess employees say they were shocked to learn of the second bankruptcy and watched helplessly as money that was supposed to go towards the rebuilding of production facilities, plant development, and new equipment flowed instead to support executive bonuses and payouts to hedge funds.

Hostess Brand workers, many of whom have spent decades as loyal employees of the company, deserve better than the current situation, in which thousands of workers are unemployed, communities left vulnerable, and families decimated. Sadly, it appears that Hostess has put the interests of Wall Street investors before their loyal employees.

The National Consumers League stands with the striking BCTGM union members and Hostess workers, and urges Hostess Brand to put the interests of their employees before those of fat-cat executives and Wall Street investors.

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About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.