WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 30, 2002--Casa Di Carfagna Inc., a Columbus, Ohio, establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 60,000 pounds of soup that contain an undeclared allergen (sesame seeds), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. 

The products being recalled are: 

·         26-ounce packages of "CASA DI CARFAGNA PrestoPLEASERS! Wedding Soup with Tiny Meatballs," which was distributed to retail stores in Ohio; and,

·          64-ounce packages of "WEDDING SOUP TRADITIONALE with TINY MEATBALLS" bearing the code "ITEM #601001." This product was distributed to hotels, restaurants and institutions in Ohio.  

Each of the products bears the establishment code "EST. P-20477" inside the USDA seal of inspection.  The products were produced between Nov. 18, 1999, and Oct. 28, 2002. 

"Consumers who are allergic to sesame seeds should not eat

these products but return them to the point of purchase," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator. "Diners who are allergic may also wish to ask if their meals contain the recalled product." 

The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Dino Carfagna, vice president, at (614) 846-6340.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555.  

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.

FOOD ALLERGIES

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-800-535-4555 or visit www.fsis.usda.gov

Consumers who have a food allergy or severe food sensitivity should always read ingredient labels. In restaurants, they should ask whether an allergy-causing ingredient is in the food.

A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a certain food, usually within minutes after the food has been consumed.

Symptoms may include throat swelling, trouble breathing, or a rash.

Strictly avoiding the allergy-causing food is the only absolute way to avoid a reaction.

Several foods account for 90% of allergic reactions. They include peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.

Persons who have a severe, life-threatening food allergy should always carry, and know how to administer, prescription epinephrine.