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: Kayak Paddle Floats recalled by NRS due to drowning hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announces a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: NRS (Northwest River Supplies) Sea Kayak Paddle Floats; Units: About 1,000; Distributor: NRS, of Moscow, Idaho; Hazard: The plastic tubes used to inflate the paddle float could break and deflate, posing a drowning hazard to consumers; Incidents/Injuries: NRS has received five reports of paddle floats breaking and deflating. No injuries have been reported; Description: The NRS Sea Kayak Paddle Float is an inflatable device that is attached to one side of the paddle to help the kayaker re-enter the kayak in open water. The paddle float is yellow and black and measures 15" wide by 28" long, before inflation. The NRS logo is on one side. This recall involves those paddle floats with inflation tubes that are clear or translucent. Paddle floats with black tubes are not included; Sold at: NRS stores nationwide and NRS catalogs from July 2006 through March 2007 for about $40; Manufactured in: China; Remedy: consumers should stop using the models. NRS will provide a free replacement paddle float for consumers with recalled units; Consumer contact: For more information, consumers should call NRS toll-free at 877-677-4327 between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.nrsweb.com.

Q: What is the most effective termite control for Georgia?

A: The Georgia Department of Agriculture does not provide specific recommendations on which termite control products or systems to use. Any of the currently registered termiticides should provide at least five (5) years of control when used consistent with the products label directions and in compliance with state established treatment standards. Similarly, all of the termiticides used in termite baiting systems have efficacy data to support their use. There is no one product or system that is best for every situation. However, you may wish to look at a comparison between liquid termicides and termite baiting systems on the Department's website at www.agr.state.ga.us - keyword: Termites.

Further, you may arrange for a department inspector to check the treatment you have received to ensure compliance with label directions and state standards by downloading a "Request for Inspection" form from the same website.

Q: What vegetables and fruits are good sources of Vitamin A?

A: Chili peppers, winter squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, collard, mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, and tomatoes. Apricots (dried or canned), apricot nectar, cantaloupe, papaya, mango, peach, mandarin oranges, nectarine, prunes, tangerine and plantain. All are an excellent source of Vitamin A.

Q: I am looking for a way to increase fiber in my diet. Do you have any tips?

A: Yes. 1) Choose whole grain instead of refined products. For example, use whole wheat flour, brown rice, oatmeal, whole cornmeal and barley. 2) Whole wheat flour can usually be substituted for up to 1/2 cup of the white flour in recipes. For example, if a recipe calls for two (2) cups of flour, try one (1) cup of white and one (1) cup of whole wheat flour. 3) Add fruits to muffins, pancakes, salads and desserts. Add vegetables to casseroles and salads. 4) Add grated or mashed vegetables or fruits to sauces or baked goods. For example, you can add grated carrots to spaghetti sauce and meat loaf.

Q: I am trying to find a less expensive way to remove tarnish from my copper and brass pots.

A: To remove tarnish from copper or brass, mix equal amounts of salt, vinegar and flour. Apply the paste with a damp sponge, until the metal is shiny. Rinse and gently dry.

Q: How much calcium is there in low fat yogurt?

A: One cup of low fat yogurt contains 415 milligrams of calcium.

Q: What are some ways I can decrease the amount of sugar I ingest?

A: .. Try using one-quarter (1/4) to one-third (1/3) less sugar in baked goods and desserts.* For example, if a fruit pie recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, use two-thirds (2/3) or threequarters (3/4) cup sugar. This works best with quick breads, cookies, pie fillings, custard, puddings and fruit crisps. It may not work for some cakes. Do not decrease the small amount of sugar in plain yeast breads because it provides food for the yeast and helps the bread rise.

.. You do not have to add sugar when canning or freezing fruits or you can buy unsweetened frozen fruit or fruit canned in its own juice or water.

.. Increase the amount of cinnamon or vanilla in a recipe to make it seem sweeter. *

* Do not do this if sugar in the recipe has already been reduced.