Thursday, April 30, 2009
Some of you may have heard this one already, but it's worth repeating. Apparently some Target stores are selling Buzzy brand flower seeds in their "dollar section" -- this item has a very, very tiny peanut/tree nut shell allergy warning on the label. The seeds come in a small burlap sack with a label on the front identifying them as Buzzy brand. With nut allergies on the rise and in the news almost constantly, why any company would use nut shells as filler in gardening gear is beyond me. Unfortunately, they're not alone. Scotch Brite scouring brands even have an item that contains walnut shells as a mild abrasive. And likely many more products use nut shells--not just cosmetic facial scrubs. We've got to be on the lookout for all products we bring into the house and near our allergic kids.
Reactions to the Buzzy product have been reported, none fatal, thank goodness but imagine the possibilities. Nut shells are highly allergenic so please, as you go about buying your gardening items this season, check the labels and ask questions. Currently, non-food items do NOT require allergy labels, so you may have to call companies and ask questions depending on what products you plan to use.
One of the complaints about the Buzzy seeds is that the allergy warning was in such fine print that it was hard to read. If you ever find that situation, it's worth a call, e-mail to the manufacturer. And of course, if you or your child reacts to a product like this, please report it!
Sorry to rain on your gardening parade, but we've got to read every label, every time. No wonder my eye doctor says I'll soon need "bi-focal" glasses and contacts!