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Consumer Q's - March 15, 2007

March 15, 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:  Cobmex Inc. Recalls Youth Jackets with Drawstrings Due to Strangulation Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.   Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.   Name of product:   Cobmex Youth Jackets with Drawstrings; Units:   About 16,000; Manufacturer:   Cobmex Inc., of Lakewood, Calif.  Hazard:   The recalled jackets have drawstrings in the hood and waist, or only at the waist.   Children can get entangled and strangle in drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches.   In February 1996, the CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.  Incidents/Injuries:   None reported.  Description:   The nylon, zipper front jackets were sold in youth sizes and have a Cobmex neck label.   The jackets were manufactured in various colors, including navy, black, green, red and wine.   Only youth-size jackets with drawstrings are included in the recall.   Sold at:   Children’s clothing and school uniform stores nationwide from January 2006 through February 2007 for about $30.  Manufactured in: Korea; Remedy:   Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard or return the jacket to the store where purchased for a refund.  Consumer Contact:   For additional information, call Cobmex toll-free at (877) 926-2639 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit www.cobmex.com .

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My pesticide applicator’s license has expired. Can I still buy restricted-use pesticides until I get it renewed?

No, you cannot buy these products or use them until your license has been renewed by our Pesticides Office.   If you have more questions, you may contact this office toll-free at 1-800-282-5852.

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Who should I contact to get a license to buy dynamite?  I want to use it to remove some trees from my pasture.

If you plan to buy dynamite in the state for use on a farm in Georgia, the county Probate Court can issue you a one-time one-use permit for a small fee.   However, if you want to buy dynamite in one state and use it in another state you would have to obtain a license from the Explosives Section of the U.S. Treasury Department.   Individuals or companies who use dynamite on a regular basis in Georgia must obtain a yearly permit which is issued by the Safety Fire Section of the state Insurance Commissioner’s Office, 2 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

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I witnessed a meat clerk in a grocery store being instructed by a manager to open, re-wrap, price and date some expired luncheon meat.  Is this legal or safe?

Yes, but only if the luncheon meat was originally cut and wrapped in that grocery store and is still wholesome and fit for human consumption.   On the other hand, it is illegal for grocery stores or any retail food establishments to re-package and re-date a manufacturers’ food product, and offer it for sale.   In case the meat in question was not cut and wrapped in that store you will need to speak with Consumer Protection Office at 800-282-5852 and register a complaint.

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I cannot pass up a good sale.   But I’ve noticed that the aspirin I bought on sale three months ago has developed a strong vinegar odor.   What is causing this odor and do you think I should stop using them?

The odor is caused by acetic acid, which is produced as aspirins gradually break down.   If it is only a slight odor the pills should present no problem.  But, check the expiration date on your aspirin to be sure they are not out dated.   If the date has not expired but the aspirins have a very strong vinegary odor, return them to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

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What should I look for when buying Vidalia® onions?

A fresh Vidalia® onion has a light golden-brown bulb and white interior.   Its shape is rounded on the bottom and somewhat flat on the top or stem end.   Look for firm onions that are not decayed or blemished.   There should be no sprouts attached and the skins should be dry.   The real key to enjoying your Vidalia® onions is storing them properly at home.   They should be kept cool, dry and separate.   You can place them on a screen or wire rack as long as they don’t touch one another.   The storage method most people use is the legs of pantyhose.   The onions are placed individually in the legs and a knot is tied between each onion to keep them separate.

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I have pink azaleas in my front yard and I would like to add about four more pink ones to the side.   How can I be sure that the azaleas I buy will be pink?

If you want to make sure the azaleas you buy are pink, wait until the nursery stock has started to bloom.   There will still be time to plant the flowering shrubs and you’ll know exactly what color you’ve bought.

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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 metro area) or 1-800/282-5852 (state wide).