Congressional and Public Affairs
Andrea McNally (202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2001—Jimmy Peccis Taste of Italy, a Tinton Falls, N.J., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,400 pounds of fresh Italian sausage products because they contain undeclared ingredients, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

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 product subject to recall is "BOVA ITALIAN SAUSAGE" packaged in 10 lb. cases. Each case bears the establishment code "EST. 21233" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The product was produced on Oct. 1, Oct. 15, and Oct. 29. The product was distributed to institutions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

"FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Maggie O’K. Glavin, FSIS acting administrator. "Consumers who have concerns about MSG should return the product to the point of purchase."

The problem was discovered by an FSIS compliance officer.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Michael Perrone, co-owner, Taste of Italy, at (732) 922-0577.

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.

#

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.