Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460
Andrea McNally

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2002--Willow Brook Foods Inc., doing business as Schweigert, an Albert Lea, Minn., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 59,000 pounds of fresh bratwurst because of an undeclared allergen (hydrolyzed soy protein), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

Soy is a known allergen. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of possible allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The products being recalled are:

• 16-ounce packages of "SCHWEIGERT NATURAL CASING SMOKY CHEDDAR BRAT, SMOKED BRATWURST WITH CHEESE." Each package bears one of the following codes, followed by a two-digit number:
  • "Sell By May 02"
  • "Sell By May 10"
  • "Sell By May 23"
  • "Sell By Jun 20"
  • "Sell By Jul 17"
  • "Sell By Jul 25"
  • "Sell By Jul 26"
  • "Sell By Jul 30"
  • "Sell By Aug 02"
  • "Sell By Aug 10"
  • "Sell By Aug 16"

• 13.3-ounce packages of "SCHWEIGERT NATURAL CASING SMOKY CHEDDAR BRAT, SMOKED BRATWURST WITH CHEESE." Each package bears one of the following codes, followed by a two-digit number:
  • "Sell By May 10"
  • "Sell By July 17"
  • "Sell By July 30"

Each package also bears an establishment code "EST. 2133" located inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The product was produced between Jan. 24 and May 17, and was distributed to retail stores in California, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

"FSIS wants consumers who are sensitive to soy to be aware of the recall," said Linda Swacina, acting FSIS administrator. "Consumers who are allergic to soy should not eat this product but return it to the point of purchase."

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a routine label verification.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Alan T. Tischer, quality services manager, Schweigert, at (507) 377-2526. Media with questions may contact Mike Briggs, president, Willow Brook Foods, at (417) 862-3612.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. 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

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.

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.