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Consumer Q's - October 19, 2006

October 19, 2006        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 Product Recall:  Starbucks Announces Recall of 8-Cup Coffee Brewers Due to Possible Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.  Name of Product:   Starbucks Barista Aroma™ Stainless Steel 8-Cup Coffee Brewers; Units:   About 73,000; Distributor:   Starbucks Coffee Company, of Seattle, Wash.; Hazard:   The coffee brewer has defective electrical wiring that can result in overheating, smoking, burning and melting, posing a possible fire hazard.  Incidents/Injuries:   Starbucks has received 23 reports of melting in the plastic housing of the brewers.  No injuries have been reported.  Description:   This recall includes the Starbucks Barista Aroma 8-Cup Coffee Brewer only.  “Starbucks Barista Aroma” is embossed on the front of the brewer and the brewer has silver control panel buttons and a chrome finish.  The Starbucks Barista Grande 12-Cup Coffee Brewer and Starbucks Barista Solo Coffee Brewers are not included in this recall.  Sold at:   Starbucks company-owned and operated stores nationwide between March 2005 and September 2006 for about $100.  Manufactured in:   China; Remedy:   Consumers should stop using the recalled coffee brewers immediately and contact Starbucks for a full refund.  Consumers will receive a postage-paid package along with instructions on how to return their brewer.  Starbucks is also offering a coupon (valid through 1/31/07) for a free pound of coffee as an incentive to return the recalled machine.  Consumer Contact:   For more information, consumers should contact Starbucks’ Barista Aroma recall hotline at (800) 453-1047 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT (11 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET), or visit the company’s Web site at www.starbucks.com - consumers may also write to Starbucks Coffee Company at Customer Relations, Starbucks Coffee Company, mailstop S-RC1, P.O. Box 3717, Seattle, WA 98124-3717.

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What does your office of meat inspection do?

The meat inspection section is the largest compartment of the animal industry division.  This section licenses 163 facilities in Georgia and protects consumers from food borne diseases.  Meat inspectors assure consumers will receive wholesome, safe, and truthfully labeled meat and meat and poultry products by assuring compliance with food safety standards.  Meat inspection veterinarians oversee the humane slaughter of livestock.  The section also has a primary role in food security and would serve as first responders to an intentional threat on our meat supply.

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Does your agency regulate the sale of plant seed?

Yes, all establishments offering, exposing or transporting seed for sale in Georgia must apply for a seed dealer license.  Seed dealer licenses are issued for three year intervals.  All current seed licenses expire on July 31, 2009 and every subsequent third year, followed by license renewal in August.  New seed dealers should apply by submitting a completed Georgia Seed Dealer License Application form.

Out-of-state license

Any interstate dealers shipping seed into Georgia should request an out-of-state seed dealer's license packet.  The packet includes an application and all legal forms needed for the process.

Fee requirements:  A $50.00 filing fee is required with all new seed dealer license applications and renewals.

For additional information please contact our seed lab at 404/656-5584.

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What kinds of worms attack catalpa trees?

Adult catalpa sphinx moths lay eggs on the leaves.  The eggs hatch into small caterpillars that eat the leaves and grow rapidly.  When the caterpillars reach a certain size, they fall to the ground and turn into pupae.   The pupae undergo metamorphosis and emerge as moths, to begin the cycle again.  The southern catalpa is also known as “the fish bait tree” because the caterpillars make good bait.

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My shrubs have a blue-green growth on them.  Any idea what this may be?

Many people are troubled by the appearance of lichens (LY-kens) on their trees and shrubbery.  Lichens do not hurt or damage plants as many people believe, but often live on bark and tissues of plants already on the decline.  There is no need to remove them or spray them with anything.  Lichens also grow on rocks, wooden furniture, walls and roofs.

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