WASHINGTON, March 31, 2004—Seneca Foods Corporation, a Payette, Idaho, firm is voluntarily recalling approximately 7,250 pounds of beef chili because of undeclared allergens (wheat and soy), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products being recalled are 6-pound, 12-ounce cans of "CIMMARON, PREMIUM, BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS." Each can also bears one of the following codes, "K3ED041" or "K3ED042." Under this code is the number "73661."

The cans also bear the establishment number "EST. 6166" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The chili was produced on Nov. 4, 2003 and shipped to to restaurants and wholesale distributors in California, Oregon and Washington.

Consumers who are allergic to wheat or soy should not eat this product. 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 the company.

Media with questions about the recall should contact Phil Paras, company chief financial officer, at (315) 926-8121. Consumers may contact Vince Lammers, company vice president, at (315) 926-3314.

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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