Overbooked flights and rising gas prices: CBC's Marketplace consumer cheat sheet

Miss something this week? Here's the consumer news you need to know.

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The weather is nice; the gas prices are not

The first sign of spring: green grass poking through melting snow? Tiny birds in the budding trees? Nope. Rising gas prices. Blame warmer weather and a weak loonie, but the national average has jumped 20 per cent from a year ago, and it could go even higher. Might be time to skip the road trip and break out the bike instead.

What gets you bumped from a flight

That United Airlines video that we can't unsee isn't the only bumping story this week. These friends and this couple didn't even make it on the plane for their dream vacations. The Canadian government says a passenger bill of rights is in the works. In the meantime, this is why airlines are allowed to bump and what you can do about it. (Hint: Not a lot.)

This week in recalls

Don't lick the spoon: More brands of flour have been recalled over E. coli risk. Also, check your fridge/freezer for this soy yogurt and these sundaes. Don't put them down this garbage disposal, though — it may come apart when you use it. Also on the recall list: this henna, these Teavana tumblers and this blow-dry lotion.

Put down that doughnut?

Canada may be inching closer to banning artificial trans fats (the partially hydrogenated oils that extend the shelf life of some foods and may reduce the shelf life of those who eat them.) New York banned the artery-cloggers back in 2007. And it worked: Researchers say it may account for hundreds fewer heart attacks and strokes in the state.

In other news…

Turns out, it's even easier for hackers to get into your phone than you might think.

Forget the secret blend of herbs and spices: KFC announced it's ditching chicken raised with human antibiotics.

Food fraud detectives say that something smells bad about garlic powder. 

This insurance rule can be a problem, especially for victims of domestic violence.

The word on weed

It's official. The government has tabled new legislation to make marijuana legal to buy by next summer. Read about what that means or watch the video.