Tennessee Firm Recalls Turkey Patties Due To Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2003--Advance Food Company, a Caryville, Tenn., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 10,400 pounds of frozen turkey patties that contain an undeclared allergen (wheat flour), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products being recalled are 30-lb. cases of "GoodSource Pre-Cooked Turkey Breakfast Patties, Caramel Color Added" bearing a product code of "1460-1030" and an establishment code of "P2260T" inside the USDA seal of inspection. Each case also bears one of the following date codes:

• "H02031240T2"
• "H02031115TS"
• "H02030815T2"
• "H02031330T2"
• "H02030855T2"
• "H02030950T2"
• "H02030730T2"
• "H02031050T2"
• "H02031140T2"
• "H02031020T2"
• "H02031605T2"
• "H02031805T2"
• "H02031715T2"

The product was produced on March 20 and was distributed to correctional facilities in California, Florida, South Carolina and Texas.

The problem was discovered by the company, which notified FSIS.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Brian Haydon, vice president, Advance Food Company, at (580) 213-4431.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov

FOOD ALLERGIES

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-800-535-4555 or visit www.fsis.usda.gov

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.