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Consumer Q's for 7/31/08

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 Recall:  Pacific Science Supplies Recalls Magnets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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:   U-shaped Magnets, Bar Magnets, Magnet Sets and Magnet Needle Sets; Units:   About 40,000

Importer:   Pacific Science Supplies Inc., of Bensenville, Ill; Hazard:   The paint on the magnets can contain excess levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.  Incidents/Injuries:   None reported.  Description:   Magnets included in the recall:  “Large” and “Small” U-shaped Magnets:   These magnets are in the shape of a “U” or horseshoe.   One half of each magnet is painted red and is imprinted with the letter “N”; the other half is painted blue, and is imprinted with the letter “S”.  Sold through:   Distributors nationwide which sell to educational institutions, including colleges, high schools and middle schools.   A small number were sold through educational stores nationwide from April 2000 through February 2008 for about $9.  Manufactured in:   China; Remedy:   Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled magnets and contact the firm to receive a free replacement.  Consumer Contact:   For additional information, contact Pacific Science Supplies Inc. at (800) 530-1500 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.pacsciusa.com

    

 

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About three weeks ago I had sod laid by a landscaping company.  Now my yard is full of weeds.  Is the landscaper responsible for this?

Grass seed is tested for acceptable levels of noxious weeds by our seed laboratory.  It is normal for any growing grass to also grow weeds and normal preventive care should be taken.  If this major invasion of weeds has occurred within a two-three week period of the sod being laid by your landscaper; and/or the landscaper was also contracted to maintain your lawn then you would need to contact our office of plant protection.

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I am moving from Florida to north Georgia and want to bring my roses with me.  What do I need to do?

You need to contact the Florida Department of Agriculture’s office of plant protection and request an inspector.  The Georgia Department of Agriculture, office of plant protection requires that your roses be inspected and certified to be disease free before they will be allowed to enter Georgia.

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How long will canned salmon last in the refrigerator after you take it out of the can?

If refrigerating "fresh" salmon it will not spoil or become dangerous to eat under refrigeration at 40 degrees Fahrenheit for one to two days when properly stored.   But if frozen it will remain useable for two - three months.  However, if using canned salmon, please follow the use by date on the product.   This means that you must prepare it for eating within that time frame.   Once your desired cooking method is used it can be stored under refrigeration using the same guidelines as "fresh" salmon.

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I recently purchased a small convenience store in Georgia.  Is it alright to sell items in slightly bent cans?

Yes, unless one of the following conditions exist:

The dent is on the side, top or bottom seam

The top when depressed clicks

The top is swollen or puffed up

Additional information can be obtained by contacting our office of consumer protection at extension 3621.

We have a problem with small flies in our house.  They are very tiny with almost transparent wings.  What are they?

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From your description it sounds like they are fruit flies.  Fruit flies are drawn to ripened fruits and vegetables in the kitchen.  But they also like drains, garbage disposals, empty bottles, trash containers, mops and cleaning rags.  Produce, which has ripened, should be eaten, discarded or refrigerated. Cracked or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables should be cut away and discarded in the event that eggs or larvae are present in the wounded area

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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 Consumer Services, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or 404/656-3645 (metro Atlanta) or 1-800-282-5852 (state wide).