WASHINGTON, June 4, 2002--Willow Brook Foods
Inc., doing business as Schweigert, an Albert Lea, Minn., establishment, is
voluntarily recalling approximately 59,000 pounds of fresh bratwurst because
of an undeclared allergen (hydrolyzed soy protein), the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
Soy is a known allergen. Persons who have an
allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of possible allergic
reactions if they consume this product.
The products being recalled are:
- 16-ounce packages of "SCHWEIGERT NATURAL CASING SMOKY CHEDDAR BRAT,
SMOKED BRATWURST WITH CHEESE." Each package bears one of the following
codes, followed by a two-digit number:
- "Sell By May 02"
- "Sell By May 10"
- "Sell By May 23"
- "Sell By Jun 20"
- "Sell By Jul 17"
- "Sell By Jul 25"
- "Sell By Jul 26"
- "Sell By Jul 30"
- "Sell By Aug 02"
- "Sell By Aug 10"
- "Sell By Aug 16"
- 13.3-ounce packages of "SCHWEIGERT NATURAL CASING SMOKY CHEDDAR BRAT,
SMOKED BRATWURST WITH CHEESE." Each package bears one of the following
codes, followed by a two-digit number:
- "Sell By May 10"
- "Sell By July 17"
- "Sell By July 30"
Each package also bears an establishment code
"EST. 2133" located inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The product was produced between Jan. 24 and May
17, and was distributed to retail stores in California, Iowa, Kansas,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South
Dakota and Wisconsin.
"FSIS wants consumers who are sensitive to soy to
be aware of the recall," said Linda Swacina, acting FSIS administrator.
"Consumers who are allergic to soy should not eat this product but return it
to the point of purchase."
The problem was discovered by FSIS during a
routine label verification.
Consumers with questions about the recall may
contact Alan T. Tischer, quality services manager, Schweigert, at (507)
377-2526. Media with questions may contact Mike Briggs, president, Willow
Brook Foods, at (417) 862-3612.
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 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. |