California Firm Recalls Chicken Tacos For Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2002--Sierra Madre Foods Inc., a Monterey Park, Calif., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,400 pounds of chicken tacos that contain an undeclared allergen (milk), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products being recalled are approximately 9-ounce packages of "TRADER JOE'S LOW FAT SOFT CHICKEN TACOS," bearing sell-by dates between "SELL BY 102802" and "SELL BY 110902." Each package also bears the establishment code "P-6009" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The product was produced between Oct. 14 and Oct. 28, and was distributed to retail stores in California.

"We urge consumers who are allergic to milk to check their refrigerators and freezers," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator. "If they find any of the products listed above, consumers who are allergic should not eat this product, but return it to the point of purchase."

The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Walt Boudreaux, marketing director, at (323) 268-2791. Media with questions may contact John Martinez, plant manager, at (626) 289-5054.

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, 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.