EXPANDED ALLERGY ALERT

UNDECLARED PEANUTS IN CERTAIN GIOIA AND NUTKAO BRANDS OF NUT SPREADS FROM ITALY

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

OTTAWA, November 9, 2009 – The public warning issued on November 6, 2009 has been expanded to include additional products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to peanuts not to consume certain Gioia and Nutkao brands of nut spreads imported from Italy. These products may contain peanuts which are not declared on the label.

The following 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 importers are 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

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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Media Inquiries:

CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600