Van's International Foods Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Wheat, Gluten, Milk And Egg In Wheat Free Homestyle Pancakes

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Van's International Foods Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Wheat, Gluten, Milk And Egg In Wheat Free Homestyle Pancakes

Contacts:
(817) 329-3257 (24-hours)
Suzanne Miller,  spm@spmcommunications.com
Alexandra Elliott, alexandra@spmcommunications.com
Tracy Aiello, tracy@spmcommunications.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Vernon, CA -- August 19, 2009 -- Van's International Foods has issued an allergy alert and is voluntarily recalling the following product: 12.4 ounce package of frozen Van's Wheat Free Homestyle Pancakes with the lot number listed below because they contain undeclared wheat, gluten, milk and egg in the product. 
People who have allergies or sensitivities to wheat, gluten, milk or eggs may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The 118 cases of recalled Van's Wheat Free Homestyle Pancakes may have been distributed in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Idaho and Hawaii, through retail outlets that include but may not be limited to Whole Foods, Wegmans, Giant Carlisle, Sprouts and Martins.  The distributors and the retail customers involved have been notified.

The product comes in a 12.4 ounce package which is beige with an orange stripe on the top and a triangular blue gluten-free call out in the upper right-hand corner with the lot number 200060629B1 located on the side flap of the box. The "Best if used by" date is March 30, 2010 also printed on the same flap.

"Our customers have trusted Van's with their special dietary needs for more than 20 years, and their health and safety are our first priority," said CEO of Van's International Foods, Eric Kufel.  "Van's has immediately implemented advanced quality procedures above and beyond what we already have in place to ensure the continued safety of our products."

The voluntary recall was initiated immediately after a packaging operator error, limited to one shift, was discovered. The company has immediately reinforced its Quality Assurance and Packaging procedures and believes that the problem was a one-time incident.  Consumers who are allergic to or have sensitivity to wheat, gluten, milk or eggs, should not consume this product. Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or send the box top with the printed lot number to the address below to receive five free coupons for any Van's waffle, pancake, or French toast stick product 12.4 ounce or smaller.

Van's International Foods, Inc.
Attn: Wheat Free Pancake Product Recall
3285 East Vernon Avenue
Vernon, CA 90058

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (303) 848-6013 or via email at customerservice@vansintl.com .  For more information on this recall, please visit www.vansfoods.com for details.

The Food and Drug Administration has been notified of this voluntary recall.

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