Michigan Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Because Of Undeclared Allergen

WASHINGTON, July 13—Academy Packing Company, Inc., a Dearborn, Mich., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 29,000 pounds of fresh and frozen ground beef products because they contain an undeclared allergen (soy), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

Product labels do not reflect that the ground beef products were made with soy, which is a known allergen. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of possible serious allergic reactions if they consume the product.

The products being recalled are:

• "MR. MEAT" brand "MEAT BALLS HAMBURGER" in 10 lb. cases
• "MR. MEAT" brand "MEAT BALLS GROUND BEEF" in 10 lb. cases
• "MR. MEAT" brand "HAMBURGER" in 20 lb. cases
• "MR. MEAT" brand "GROUND BEEF" in 5, 6, 7.5, 10, and 20 lb. cases

Each case bears a date code ranging from "0615" to "0713," and "EST. 2559" appears on the label inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The products were produced between June 15 and July 13, and distributed to restaurants and institutions in the Detroit, Mich., area.

"Consumers may wish to ask at restaurants or places where they consume ground beef if the product or meal contains the recalled product," said Margaret Glavin, FSIS associate administrator.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological testing. FSIS is not aware of any illnesses associated with consumption of the products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Mark Polk, manager, Academy Packing Company, Inc., at (313) 841-4900.

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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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.