Consumer Q's for 8/07/08
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 Advisory: Fish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are a lean, low-calorie source of protein. Some sport fish caught in the state's lakes, rivers, and estuaries, however, may contain chemicals and other pollutants that could pose health risks if these fish are eaten in large amounts. Before planning your next fishing trip contact the Department of Natural Resources or your local health department to see if any advisories are posted in the areas where you want to fish.
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I am opening a bakery but will not be selling my goods in
Yes. If you are producing or manufacturing bakery items in
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Is there a way to grow potatoes in my home garden that will make harvesting them a little less labor intensive?
Yes. If you use straw you can grow a good potato crop with a little less work. Place the seed pieces on top of the soil and cover them with two to three feet of straw. Tubers will form on top of the soil and make harvest easier.
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I want to sell some gold to a dealer. How can I be sure his scales are accurate?
All commercial scales must be certified for accuracy by our weights and measures inspectors. The scales are tested periodically and when certified they bear the Department's green and white decal. If you have questions about the accuracy of any commercial scale, call our toll free number 1-800/282-5852, which is printed on the decal.
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Can you identify this plant for me? Is any part of it edible?
Our horticulturist identified your sample as a type of Nightshade. The plant is poisonous especially the berries. You should never eat or even taste any part of a plant you cannot identify. Many plants are pretty and look edible but are poisonous.
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I just discovered the pork roast, several steaks, and some fresh poultry that I bought at the store yesterday were left out in my car all night. If I cook it, will it be safe to eat?
NO. Unfortunately, you will have to discard it all. It has been off of refrigeration too long. At room temperature, bacteria multiply very rapidly and some types will produce toxins, which are not killed by cooking and can possibly cause serious illness or death.
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A kitten I bought three years ago died after ingesting the leaves on one of my houseplants. I am considering buying another cat for my daughter. How can I be sure that my houseplants will not harm the kitten?
Poisonous plants are commonly kept as houseplants or used to landscape properties. You can eliminate many of these plants from your home by always asking the nursery if the plants you are considering buying would be toxic if eaten by your dog or cat. If the employees cannot answer your questions, don’t purchase the plant. Other sources of information are your local veterinarian, county extension agents, the local library, bookstores, and your poison control center.
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If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture write the Consumer Services office, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Room 226, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, or call 404/656-3645 (metro Atlanta) or toll free, 1-800/ 282-5852 (statewide).
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