Alabama Firm Recalls Chicken Products For Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2002--Tyson Foods Inc., a Blountsville, Ala., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,740 pounds of frozen chicken because of undeclared allergens (egg and whey), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

Egg and whey are known allergens. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or whey run the risk of possible allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The products being recalled are 10 lb. cases of "2935'S Marinated with 16.4% With Water, Salt, Phosphates, and Beer Batter." The case label also bears the code "1962BLV01-15."

The product was produced on July 15 and distributed to hotels, restaurants and institutions in Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Washington state.

"FSIS wants consumers who are sensitive to egg or whey to be aware of the recall," said William J. Hudnall, acting FSIS administrator. "Outlets that serve this type of food should check to see if they received any of the recalled product. Consumers who are allergic to egg or whey should not eat this product."

The problem was discovered by Tyson Foods, Inc.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Jody Cheatham, division quality assurance manager, Tyson Foods Inc., at (479) 290-8395. Media with questions may contact Ed Nicholson, public relations, Tyson Foods Inc., at (479) 290-4591.

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

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, trouble breathing, 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.