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: Children's Necklaces, CD and MP3 Players Sold at Limited Too and Justice Stores Recalled by Tween Brands Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard 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 Products: Children's Ball and Heart Necklaces, Portable CD and MP3 Players; Units: About 12,000; Importer: Tween Brands Inc., of New Albany, Ohio; Hazard: Surface coatings on these products could contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Incidents/ Injuries: None reported. Description: This recall involves a Ball and Heart Necklace with pink beads of varying sizes and a pink heart located in the center; a Portable CD Player with flowers and dots available in blue and pink; a pink MP3 Player with purple, green, blue, yellow, and red hearts; and a light blue MP3 Player with a picture of a monkey's face on the front. Sold at: Limited Too and Justice retail stores nationwide, the Limited Too catazine (catalog), and on www.limitedtoo.com from May 2007 through August 2008. The Ball and Heart Necklace sold for about $8, the Portable CD Players sold for about $25, and the MP3 Players sold for about $55. Manufactured in: China; Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled products away from children and return them to any Limited Too or Justice store for a full refund and a coupon for a 15% discount off a future purchase. Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Tween Brands at (800) 934-4497 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web sites at www.limitedtoo.com or www.shop justice.com

Q: Do I need to use a food thermometer when I prepare precooked frozen foods?

A: Yes. You are helping to keep your children healthy. Children under the age of ten are in the high risk group for getting a foodborne illness. By using a food thermometer you are ensuring the food product has reached an internal temperature high enough to destroy foodborne pathogens, thus reducing your chances of acquiring a foodborne illness. The overall quality of the product can be enhanced. By using a food thermometer foods will not be overcooked and will taste better. Many individuals underestimate the importance of using a food thermometer, especially with small meat products. Most individuals associate using a food thermometer with larger meats, such as turkeys or roasts. The processors of raw, frozen breaded chicken entrees put the statement-Uncooked: for food safety, cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F measured by a meat thermometer-on their product's packaging for a reason. What many don't realize about breaded chicken products is that the breading alters the consistency of the product which could cause uneven cooking. And uneven cooking can lead to foodborne illness. Next time you are preparing a small meat product, such as a frozen chicken entrée, make sure to use a food thermometer, so your family does not wind up with salmonella.

Q: I live in southern Georgia, and would like to have a tree that either flowers bright blooms or has bright colored leaves. I have morning sun and evening shade.

A: How about one that has both? Flowering plums (Prunus cerasifera - Newport or Pissard Plums) bloom in early spring with white petals and maroon centers, have deep maroon leaves and bark. Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) has beautiful yellow flowers in spring, followed by vivid yellow, papery fruit. The leaves are pale green and airy. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is another to consider, since it blooms most of the summer, and is available in a wide array of bloom color. All three mentioned grow to around 20' tall.

Q: I am trying to start a window box container. I live in middle Georgia and the flowers would be in partial sun/shade. Any suggestions for flowers that would be easy to start and take care of?

A: I am assuming you want annuals? I will stick with shorter varieties (not exceeding 12-18" in height). Try some of these: Dwarf Border Mix Aster, Alyssum, Begonia, Browallia, Campanula, Candytuft, Dusty Miller, Forget Me Not, Gazania, Heliotrope, Hypoestes, Impatiens, Lobelia, Nolana, Torenia, Viola. If you are interested in these try your local nurseries.

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 call toll free at 1-800-282-5852.