Arkansas Firm Recalls Frozen Beef Products Because Of Incorrect Ingredient Label

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2002—Famous Chili Inc., a Fort Smith, Ark., firm, is voluntarily recalling an undetermined amount of frozen beef products that contain an undeclared ingredient, 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 products being recalled are packaged in 12-lb. cases, each containing four 3-lb. bags. They are:

• "Tankersley, Tasty Brand, Food Service, TACO FILLING WITH BEEF & TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN, EXCELLENT FILLING FOR TACOS, BURRITOS, TACO SALADS, AND ENCHILADAS."

• "Famous Brand, Established in 1935, TACO FILLING WITH BEEF AND TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN, EXCELLENT FILLING FOR TACOS, BURRITOS AND ENCHILLADAS."

• "Quality Foods Inc., TACO FILLING, WITH BEEF AND TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN."

Each case bears the establishment code "EST. 10647" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The product was produced between Oct. 1, 2000, and Nov. 19, 2002, and distributed to hotels, restaurants and institutions in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"FSIS wants consumers to be aware of the recall," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator. "Diners who have concerns about MSG may want to ask if their meals contain the recalled products."

The problem was discovered through FSIS inspection.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact David P. Korkames, Owner, at (479) 782-0096.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at l-800-535-4555. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and 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 AND LABELS

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-800-535-4555 or visit 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.