General Merchandise

NEW YORK — Rising gas prices will prompt consumers to be more mindful of their spending habits, according to Nielsen projections.

In the United States, Nielsen noted, households could be paying an extra $52.50 with a 50-cent increase in gas prices, $105 with a $1 increase and $210 if prices jump up $2, prompting consumers to tighten their wallets. This will mirror historic trends, which include increased trip compression, more value-conscious shopping alternatives and increased use of coupons, Nielsen said.

MONTREAL — A new documentary film released by Institut Rosell-Lallemand discusses the discovery of beneficial bacteria and the role they play in our bodies, as well as the latest research on their potential to improve our lives.

“Microwarriors: The Power of Probiotics,” is available on DVD for an introductory price of $9.99. The film highlights probiotics and their contribution to overall health and well-being, the company said. The film was produced by Health Point Productions, a Los Angeles-based company.

CLEVELAND — In an effort to reach consumers that celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, American Greetings has introduced a new collection of greeting cards.

This year's L'Chayim to Life! collection includes depictions of traditional symbols of the holiday, as well as more humorous takes on the practices that occur over the eight-day celebration, which will take place from sunset on April 18 through April 26.

WASHINGTON — Atico International USA issued a voluntary recall of 57,000 holiday rattle baby slippers amid a choking hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The CPSC reported that the soft shoes with built-in rattles were imported from China by Atico International USA of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and sold nationwide at Walgreens stores from October 2010 through January 2011 for about $5.

NEW YORK — GiantMicrobes has developed a new line of educational plush toys that are modeled after tiny organisms.

New to the lineup are toys that resemble magnified microbes of hay fever, a tick and a brain cell.

Original-sized GiantMicrobes (5-in. to 7-in. sizes) retail for $8.95, while GiantMicrobes petri dishes (three mini-microbes packaged in a dish) retail for $12.95, and Gigantics (15-in. to 20-in. sizes) retail for $29.95. The brain cell plush toy is available as a key chain, GiantMicrobes said, and retails for $5.95.

NEW YORK — Seventh Generation has developed an ultra-concentrated liquid laundry detergent that is available in a 100%-compostable bottle.

The company said the entire packaging system (fiber bottle, pouch, spout, cap) for its Natural 4x laundry detergent uses 66% less plastic than a typical 100-oz. 2x laundry bottle. Seventh Generation's Natural 4x laundry detergent — a nontoxic, biodegradable formula — is available in a 50-oz. (66 loads) size and two scents: Free and Clear, and Geranium Blossoms and Vanilla.

CINCINNATI — Shortly after the announcement that the president of its global hair care business was leaving for a chief executive role at Sephora, Procter & Gamble announced additional organizational changes.

R. Keith Harrison, P&G's global product supply officer, will retire Sept. 1, after more than 41 years of service. Harrison will serve as officer on special assignment, reporting to Bob McDonald, chairman, president and CEO.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Anchor Bay Entertainment has released its latest "Wow! Wow! Wubbzy" DVD title.

"Wubbzy to the Rescue" features a collection of six episodes filled with age-appropriate lessons about sharing, caring and being yourself.

The DVD is slated for release on May 3 for a suggested retail price of $16.98, and will be available at retailers nationwide.