ALLERGY ALERT

UNDECLARED PEANUTS IN JAPANESE STYLE SESAME MOCHI

OTTAWA, March 4, 2009 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to peanut proteins not to consume the Japanese Style Sesame Mochi described below. The affected product contains peanuts which are not declared on the label.

The affected product, Japanese Style Sesame Mochi, product of Taiwan, is sold in 210 g packages bearing UPC 4 712905 016043. All codes are affected.

This product is known to have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, however, it may have been distributed nationally.

There have been two reported allergic reactions associated with the consumption of this product.

Consumption of this product may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with allergies to peanut proteins.

The importers are voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Peanuts, one of the nine most common food allergens, visit the Food Allergens web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/peaarae.shtml

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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