Gadzillions of hours have been wasted trying to untie twist ties securing bags of bakery goods, produce and bulk foods.

We all know the frustration of discovering we are unknowingly tieing--rather than untieing--those wily wire strands.

Hey, twist ties are great for securing garbage bags, rose stems and berry vines. But those are one-time uses, unlike the repeated openings and closings of bread bags.

Elected officials ought to hold hearings, gather evidence, propose legislation and restrict the use of twist ties.

Or consumers ought to buy only bakery goods, produce and bulk foods secured with those user-friendly plastic folding tabs that snap on and off easily.

Strangle twist ties.(1 OCTOBER 2000)

E-mail: higgens@aol.com