ALLERGY ALERT

UNDECLARED PEANUTS IN CERTAIN NUTKAO BRAND NUT SPREADS FROM ITALY

Related alerts:  2009-11-09 | 2009-11-06

OTTAWA, November 6, 2009 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and GiGi Importing Ltd. are warning people with allergies to peanuts not to consume certain Nutkao brand nut spreads imported from Italy. These products may contain peanuts which are not declared on the label.

The following Nutkao brand products manufactured by Nutkao srl, Italy are affected by this alert.

These products are known to have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. However, they may have been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported illnesses in Canada associated with the consumption of these products. However, allergic reactions have been reported in Europe.

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

The Canadian importer, GiGi Importing Ltd., Brampton, ON is voluntarily recalling the affected products 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

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Media Inquiries:

CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600