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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
| CLASS II
RECALL HEALTH RISK: LOW |
Congressional
and Public Affairs |
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2000--Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd., a Portsmouth, Va., company, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,500 pounds of franks that were incorrectly labeled as beef instead of chicken and pork franks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service today announced.
The product being recalled is labeled as 16 ounce packages of "Finast beef franks," which contain only eight franks per package. Each package label bears "4341" in the USDA seal of inspection, and has a package code of 18JAJ and a use-by date of May 8. The product was produced Feb. 28, and distributed to grocery stores in Md., Va., W.Va., and Pa.
"FSIS’ role is to ensure that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Margaret Glavin, acting administrator of FSIS. "Since these products are inaccurately labeled, we urge consumers to return the product to the point of purchase."
The problem was discovered after grocery store staff noticed packages contained only eight franks per package rather than the 10 normally contained in beef frank packages.
Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Ford Rowan, consultant to Gwaltney of Smithfield, tel. (202) 585-2145.
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.
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NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov
USDA RECALL CLASSIFICATIONS 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. |
For Further Information, Contact:
Consumers: Meat and Poultry Hotline, 1-800-535-4555 (voice); 1-800-256-7072 (TTY)
Media: (202) 720-9113
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