Consumers get answers from Georgia Dept. of Agriculture

2009-09-03 / Editorial Page

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 Recall: Kroger Recalls Super Kids Enriched White Sandwich Bread. The Kroger Co. is recalling its Super Kids Enriched White Sandwich Bread sold in 13 states because it may contain milk not listed on the label. Customers should return the product to stores for a refund or replacement. People who are allergic to milk could have a serious or lifethreatening reaction if they consume this product. For consumers who are not allergic to milk, there is no safety issue with the product.

Kroger is recalling the following item: Kroger Super Kids Enriched White Sandwich Bread sold in 20- ounce packages with the following UPC number: 1111000831 that list various "Best If Used By" dates.

Kroger stores in the following states are included in this recall: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The recall also includes Jay C Food stores in Indiana and Food 4 Less stores in Illinois and Indiana. Other stores Kroger operates under different banner names are not included in this recall. Consumers who have questions about the recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900. For more information, please visit www.kroger.com/recalls.

"Georgia Department of Agriculture sanitarians will check store shelves as part of their routine inspections to make the recalled product is removed from sale," said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin.

Q: I would like to set up a grill and sell hot dogs and hamburgers on the parking lot of a gas station. Do I need to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture?

A: No. You should contact the county health department in the county where the station is located. They will provide you with the needed information and documentation.

Q: I have a small horse stable. How do I know if I need a license?

A: The Animal Protection Act requires all stables that charge a fee for boarding, holding, training, breeding, riding, pulling vehicles, or similar purposes to be licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. All equine at these facilities must be provided with adequate food, water, and shelter. Stable owners must maintain records of current, negative Equine Infectious Anemia tests, purchases and sales. If you have additional questions please contact our Equine Division at 1/800-282- 5852 and ask for extension 3713.

Q: My rose leaves suddenly look as if somebody has burned them on the bottom. What causes this, and is there anything I can do?

A: This is probably a spider mite problem. Mites suck the sap from leaves, causing the burned look. You can try washing them off with water twice a week. If this doesn't work, it would be our suggestion that you contact your county Extension agent for assistance.

Q: How do I obtain a private pesticide applicator license?

A: The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service provides the training exercise necessary to obtain a private applicator license. You may arrange for this training to be provided to you by contacting the county Extension agent in your county. After you participate in the training session, your Extension agent will send the necessary documentation to the Georgia Department of Agriculture Pesticide Division for processing, and your license will be printed and mailed to you. This process may take three to four weeks to complete, but if you need to purchase or use a restricted use pesticide immediately, a temporary license number can be assigned to you. Just ask the county agent to call the Georgia Department of Agriculture Pesticide Division at (404) 656-4958 to obtain a temporary license number immediately upon your completion of the training exercise. This will allow you to purchase and use restricted use pesticides on your property or the property of your employer until your official private applicator license arrives in the mail.

Q: I heard about "toxic molds" that grow in homes and other buildings. Should I be concerned about a serious health risk to me and my family?

A: The term "toxic mold" is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There is always a little mold everywhere, in the air and on many surfaces. There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven. A common-sense approach should be used for any mold contamination existing inside buildings and homes. The common health concerns from molds include hay fever-like allergic symptoms. Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression may be at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment. For the most part, one should take routine measures to prevent mold growth in the home.

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 1-800-282-5852 (state wide).

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