WASHINGTON, May 16, 2001 -- Rymer Meat, Inc., a Chicago,
Ill. firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 78,000 pounds of frozen pork loin chops because they contain undeclared allergens (corn flour, corn starch, eggs,
non-fat milk) and an undeclared ingredient (monosodium glutamate or MSG), the U.S.
Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
Corn flour, corn starch, eggs, and non-fat milk are each known
allergens. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to any of these items run the
risk of possible allergic reactions if they consume this product.
MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods prepared at home, in
restaurants, and by food processors. Some people who have eaten foods containing MSG have
reported adverse reactions.
The product being recalled is 30 pound cases of "DAR FOODS RAW BREADED BONE IN
PORK LOIN CHOP." Each package bears the establishment number "6972" inside
the USDA seal of inspection.
Product production dates and corresponding lot codes are as follows:
Production Date
Lot
Code
Jan. 24, 2001
0223106-11
Jan. 26, 2001
0225106-09
Feb. 19, 2001
0501116-23
Feb. 20, 2001
0502116-23
Mar. 5, 2001
0641116
Mar. 12, 2001
0711123
Mar. 15, 2001
0714116-23
April 6, 2001
0925106-09
April 11, 2001
0993109-12
April 30, 2001
1201116-20
The product was distributed to food service establishments in Florida, Georgia, and
Virginia.
"FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe,
wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Thomas J.
Billy, FSIS administrator. "Purchasers or consumers of
pork loin chops may wish to ask restaurants or establishments where they consume pork loin
chops if the product or meal contains the recalled product."
The problem was discovered through routine FSIS inspection.
FSIS is not aware of any illnesses associated with consumption
of the product. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately.
Consumers with questions about the recall may contact David Friedman, Rymers vice
president of research and development, at (773) 650-0558. Media with questions may contact
Paul Conti, Rymers chief executive officer, at (773) 650-0505.
Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and
Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Eastern Time), Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24
hours a day.
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