To: Health Commissioners, Environmental Health Directors, Nursing Directors,

ODA Food Safety Specialists, and Other Interested Parties

Subject: Recall Announcement (ODA/ODH) 2000-27

Date: August 4, 2000

SLIM-FAST RECALL

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Slim-Fast Foods Co. Thursday was cited as saying today it will voluntarily recall more than 2 million cans of its milk-based liquid shakes, saying they may present a low risk of temporary gastrointestinal sickness and should not be consumed.

The story cites the company as saying that Slim-Fast is instituting the nationwide recall of the 11-ounce cans with the Food and Drug Administration and has notified all affected distributors and retail customers.

A Slim-Fast spokesman was cited as saying that the domestic recall, which includes a small number of shakes sold to the U.S. military, is not concentrated in any one region of the country. All of the cans, which are being pulled off shelves due to a "manufacturing problem," were made at Slim-Fast's Huntington, Tenn. plant.

Steps have been taken to guard against another recall, he said. Five consumers had reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, but the company added that the risk of serious illness is remote. The cause of the problem is under investigation.

The company said that only a number of the dietary shakes with certain codes will be recalled, including such flavors as Cappuccino Delight , Creamy Milk Chocolate and Strawberries 'N Cream.

The following is list of affected product codes:

ETCD0138E Cappuccino Delight

ETCD0142E Cappuccino Delight

ETMC0125E Creamy Milk Chocolate

ETMC0138E Creamy Milk Chocolate

ETMC0142E Creamy Milk Chocolate

ETAS0125E Strawberries 'N Cream

ETAS0140E Strawberries 'N Cream

ETAS0141E Strawberries 'N Cream