Q I bought a package of donuts that lists “partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oil.” Yet the box also lists zero grams of trans fat. How is this possible?

—K. Tubbesing, Shawnee, KS

Good catch! The label says zero trans fat because the amount falls below the minimum labeling requirement of 0.5 gram per serving, says Linda Greene, an expert tester in our food and sensory sciences department. The only way to avoid all trans fat is to look at the ingredients as you did. If you see partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, or shortening, the product contains at least some trans fat.

Q I asked a store salesman why some sites offered much lower prices on a Sony TV. He said they’re “gray market” TVs, and if I had a problem with one Sony would not honor the warranty. Is this true?

—Roger Scott, Reading, PA

“Gray market” means the TV is sold by an unauthorized retailer. We don’t recommend these TVs because the warranty will probably be void, says James K.Willcox, one of our electronics editors. You may have a hard time just getting it serviced. Avoid gray-market goods by sticking with reputable retailers on- or offline, and make sure the warranty is issued by the manufacturer. Also, the manual, instructions, and packaging should be in English; if they aren’t, the TV might be a gray-market product.

Q Recently my doctor moved away. A letter from his health group stated that my records would be kept for five years and that I could pay for copies. Is this normal? Aren’t they my records?

—Shelley Anderson, South Bend, IN

Yes, they’re your records, but the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act allows health-care providers to charge a “reasonable, cost-based fee” for copying and mailing them to you, according to Ronni Sandroff, editor of the Consumer Reports on Health newsletter.

Q I have three cats and a lot of airborne fur. Can an air filter capture the fur?

—Nandi Brown, Oakland, CA

Sorry, but no. Fur gets airborne when you disturb the surface it’s on--by, say, walking through a room or sitting in a chair. But it doesn’t stay in the air for long. It quickly settles back on the floor or furniture, which is why air filters really aren’t effective, says Deborah Wallace, who tests air filters and home appliances. If you want to de-fur your home, keep dusting and vacuuming--and see page 13 for a great new product that captures the fur before it flies off your cat.

Q I’m facing daunting credit-card debt and I’m searching for a reputable nonprofit credit-counseling service for help, but I’m unsure which ones actually achieve positive results without charging inordinate fees.

—J. Davis, Chapel Hill, NC

Look for a local service that lets you talk to someone face-to-face, at least initially, says Marlys Harris, editor of the Consumer Reports Money Adviser newsletter. Stay away from firms that advertise on TV or online offering to cut your debts but serve you only by phone or e-mail. Several such companies in recent years have charged clients big fees or kept the first month’s payment for themselves. If your debts aren’t enormous, a counselor can give you tips for cutting expenses, explore a plan that allows you to consolidate your bills into one monthly payment, and help negotiate lower interst rates. If the counselor believes there’s no way you’ll be able to repay your debts, you may have no choice but to file for bankruptcy.