ALLERGY ALERT - UNDECLARED ALLERGENS IN PRE-PACKAGED FOOD PRODUCTS
OTTAWA, March 23, 2007-The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with food allergies to exercise caution before consuming pre-packaged foods. In light of recent food safety investigations and recalls involving certain sandwich products, the CFIA has become aware that some pre-packaged food products offered for sale in Canada may pose a health risk for consumers with food allergies and/or sensitivities.
To date, the CFIA is not aware of any reported allergic reactions associated with the consumption of pre-packaged sandwich products in Canada.
Some pre-packaged food products may be labelled with an incomplete list of ingredients in which ingredients, or components of these ingredients, may not have been declared. Consumers who have allergen sensitivities, and are unsure of the labels ingredient list, should check with the manufacturer before consuming any pre-packaged products.
The CFIA is working with industry to ensure all labels correctly identify the ingredients present and require the nine most common food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, seafood, soy, wheat, sulphites) be listed by name in the list of ingredients when they are present in food as ingredients or components of ingredients.
For foods and ingredients that may have an incomplete ingredient list, consumers can refer to Chapter 2, Annex 2-2, and 2-3 of the 2003 Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising at [url="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/guide/ch2-1e.shtml"]http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/guide/ch2-1e.shtml[/url]
For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at [url="http://www.inspection.gc.ca."]www.inspection.gc.ca.[/url]
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Media enquiries:
Media relations - 613-228-6682
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Stay Safe,
Chris
