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Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in Sweetened Nelon (Melon)

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Jessica Chittenden
          518-457-3136

For Immediate Release

New York - January 23, 2002 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers today warned sulfite-allergic consumers and asthmatics to avoid consuming Eastwell Sweetened Nelon (Melon) due to the presence of undeclared sulfites in the product.

The product is being recalled by Eastwell Trading Inc., 8 Ingraham Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206. Sweetened Nelon (Melon) is packaged in clear, 6-ounce plastic bags trimmed in green with the code "Expirationo: 18 months". The product is packed by Jiangmen Food 1/E Co. Guangdong, China. It was distributed in the New York City area.

Routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets food inspectors revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites, which were not declared on the label.

Sulfites can cause deadly reactions in asthmatics and others suffering sulfite allergies. No illnesses have been reported to date.
Consumers who have purchased Eastwell Sweetened Nelon (Melon) should return it to the place of purchase.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-JAN-24