Consumer Confidential: Apple battery fix, pet-food warning

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Here’s your thunder-road Thursday roundup of consumer news from around the Web:

-- Apple says a fix is in the works for its gadgets’ battery woes. The company says there’s a problem with its latest mobile operating system that is shortening the battery life of iPhones, iPads and iPods that use the software. A small number of customers have reported lower-than-expected battery life on devices running on the company’s iOS 5 operating system. Apple says it’s found bugs in the program and will release a software update to address them in a few weeks. The latest iPhone, the 4S, comes with iOS 5. Other devices that can be upgraded to run the software: the iPhone 3GS or 4, iPads and an iPod Touch released in September 2009 or later.

-- Some yucky but important tips: The Food and Drug Administration is warning pet owners that they can get sick from their loved one’s food. The agency says it’s increasing inspections of dry pet food and pet treats from distributors, wholesalers and retailers. There have been numerous recalls of pet food tainted by salmonella and other contaminants in recent years. While humans usually get salmonella poisoning by eating contaminated food, it’s also possible to pick up the disease by handling contaminated pet food. In January 2006, at least 70 people were sickened by salmonella-tainted pet food from a Pennsylvania plant. Government officials say you should wash their hands after feeding your pet. Also, only purchase products (canned or bagged) with no visible signs of damage to the packaging, such as dents, tears or discolorations.

-- David Lazarus