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Consumer Q's - October 12, 2006

Consumer Product Recall:   Black & Decker Recalls Blower/Vacuums for 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 Products:   Black & Decker BV4000 Type 1 Blower/Vacs; Units:   About 272,000; Manufacturer:   Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.; Hazard:   A loose connection between the blower/vac and an extension cord can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard.  Incidents/Injuries:   Black & Decker has received 187 reports of smoking, melting and/or fire near the blower/vac’s plug, including one report of a fire extending beyond the unit. Black & Decker has received seven reports of minor burns, none of which required medical treatment. Description and Models:   This recall involves Black & Decker model BV4000 Type 1 blower/vacs. The model and type number are printed on a name plate on the right side of the unit.  The blower/vacs have an orange housing and a black blower assembly.  Sold at:   Home Center, hardware and discount stores nationwide from April 2004 through July 2005 for about $70.  Manufactured in:   Mexico; Remedy:   Consumers should stop using the blower/vacs immediately and contact Black & Decker for a free repair kit.  Consumer Contact:   For additional information, consumers can contact Black & Decker at (866) 853-2138 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.blackanddecker.com.

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As a licensed veterinarian, am I limited to the number of animals I can apply to the spay/neuter program?

Yes.  Only three (3) surgical procedures per month may be applied to the program.

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I want to start a pet bakery, do I have to be inspected or licensed by your agency?

Yes.  Your facility will be subjected to an inspection and the contents of your feed product will be tested to insure that your labeling is accurate.  For more information please contact our office of plant, food, feed and grain.

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What is organic food?

Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.  Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.  Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.

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When I go to the supermarket, how can I tell organically produced food from conventionally produced food?

You must look at package labels and watch for signs in the supermarket.  Along with the national organic standards.  The United States Department of Agriculture developed strict labeling rules to help consumers know the exact organic content of the food they buy.  The USDA Organic seal also tells you that a product is at least 95 percent organic.

For more information on Georgia organic food labeling please contact our office of consumer protection or visit our website at www.georgia.gov, then select our agency where, under the link to Divisions you will find consumer protection.

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Is organic food better for me and my family?

The United States Department of Agriculture makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food.  Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled, and processed.  For a guide to local and organic foods you can visit the website of Georgia Organics at http://georgiaorganics.org/.  

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Does natural mean organic?

No.  Natural and organic are not interchangeable.  Other truthful claims, such as free-range, hormone-free, and natural, can still appear on food labels.  However, don't confuse these terms with "organic."  Only food labeled "organic" has been certified as meeting USDA organic standards.

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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 404/656-3645 (metro Atlanta) or 1-800-282-5852 (state wide).