Chicken Nuggets Recalled for Undeclared Whey

WASHINGTON, June 15, 1999--Serenade Foods, Inc., a Milford, Ind., firm is voluntarily recalling approximately 480,000 pounds of chicken nuggets that may contain undeclared whey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

Whey, a dairy product, is a known allergen. Persons who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk or milk proteins run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The product being recalled is Maple Leaf Farms brand of "Crunchy Chicken Nuggets," in 10-ounce packages. The packages bear "Est. #P-2375" in the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the package and an identifying code number of from 9001 to 9124 embossed on the end panel above the opening strip. All "Crunchy Chicken Nuggets" produced between January 1, 1999 and May 4, 1999, are being recalled.

The "Crunchy Chicken Nuggets" were distributed nationwide.

"Because of the potential hazard for people with milk allergies, we urge consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers. If they find the recalled product, consumers should not eat it and should return it to the point of purchase," said Thomas J. Billy, administrator of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The problem was discovered after a consumer had an allergic reaction and complained to FSIS. FSIS compliance officers checked with Serenade Foods, Inc., and found that the product did contain a small amount of undeclared whey until May 4, 1999.

Anyone concerned about an illness or allergic reaction should contact a physician.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Ms. Nora Macon, Corporate Communications Manager for Serenade Foods, at (219) 658-4121.

Consumers with questions about food safety may phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

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