Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs Tommy Irvin, Commissioner Call Consumer Q's Hotline at 1-800- 282-5852 (toll free).

Consumer Alert/Recall: Wal-Mart Recalls General Electric Toasters Due to Fire and Shock Hazards 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: General Electric Toasters; Units: About 210,000; Importer: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. Hazard: An electrical short circuit can occur between the heating element and the bread cage, posing a fire and electrical shock hazard to consumers. Incidents/ Injuries: Wal-Mart has received 140 reports of fires or sparks coming from the toasters or the toasters tripping the circuit breaker in consumers' homes. No injuries have been reported. Description: The recalled toasters have a chrome steel body, a black plastic base and controls with either two or four openings in the top. The GE logo is located on the front of the toasters just above the controls. Model numbers 169115 and 169116 are included in this recall. The model number is printed on the bottom of the toasters. 4-Slice 2-Slice 169115 169116 Sold at: Wal-Mart Stores nationwide from September 2007 through July 2008 for between $17 and $28. Manufactured in: China; Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and return them to any Wal-Mart for a full refund or replacement toaster. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Wal-Mart at (800) 925-6278 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.walmartstores.com.

Q: I'm interested in growing edible sprouts with my kids indoors. Which ones are edible and how should we do it?

A: There are many types of seeds to sprout and eat, so you and your child may want to experiment with different kinds to see which ones you like best. Be sure that the seeds you purchase are specifically intended for this purpose and have not been chemically treated (with a fungicide to prevent rotting at planting time, for instance). Here are some seeds you might want to try sprouting: alfalfa, barley, broccoli, buckwheat, celery, dill, lentil, lettuce, pumpkin, radish, sunflower and wheat.

What is a good method for children to use to sprout seeds? A simple method of seed sprouting that children can enjoy would be: Sprinkle some seeds on a single layer, damp paper towel, fold the paper towel in half, wrap it in plastic so it stays moist, and set it in a warm location (70 degrees F is ideal) out of direct sunlight. Check it every day, and when the seeds sprout (usually within about three days or so) peel them off the towel right away, rinse and eat.

For older children you might want to try this method: To let the sprouts grow larger before you eat them, you will need to use a more elaborate procedure. You could use a commercial seed sprouting kit or simply use a wide-mouthed jar covered with nylon, plastic mesh or cheesecloth held in place with a rubber band. Special screens are also sold, usually in health food stores, to fit standard canning jars. To begin, soak about a tablespoon of seeds in plain water overnight, then pour off the water. Rinse the seeds twice in cool water, draining out the excess through the screen. Repeat the rinsing and draining twice a day, morning and evening, to keep the seeds fresh. Older children can be relied upon to do this, but younger children may need help, especially if the jar is made of glass.

The seeds should sprout in a few days and can remain in the jar for about four more days. Rinse the sprouts daily. Some sprouts are more bitter than others, and children seem to be more sensitive to the bitterness than adults your child may prefer some of the mild-flavored sprouts, such as mung bean and alfalfa. If you grow the sprouts in a bright location, they will be green. When grown in the dark, they are pale and may be less flavorful. Rinse the sprouts well before eating, but you don't need to separate out the hulls. You can store leftovers in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days. Sprouts make great snacks for kids and can even be packed in lunch boxes!

Q: What do your inspectors do when they go into a food establishment?

A: Our inspectors are responsible for enforcing state laws, rules and regulations by conducting sanitation inspection of retail food stores, salvage food operations, mobile meat trucks and rolling stores to insure good manufacturing practices. Various tests are performed during inspection including fat tests to check fat content in ground beef, candling shell eggs for wholesomeness and black light for signs of rodent infestation. We also check scanners and scales to insure accuracy of pricing and weight and also the shelves of retail and wholesale stores for outof date food products.

If you have questions or problems with services or products regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture you may write Consumer Services, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Room 224, Atlanta, Georgia 30334 or toll free at 1-800-282-5852.