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Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in Pickled Vietnamese Egg Plant

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Jessica Chittenden
          518-457-3136

For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, NY - May 7, 2002 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers today warned sulfite-allergic consumers and asthmatics to avoid consuming "Supreme Quality Pickled Vietnamese egg plant" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites in the product.

The product was sold by 99 Oriental Food Service, Inc., 837 Niagara Street, Buffalo, New York. Pickled Vietnamese egg plant is packaged in a 16 oz. glass jar. The container is not coded. The product was exported by Thai World Import & Export Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand. It was sold in the Buffalo 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 purchased "Supreme Quality Pickled Vietnamese egg plant" from 99 Oriental Food Service, Inc. should return it to the place of purchase.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-MAY-09.