Chicken Fajita Kits Recalled For Undeclared Whey

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 1999 -- Tyson Foods, Inc., a Springdale, Ark., firm is voluntarily recalling approximately 129,000 pounds of chicken fajita kits 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 moderate to severe allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The products being recalled are Tyson "Restaurant Favorites Chicken Breast Fajitas" and Kirkwood "Chicken Fajita Kit" in 26.6 ounce packages. Est. P13137 is on the end panel of the label. Both products were produced at Tyson's Fayetteville, Ark., plant and were distributed nationwide.

Both products are labeled with the consecutive calendar date of production. The codes on the Tyson product being recalled begin with date numbers 265, 267, 268, and 270. The codes on the Kirkwood product being recalled begin with date numbers 273, 279, and 280.

"Because of the potential hazard for people with milk allergies, we urge consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers. If they find the recalled products, consumers should not eat them and should return them to the point of purchase," said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator.

The problem was discovered through the company's quality assurance program. No illnesses or allergic reactions from this product have been reported.

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

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Willie Barber, director of consumer affairs, Tyson Foods, Inc., at (501) 290-4714. Media with questions about the recall may contact Ed Nicholson, director of media relations, Tyson Foods Inc., at (501) 290-4591.

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 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

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Note: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov