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Consumer Q's for September 20. 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:  'Dole Hearts Delight' Packaged Salads Recalled

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is advising consumers to check their refrigerators for certain Dole salad products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. 

Dole Fresh Vegetables, a division of Dole Food Company, Inc., today announced that it is voluntarily recalling all salad bearing the label "Dole Hearts Delight" sold in the U.S. and Canada with a "best if used by (BIUB)" date of September 19, 2007, and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B" stamped on the package.  The "best if use by (BIUB)" code date can be located in the upper right hand corner of the front of the bag.  The salad was sold in plastic bags of 227 grams in Canada and one-half pound in the U.S., with UPC code 071430-01038.

The recall is occurring because a sample in a grocery store in Canada was found through random screening to contain E. coli O157:H7.  No other Dole salad products are involved.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly strain of bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible.

Consumers who may still have any of the "Dole Hearts Delight" salads with a "best if used by date" of September 19 and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B" should dispose of the product. This product was sold in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces in Canada and in Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and neighboring states in the U.S.  Consumers can call the Dole Consumer Center toll-free at 800-356-3111.

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I have a large eucalyptus tree in my yard that needs to be pruned.  I would like to know how to preserve the cuttings and keep them supple.

The best method for drying eucalyptus tree cuttings is to use glycerin, which is available at drug stores.   Glycerin will not preserve the green color, but the foliage will retain its soft, pliable feel and can be painted or used naturally in arrangements.  Foliage preserved with glycerin can be wiped or cleaned and last indefinitely.   For detailed instructions please contact our office of consumer services at 404-656-3645 or 1-800-282-5852 (inside Georgia).  In our climate, it is best to prune eucalyptus in spring or summer.

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My mums are so bushy can I divide them?  When is the best time to do this, and how is it done?

Chrysanthemums should be divided in the early spring, as soon as new shoots appear. Each new shoot, with roots attached, will become a brand new plant.  Dig them up and cut the rootmass into sections, each with a single green shoot.   By the end of the summer the new plants have grown many new stems, which can be divided the following spring.

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 I would like to register a brand.  What is the procedure?  Is there a cost?

You will need to contact our office of Animal Health and provide them with your name and address.  They will research the brand you submit to ensure that it has not already been registered.  There is no charge for this service from our agency; however, you will have to also file this brand with your county where there is usually a filing fee to the probate judge.

Our office of Animal Health can be reached locally at 404/565-3667 or if you are outside of the Atlanta metropolitan area please use our toll free number listed below.

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Now is the perfect time to evaluate your landscape and make your fall planting list. Include several types of trees that bloom at different times. Here is a list of a few, small, flowering trees for our region, in approximate order of bloom, from early spring through summer into fall and even winter.

Redbud.  Masses of blooms along the branches of redbud (Cercis canadensis) are a sure sign that spring has arrived.  The flowers appear before the leaves, so there's nothing to hide their splendor.  Once the flowers fade, the vase-shaped tree takes on its summertime mantle of deep green, heart-shaped leaves.  USDA Zones 4-9.
Purple-leaf plum.  Gorgeous, pale pink spring flowers and attractive reddish purple foliage make purple-leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea') a standout. Reaching a height of up to 25 feet, it forms a striking focal point for island beds.  Note that like most fruit trees, it is susceptible to a number of diseases and insect pests that can make the tree relatively short-lived.  However, some gardeners report great success so it may be worth the risk. 
Japanese cherry.  Known for its abundant spring flower show, Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata) grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet with a slightly narrower spread.  'Kwanzan' is a popular variety and produces large, rose-pink, pendant clusters of blooms.
Dogwood.  The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a spectacular tree, in recent years it has suffered setbacks from anthracnose disease, but in the right setting -- moist, acidic soil in light shade -- it should thrive.  Another choice is the Kousa dogwood(C. kousa).

If you are not sure of your zone, contact the office of Consumer Services for assistance.

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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 224, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, or call (404)656-3645 (Atlanta metro area) or toll free, (1-800) 282-5852 (statewide).