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Arkansas Firm Recalls Chicken Products
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| WASHINGTON, March 30, 2001–Simmons Foods, a Van Buren,
Ark., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 5.5 million pounds of
chicken breast strips because they contain undeclared allergens (whey and
egg yolks), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and
Inspection Service announced today.
Whey and egg yolks are known allergens. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to the whey or egg yolks run the risk of possible allergic reactions if they consume this product. The products being recalled are:
All cases bear the plant number "P-20287" inside the USDA seal of inspection. The products were distributed to restaurants and institutions nationwide. "FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Thomas J. Billy, administrator of FSIS. "Consumers who have concerns should return the products to the point of purchase." The problem was discovered by the establishment, which then notified FSIS. 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 Harris, director of quality assurance, Simmons Foods, at (501) 524-8151, ext. 426. Media with questions about the recall may contact Todd Simmons, president, Simmons Foods, at (501) 524-8151, ext. 244. 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. # NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov |
| 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, 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. |
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