New Jersey Firm Recalls Meatball Products due to Undeclared Allergen

Date of Recall

2006-03-07

Recall Details

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2006 - Unilever United States, Inc., of Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is voluntarily recalling approximately 560,604 pounds of meatball and pasta products due to an undeclared allergen (egg white lysozyme), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The product labels do not specifically state that egg white lysozyme, an allergen, is an ingredient.

The following products are subject to recall:

• 24-ounce bags of “BERTOLLI, MEATBALLS POMODORO & PENNE with peppers and onions in a tomato basil sauce, Complete Skillet Meal for Two.” Each label includes the establishment number, “EST. 21340” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each label also includes one of the following best if used by dates: “SEP 14 06,” “DEC 01 06,” “DEC 16 06,” DEC 23 06,” “JAN 04 07,” “FEB 03 07” or “FEB 15 07.”

	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, breathing trouble 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.

The products were produced on various dates in September 2005, December 2005, January 2006 and February 2006 and sold to retail establishments nationwide.

National Custom Packaging, Inc., a Castroville, Calif., establishment (Est. 21340) serves as the co-packer for Unilever United States, Inc.’s Bertolli brand products and packaged these products subject to recall.

The problem was discovered by a supplier who then notified the company. FSIS has had no reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.

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