Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460
Carol Blake
cell phone (202) 812-2314

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 pork rind products being recalled are 4 oz. packages of: Tropics brand " ‘PHILIPPINE STYLE’ CHICHARON (KAWALI)," "GROUND CHICHARON," and " ‘PHILIPPINE STYLE’ CHICHARON;" Gold Medal brand "GROUND CHICHARON," and " ‘PHILIPPINE STYLE’ CHICHARON;" and Amor Nino Foods Inc. brand " ‘PHILIPPINE STYLE’ CHICHARON KAWALI," regular and vinegar flavors.

Each package bears a six digit code representing the date produced. Codes from "050100" through "063000" representing production dates from May 1 to June 30 and codes from "000701" through "000717" representing production dates from July 1 to July 17 are being recalled. In addition, "EST. 4828" appears in the USDA seal of inspection on each label. The products were distributed for retail sale in California and Hawaii.

"FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator. "Consumers who have concerns about MSG should return the product to the point of purchase."

The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector at the establishment.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Demetrio Manibog, Fil-Am Foods, at (323) 225-6130.

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.