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Consumer Q - February 1, 2007

February 1, 2007
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:  Old Williamsburgh Candle Corp. Recalls Mason Jar Candles Due To Laceration and Burn 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:   Old Williamsburgh Mason Jar Candles, sizes 3.5 to 5.0 oz.; Units:   About 3.7 million; Manufacturer:   Old Williamsburgh Candle Corp., of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Hazard:   The wick can move from the center of the jar to the side causing the glass to overheat and possibly crack or shatter. Exposure to broken glass and molten wax poses laceration and burn hazards to consumers.  Incidents/Injuries:   Old Williamsburgh Candle Corp. has received 11 reports of the candles cracking or shattering, including one laceration injury.  Description:   This recall involves all scents and colors of Mason Jar Candles in 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 oz. sizes.   The size of the candle is specified on the label at the bottom of the jar, on the last line of the label.   Replacement Mason Jar Candles, which are not included in the recall, have a “Q” on either side of the label.  Sold through:   Dollar stores, discount stores, and grocery stores nationwide from May 2006 through December 2006 for between $1 and $1.50.  Manufactured in:   United States; Remedy:   Consumers should immediately stop using the candles and return them to the place of purchase for an exchange or full refund.  Consumer Contact:   For additional information, call Old Williamsburgh Candle Corp. toll-free at (866) 564-1500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.oldwilliamsburgh.com

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Why do you need to prune peach trees?

The purpose of pruning a young tree is to control its shape by developing a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches.  Once trees are of bearing age, the concern shifts from building tree structure and growing trees to maintaining tree structure and growing fruit.   To maintain tree structure, annual pruning is necessary.   Prune during two periods: during the growing season and during the dormant period.

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I would like buy different types of farm products and re-sell them to out-of-state businesses.  Am I required to get a license from your department?

Anyone engaged in the business of buying and re-selling Georgia agricultural products must be licensed and bonded by this department.   The Dealer in Agricultural Products law covers out-of-state brokers who purchase Georgia commodities as well as produce dealers within the state.  

The only dealers who are not required to be bonded are those who certify that they buy exclusively in cash.   All farmers and producers should obtain proof of bonding before entering into any type of transaction with a produce buyer.

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Why do some oranges have a greenish tint?  Does this green color mean that the orange is not quite ripe?

A green tint on an orange is not an indication of ripeness or flavor.  The greenish cast simply means that the orange was not subjected to a temperature drop while on the tree.

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My back deck is dull, dry and ugly looking.  What can I use to restore the redwood deck without staining or painting it?

To restore the natural color of an unstained redwood deck use a solution of oxalic acid and warm water.   Oxalic acid is poisonous, so wear rubber gloves and goggles when using and mixing this solution.   In a nonmetallic container, mix four ounces of oxalic acid crystals with one gallon of warm water.   Brush on this solution with a soft-bristled paintbrush.   Let it dry.   Then rinse with clear water.  Since oxalic acid is bleach, test a small area of your deck before you treat the whole thing.   If you just want to clean your deck rather than bleaching it, use trisodium phosphate, detergent and household bleach.   Mix one cup of trisodium phosphate, one cup of powdered detergent, two cups of household bleach and two gallons of warm water.   Apply this strong cleaning solution to your deck using a stiff-bristled brush.

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Can I direct seed asparagus in my home garden?

The success of direct seeding asparagus depends on good soil preparation, warm temperatures, lots of water and good weed control.  Establishing an asparagus bed from direct seeding is a delicate enterprise requiring a lot of expertise.   An alternative to direct seeding is to plant asparagus crowns.   It is quicker and easier to do.   Contact your local county agent for information on asparagus seedling production for the home garden.

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