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Consumer Q's for Jan. 3, 2008

Contact:  Teresa Jenkins
(404)656-3645
1-800-282-5852

 

CONSUMER Q’s
Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs
Tommy Irvin, Commissioner
Call Consumer Q’s Hotline at 1-800-282-5852

 

 

CONSUMER ALERT/RECALL:  AAFES Recalls “Soldier Bear” Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 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.   Name of Product:   Soldier Bear Toys; Units:   About 11,400; Importer/Retailer:   AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service), of Dallas, TX.  Manufacturer:   First Learning Company Ltd, of Hong Kong (wooden toys); Manufacturer:   Toy World Group Co. Ltd. of Hong Kong (military vehicle toy play set); Hazard:   The surface paint on the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.   Incidents/Injuries: None reported.  Description: This recall involves the following wooden toys and a plastic military vehicle toy playset. The style number, UPC codes and “Soldier Bear” logo are printed on the toy’s packaging.

 

 

Sold at:   AAFES stores worldwide from August 2006 through October 2007 for between $5 and $20.  Manufactured in:   China; Remedy:   Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and return them to the nearest AAFES store for a full refund.  Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact AAFES at (800) 866-3605 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.AAFES.com

 

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What should I look for when buying meat and seafood?

First, make sure that the package is not torn.   Select a package that feels cold to the touch.   Always make your meat, milk, and other dairy product selection last, just before you go to checkout.   Then, go quickly and directly home.   Refrigerate or freeze all of your meat, seafood and dairy products immediately.   Each of these measures will help to preserve the freshness of food products and reduce the growth of bacteria.

 

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What causes ground beef patties to shrink while cooking?

All meat will shrink in size and weight during cooking.   The amount of shrinkage will depend on its fat and moisture content, the temperature at which the meat is cooked, and how long it is cooked.   Basically, the higher the cooking temperature, the more the meat will shrink. Cooking ground beef at moderate temperatures will reduce shrinkage and help retain juices and flavor.   Overcooking ground beef or any meat results in more shrinkage and a dry, less flavorful product

                                                                                           

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How can I check frozen foods to make sure they have not been thawed and re-frozen?

Watch for ice crystal on the outside or inside food container.  Ice crystals may mean the food has partially thawed, then frozen again, and the quality may have deteriorated.   Select foods that are solidly frozen by pressing on the container to be sure you don’t hear a crunchy, icy sound.

                                                                                            

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What is the best way to thaw meat, poultry and seafood?

Meat, poultry and seafood should be thawed in the refrigerator.   Keeping the product cold while it is thawing is essential to preventing the growth of bacterial.   If you must thaw one of these food items rapidly put it in a watertight wrapper in cold water or defrost it in a microwave oven.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for defrosting in your oven.

                                                                                      

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Is freezer burn on food harmful?

Freezer burn --the white, dried-out patches found on improperly wrapped food-- will not make you sick, but it will make the food tough and tasteless.   To prevent freezer burn, foods stored in the freezer should be wrapped correctly in materials meant for freezing such as aluminum freezer foil, heavy freezer paper, or plastic freezer bags.   Freezers will keep food items at optimum freshness and full flavor for an extended time, not forever.   Different food items have recommended storage limits.   For example, bacon should be stored in the freezer for no more than one month while chicken can be stored for up to 12 months.   To obtain a complete list of recommended storage guidelines for food products contact your local county agent and request a food storage guide.

                                           

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How is bacteria spread from raw meat to other foods?

Bacteria in raw meat juices can contaminate foods that have been cooked safely or raw foods that will not be cooked, such as salad ingredients.   Bacteria can also be present on equipment, hands and even in the air.   To avoid cross contamination, wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after handling all raw meat, poultry, and seafood to make sure you do not spread bacteria.   Always use soap and hot water to wash utensils and surfaces that have come into contact with raw products or your unwashed hands.  For example, if you answer your telephone while handling raw meat, poultry or seafood, the phone's receiver and everything else you touched should be washed with soap and water.

 

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How can I tell if food is safe to eat?

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to tell by taste, looks, or odor of food if it is safe to eat.   Meat, poultry, and dairy products, left at room temperature (even for short periods) allows bacteria to grow to dangerous levels.   Even at these levels some bacteria seldom change the taste, odor, or looks of food.   Any food item that requires refrigeration but has been maintained at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded.

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If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Public Affairs, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or call 404-656-3645 (Atlanta) or 1-800-282-5852 (state-wide).