Eckrich Fat Free Bologna Recalled for Unlabeled Milk Protein, 8/1/97

WASHINGTON, August 1, 1997--The Eckrich Foods Company, a Downers Groves, Ill., meat processing firm, is voluntarily recalling about 2,000 pounds of its fat free sliced bologna that may contain milk protein not listed on the ingredient statement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today. Milk protein can cause serious reactions in persons allergic to milk products.

All 12-ounce packages of "Eckrich Fat Free Bologna, Made with Turkey, Pork, and Beef," with a sell by code of "SEP05HA" or "SEP05HAO" printed on the edge of the package are being recalled. "Est. P-8908" appears inside the USDA inspection seal on the label. No other product is affected by the recall.

The product was distributed to retail food stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.

"Because of the potential hazard to persons allergic to milk products, we urge consumers sensitive to milk products to avoid tasting or eating the recalled product," said Thomas J. Billy, administrator of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. "We urge consumers sensitive to milk products who may have purchased the suspect product to return it to the place of purchase," Billy said.

USDA learned of the problem from the company after it received a number of consumer complaints about a labeling discrepancy. The company then found that the labeling error resulted in hydrolyzed milk protein not being identified as an ingredient.

Consumers with questions about the recall may phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The Hotline can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. This number also provides access to a telecommunications device for the deaf and the hearing impaired.

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Editor's Note: To help consumers identify the product, the Eckrich Company has provided the following toll-free consumer inquiry telephone number: 1-888-ECKRICH or 1-800-325-7424. This number will be answered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday; a recorded message is available at other times. Media inquiries to the firm should be directed to James Kritek at 630-512-1152.