Congressional and Public Affairs
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Matt Baun

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2004—Seneca Foods Corporation, a Payette, Idaho, firm is voluntarily recalling approximately 7,250 pounds of beef chili because of undeclared allergens (wheat and soy), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products being recalled are 6-pound, 12-ounce cans of "CIMMARON, PREMIUM, BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS." Each can also bears one of the following codes, "K3ED041" or "K3ED042." Under this code is the number "73661."

The cans also bear the establishment number "EST. 6166" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The chili was produced on Nov. 4, 2003 and shipped to to restaurants and wholesale distributors in California, Oregon and Washington.

Consumers who are allergic to wheat or soy should not eat this product. FSIS has received no reports of allergic reactions associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.

The problem was discovered by the company.

Media with questions about the recall should contact Phil Paras, company chief financial officer, at (315) 926-8121. Consumers may contact Vince Lammers, company vice president, at (315) 926-3314.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline. 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

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHotline or visit 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, 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.

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.