Congressional and Public Affairs
Andrea McNally (202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2002—Jimmy Dean Foods Inc., a Newbern, Tenn., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,600 pounds of frozen pork sausage products because they contain undeclared monosodium glutamate (MSG), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods prepared at home, in restaurants, and by food processors. Some persons who have eaten foods containing MSG have reported adverse reactions.

The products being recalled are 12 lb. bulk cases of "Jimmy Dean Maple Flavored PORK SAUSAGE LINKS." The cases each bear a production code "3139-1," "3209-1," "3289-1," or "1120-2," as well as the establishment code "EST. 8080" located inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The products were produced on Dec. 13, 2001, Dec. 20, 2001, Dec. 28, 2001, and Jan. 12, 2002, and distributed to food service establishments in North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, South Carolina, New York, Georgia and Minnesota.

"FSIS wants consumers to be aware of the recall," said Margaret O’K. Glavin, FSIS acting administrator. "Diners who have concerns about MSG may wish to ask if their meals contain the recalled products."

The problem was discovered and reported to FSIS by Jimmy Dean Foods.

Media with questions about the recall may contact Julie Ketay, director of media relations, at (312) 558-8727. Customers with questions about the recall may contact Patty Welsh, customer relations, at (901) 758-6662.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at l-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from l0 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

FSIS requires that labels must be informative, truthful, and accurate.

FSIS is responsible for verifying that labels bear mandatory features and other required information in a conspicuous and legible manner.

FSIS wants to ensure that incorrectly labeled products are kept out of consumers’ hands by identifying and removing them from the marketplace as quickly and efficiently as possible.

FSIS wants consumers to be aware of the possibility of economic adulteration and have sufficient information to identify such mislabeled products and take action.

Class I This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

Class II This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.

Class III This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.