WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2003—Del Monte Foods, a Pittsburgh, Pa., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 31,650 lbs. of canned soup because of an undeclared allergen (egg), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products being recalled are 19 oz. cans of "FOOD LION, Ready To Serve, CHUNKY GRILLED SIRLOIN STEAK WITH VEGETABLES."

The top of each can is stamped with a use by code: "JUL2005," a lot code: "PF3G24," a variety symbol: "PK" and an establishment number: "P-51."

The cans included in the recall are labeled as "CHUNKY GRILLED SIRLOIN STEAK WITH VEGETABLES," but they actually contain "Chunky Grilled Chicken with Vegetables and Pasta." The pasta contains egg whites.

The soup was produced on July 24, 2003 and distributed to retail stores in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Consumers who are allergic to eggs should not eat the soup, but should return it to the point of purchase.

FSIS has received no reports of allergic reactions associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.

The problem was discovered by Del Monte Foods.

Media with questions about the recall should contact Melissa Murphy, Director of Public Relations, at (412) 222-8713. Consumers with questions about the recall may contact the recall information line at Del Monte Foods at (800) 828-9980.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline. 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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