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| New Jersey Firm Recalls Meatball Products Due to Undeclared Allergen |
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| Recall Release |
CLASS II RECALL |
| FSIS-RC-008-2006 |
HEALTH RISK: LOW |
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2006 - Unilever United States, Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is voluntarily recalling approximately 560,604 pounds of meatball and pasta products due to an undeclared allergen (egg white lysozyme), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
The product labels do not specifically state that egg white lysozyme, an allergen, is an ingredient.
The following products are subject to recall:
- 24-ounce bags of “BERTOLLI, MEATBALLS POMODORO & PENNE with peppers and onions in a tomato basil sauce, Complete Skillet Meal for Two.” Each label includes the establishment number, “EST. 21340” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each label also includes one of the following best if used by dates: “SEP 14 06,” “DEC 01 06,” “DEC 16 06,” DEC 23 06,” “JAN 04
07,” “FEB 03 07” or “FEB 15 07.” (View Label; PDF only)
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FOOD ALLERGIES
Consumers who have a food allergy, or severe food sensitivity, should always read ingredient labels. In restaurants, they should ask whether an allergy-causing ingredient is in the food.
A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a certain food, usually within minutes after the food has been consumed.
Symptoms may include throat swelling, breathing trouble or a rash.
Strictly avoiding the allergy-causing food is the only absolute way to avoid a reaction.
Several foods account for 90% of allergic reactions. They include peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.
Persons who have a severe, life-threatening food allergy should always carry, and know how to administer, prescription epinephrine.
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The products were produced on various dates in September 2005, December 2005, January 2006 and February 2006 and sold to retail establishments nationwide.
National Custom Packaging, Inc., a Castroville, Calif., establishment (Est. 21340) serves as the co-packer for Unilever United States, Inc.’s Bertolli brand products and packaged these products subject to recall.
The problem was discovered by a supplier who then notified the company. FSIS has had no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.
Consumers with questions about the recall should call the Bertolli toll-free recall hotline at (866) 837-7592. Media with questions about the recall should call Unilever United States, Inc., Associate Manager of Communications Sabrina Glavin at (877) 995-4483.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888) 674-6854. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
"Ask Karen" is the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day to answer your
questions at
https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090117213314/http://www.fsis.usda.gov/
Food_Safety_Education/Ask_Karen/index.asp#Question.
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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov
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Last Modified:
March 7, 2006 |
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USDA Recall Classifications
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| Class I |
This is a health hazard situation
where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
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| Class II |
This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
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| Class III |
This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.
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