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California Firm Recalls Beef Products
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WASHINGTON, July 31, 2000--Harris Ranch Beef Co., a Selma, Calif., firm,
is voluntarily recalling approximately 217,000 pounds of fully cooked beef products
because they contain whey, which is undeclared on the label, the U.S. Department of
Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. Whey is a known allergen. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of possible allergic reactions if they consume this product. The product being recalled is 1.75 pound to 2.5 pound random weight vacuum packages of "HARRIS RANCH" brand "BEEF TRI TIP", a fully cooked beef product. The front of each package label bears either "EST. 783" or "EST. 6218" in the USDA seal of inspection and a "FREEZE BY" date of "09 15 00", for Sept. 15, or earlier. The product was distributed to retail stores and wholesalers in Washington state, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, and through Internet sales. "FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Margaret OK. Glavin, associate administrator of FSIS. "Consumers who have concerns about whey should return the products to the point of purchase." No illnesses associated with consumption of the product have been reported to FSIS. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician immediately. The problem was discovered by the company, which informed FSIS. Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Brad Caudill at (800) 742-1955. Media with questions about the recall may contact Brad Caudill or Randy Carson, at (559) 896-3081. Consumers with 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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