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Liz Lapping

Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of possible allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The products being recalled are various size packages of "Carle’s Bratwurst SWEET ITALIAN SAUSAGE" and "Carle’s Bratwurst HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE." Each package label has "EST.18355" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The products were produced from July 1, 2001 to July 24, 2002, and were distributed to one retail store in Ohio, and to Internet customers in California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

"We want consumers who are allergic to eggs to be aware of the recall," said William J. Hudnall, acting FSIS administrator. "People with sensitivities to eggs may wish to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products."

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS sampling.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Carla Koepke, plant manager, Carle’s Bratwurst, Inc., at (419) 562-7741.

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.