Consumer Confidential: Gas prices, the Gap and salad safety

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It’s Monday. Here’s your blog-o-riffic roundup of consumer news from around the Web:

--The average price of gas fell nationwide by 7 cents over the last two weeks to $2.52. The peak driving season is over, so this isn’t surprising. But I’m still thinking oil (and hence gas) is going to head north as the economy gradually recovers.

--Consumers Union is voicing opposition to a proposed salad safety agreement between farmers and federal regulators. The watchdog group says the pact may be well-intended, but it amounts to industry self-regulation. And look where that got us on Wall Street.

--Is exercise bad for you? Not exactly. But some experts say baby boomers are overdoing it in the gym in their efforts to stay eternally young (or young-looking at least). That explains this sore shoulder that’s been bugging me for weeks ...

--Donald Fisher, co-founder of Gap Inc., has died after a long battle with cancer. I’ve carped about Gap’s misguided efforts to reinvent itself as a younger, prettier retailer over the years. But due props to Fisher, who helped pioneer the casual clothing market (especially for guys) and will live forever in the form of khaki-clad casual Fridays.

-- David Lazarus