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Food Safety Alert: Wintermelon Strip

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Chris Lee
          718-417-1788

For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, NY - June 19, 2002 -- Starway Incorporated, located at 137 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11237, is recalling 12 oz. packages of Red Diamond brand Wintermelon Strip because the product contains undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The Red Diamond brand Wintermelon Strip, a product of China, is distributed in uncoded and heat sealed 12 oz. plastic bags. Product was distributed in the New York Metropolitan Area.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered through routine sampling by NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets Food Inspectors that the product containing sulfites, was distributed in packaging that did not declare the presence of sulfites. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Analysis of the Red Diamond brand Wintermelon Strip revealed that it contained 48 milligrams per serving.

Establishments and consumers who have purchased the 12 oz. packages of Red Diamond brand Wintermelon Strip can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-417-1788.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-JUN-20.