ConAgra Foods, dubbed one of North America’s leading packaged food companies, is recalling over 84,000 pounds of frozen beef products because they may contain anchovies (an allergen not declared on the label) and were unintentionally formulated with Worcestershire sauce.
The following frozen products are being recalled:
- Molly’s Kitchen Macaroni & Beef with Tomato Sauce (76-ounce package). Packaging date: April 13, 2016. Package code: 5014610400.
- Marie Callender’s Salisbury Steak (14-ounce box, with Roasted Potatoes, Home-Style Gravy, Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower). Packaging date: April 14, 2016. Package code: 5014610500.
The products were produced from April 13 – 14, 2016, and have the establishment number ‘EST. 1058’ listed inside the USDA mark of inspection.
Molly’s Kitchen products were shipped nationwide and Marie Callender’s Salisbury Steak products were shipped to retail distributions across the U.S.
This all started when ConAgra Foods became aware of an error linked with a shipment of Worcestershire sauce. The sauce was coded incorrectly as ‘Rochester sauce’ and was then used in the now-recalled products.
As for the anchovies – fish allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction that can send the body into shock as it weakens breathing. Fish allergy symptoms could also include skin rashes, hives, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, a runny nose, asthma, and headaches.
Fish is considered one of eight major allergens that should have specific labeling requirements under 2004’s Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. All packaged food products in the U.S. containing a fish product or fish itself as an ingredient must clearly be identified on the ingredients label.
So far, no adverse reactions from consuming these products have been reported, but consumers are being advised to throw out the products or return them for a refund. Concerned individuals should contact their healthcare providers.
Questions and concerns should be directed to the Consumer Affairs hotline: 1-800-921-7404.
Sources:
“Conagra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC Recalls Two Beef Products Due To Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen,” United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service web site, May 19, 2016; http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/FSIS-Content/internet/main/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2016/recall-042-2016-release.
“Types of Food Allergy, Fish Allergy,” American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology web site; http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/fish-allergy, last accessed May 20, 2106.
