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Consumer Q's for 6/05/08

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:  Log Swings Recalled by Far East Brokers and Consultants Due to Fall 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:  Log Swings; Units:  About 750; Importer/Distributor:  Far East Brokers and Consultants Inc., of Jacksonville, Fla.  Hazard:  A missing nail connecting the back of the log chair to the seat can cause the back to separate from the seat while in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.  Incidents/Injuries:  The firm has received six reports of the chair separating, including three reports of minor injuries.  Description:  The recall involves a wooden log swing that seats two people.  The log swing hangs from a log frame.  The swing measures 71 inches high by 62 inches wide.  Sold at:  Grand Union Family Markets, Ingle’s Markets, VG’s Food Center, Plumb’s Valu-Rite Foods, and Central Shoprite stores nationwide from February 2008 through May 2008 for about $150.  Manufactured in:  China; Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled log swing, disassemble it, and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.  Consumer Contact:  For additional information, contact Far East Brokers and Consultants toll-free at (877) 695-8354 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit firm’s Web site at www.fareastbrokers.com .

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What is ethanol?

Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane motor fuel that is produced from renewable sources.   At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn.   Because it is domestically produced, ethanol helps reduce America's dependence upon foreign sources of energy.  Pure, 100% ethanol is not used as a motor fuel; instead, a percentage of ethanol is combined with unleaded gasoline.   This is beneficial because ethanol can decrease the fuel's cost, increases the fuel's octane rating, and decreases gasoline's harmful emissions.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin and the Agri-Fuel Clearinghouse Committee established by the Commissioner have initiated an educational tool that they feel will be beneficial to Georgia farmers and other Georgians interested in making ethanol or bio-diesel, doing research into these fuels and consumers wanting to purchase these fuels.   We have set up links from our state web page to reach this goal.  The link to our page is Http://agr.georgia.gov .  Once you arrive on our home page, you will see a heading entitled “Featured Items”.  There you will see a link to “Agrifuel”.  It is on this page that you will find links to sites on ethanol and biodiesel as well as sites with general information about alternative fuels.

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Can every car use ethanol?                               

Ethanol is a clean, renewable, high performance fuel for your vehicle.   Up to a 10% blend of ethanol (E10) is covered under warranty by every auto manufacturer that sells vehicles in the U.S. for every make and every model of vehicle.   E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) is for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) which can operate on gasoline or any blend of ethanol up to 85%.

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What is the most effective termite control for Georgia?

The Georgia Department of Agriculture does not provide specific recommendations on which termite control products or systems to use.  Any of the currently registered termiticides should provide at least five (5) years of control when used consistent with the products label directions and in compliance with state established treatment standards.   Similarly, all of the termiticides used in termite baiting systems have efficacy data to support their use.  There is no one product or system that is best for every situation.   However, you may wish to look at a comparison between liquid termiticides and termite baiting systems on the Department's website at the following address:  Http://agr.georgia.gov - Keyword: Termites.

Further, you may arrange for a Department inspector to check the treatment you have received to ensure compliance with label directions and state standards by downloading a "Request for Inspection" form from the same website.

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What vegetables and fruits are good sources of Vitamin A?

Chili peppers, winter squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, collard, mustard and turnip greens, broccoli and tomatoes.  Apricots (dried or canned), apricot nectar, cantaloupe, papaya, mango, peach, mandarin oranges, nectarine, prunes, tangerine and plantain.  All are an excellent source of Vitamin A.

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I am looking for a way to increase fiber in my diet.  Do you have any tips?

Yes.  1)  Choose whole grain instead of refined products.  For example, use whole wheat flour, brown rice, oatmeal, whole cornmeal and barley.  2)  Whole wheat flour can usually be substituted for up to ½ cup of the white flour in recipes.  For example, if a recipe calls for two (2) cups of flour, try one (1) cup of white and one (1) cup of whole wheat flour.  3)  Add fruits to muffins, pancakes, salads and desserts.  Add vegetables to casseroles and salads.  4)  Add grated or mashed vegetables or fruits to sauces or baked goods.  For example, you can add grated carrots to spaghetti sauce and meat loaf.

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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) or toll-free, 1-800-282-5852.