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Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in Dried Dates

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Jessica A. Chittenden
          518-457-3136

For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, NY - September 4, 2002 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers today warned sulfite-allergic consumers and asthmatics to avoid eating "Eastwell Dried Dates" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites in the product.

The product is being recalled by Eastwell Trading Corp., 8 Ingraham Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206. The "Dried Dates" are packaged in an uncoded, 12-ounce, plastic bag. It is a product of China. Eastwell Dried Dates were distributed in the New York City area.

Routine sampling by 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 Dried Dates" should return it to the place of purchase.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-SEPT-06.