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Consumer Q's for 5/08/08

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:  Baby Bottle and Food Warmers Recalled by Munchkin Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.   Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.   Name of Product:   Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmers; Units:   About 5,000; Manufacturer:   Munchkin Inc., of North Hills, Calif.  Hazard:   The bottle and food warmers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.  Incidents/Injuries:   Munchkin has received nine reports of units overheating, several of which ignited, causing damage to countertops. No injuries have been reported.  Description:   This recall involves the Munchkin Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmer with Pacifier Cleaning Basket 2-in-1 Design, model #13301 and lot number TP-1487.   The product is used to warm food and bottles of various sizes.   The set includes a main basket, a lift-out basket, an adapter ring, and a measuring cup.   “Munchkin” is located on the front of the warmer and “TP-1487” is located on the bottom.   Only warmers bearing lot number “TP-1487” are included in this recall.  Sold at:   Various retailers nationwide and company’s catalog from June 2007 through April 2008 for about $20.  Manufactured in:   China

Remedy:   Consumers should stop using bottle and food warmers with lot number TP-1487 immediately and contact Munchkin to receive a free replacement.   Consumer Contact:   For additional information, contact customer service toll-free at (866) 619-8673 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.munchkin.com.

             

         

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How long will shelled pecans last in the freezer?

According a table found on the website of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences; whole pecans stored at freezing temperatures of 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit will last for a period of 18-24 months.  However, pieces would last only one to two months.

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How can I keep insects away from my peaches once they ripen?

There a number of insects that cause damage to peach flowers, fruit, limbs, twigs and trunks.  Among the most destructive in home garden peach plantings include borers, plum curculio, scale, catfacing insects, oriental fruit moths, Japanese beetles and the green June beetle.

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I want to prepare a home remedy for my blood pressure.  Can you tell me how to prepare a remedy called “jogging in the jug” and “gin and raisins”?

Our research found that although many have claimed that “jogging in the jug” relieves physical ailments, the Federal Trade Commission has prohibited its manufacturers from making any health claims.  In fact, the manufacturers have agreed to disclose that there is no scientific evidence that “jogging in the jug” provides any health benefits.  However, we will be happy to supply you with a recipe along with the consent agreement on the claims of “jogging in a jug” from the website of the Federal Trade Commission.  Any home remedy should be a part of a traditional treatment program.  Therefore, we suggest that you consult our doctors regarding your use of home remedies in your treatment program.

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How often should I fertilize and prune blueberry bushes?

Under good management, blueberry bushes will produce some fruit the second or third year after transplanting.  Although you should not apply any fertilizer at transplanting, you may begin applying it after new growth begins.  When they are about four or five feet tall, one should be begin a cane renewal pruning program, removing the oldest, weakest, and diseased canes entirely.  We are sending you instructions on how this should be done, as well as other information on growing blueberries.

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What is the name of the state tree and the state flower?

The Georgia state tree is the live oak.  The largest live oak in Georgia is located in Waycross and it almost ten feet in diameter, 86 feet tall and a limb spread of 143 feet.  We actually have two state flowers.  The most well known state flower is the Cherokee rose which is a very thorny plant with a very thorny plant with vivid evergreen leaves.  Its blossoms are white with large yellow centers.  However, the azalea is Georgia’s state wildflower.

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My pecan trees have dried up inside what, if anything, can I do to bring them back?

The primary after-care chore for pecan trees is to supply the trees’ moisture needs for the first two or three years.  The basic reason for this is that most young trees have lost a large percentage of their roots during digging and transplanting.  This root system must be supplied regularly to meet the needs of the top.  Apply 10 to 15 gallons of water at regular weekly intervals, either by rainfall or irrigation.  This is one chore that must not be neglected.

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