Velveeta Cheese Product Recall Announced

Two undeclared allergens and mislabeling of ingredients among cited causes

A firm in Kentucky called for a recall on a Velveeta processed cheese product on Sunday, citing "undeclared allergens" and "misbranding."

Truitt Brothers, Inc., based in East Bernstadt, Kentucky issued the recall of approximately 1.77 million pounds of product that includes ground beef and dried pasta due the presence of an allergen that has potential to pose a serious health threat to some consumers. The product was reported to be mislabeled prior to shipment. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a division of the United States Department of Agriculture, announced the recall today. The issue lies with two ingredients: dehydrated soy sauce and hydrolyzed soy protein. These ingredients are not listed on some of the product labels, nor is there an allergy warning.

The recall affects the following product:
3.3 LB cases with six 9oz microwave-safe containers of "Kraft Velveeta Cheesy Skillets SINGLES - ULTIMATE CHEESEBURGER MAC" with a use/sell by date of March 2 - October 23, 2014. Effected case codes are listed as 00210000432900, 00210000432910, 00210000432925, 00210000464000, & 00210000465100.

These products were made between the dates of May 6, 2013 and January 16, 2014. They were subsequently shipped to retailers and Kraft distribution centers nationwide. This is the only product affected by the recall.

The issue was brought to light during a regular quality assurance check that was conducted voluntarily by the manufacturer. When the error was discovered, Kraft Foods immediately contacted the FSIS. The problem has been determined as accidental, likely occurring as the result of ingredient labels being printed on the wrong packages. So far, there have been no reports of injury or allergic reactions from consumers who have used effected packages of ULTIMATE CHEESEBURGER MAC.

"Anyone who has used these products and thinks they might be at risk should call their healthcare providers immediately," said Drazen Alcocer, founder and CEO of iFederated (http://www.iFederated.com), parent company to iRecalls.com. "This is precisely why our site exists: to keep the public informed of potentially dangerous recalls."

iFederated Chairman Artin Afsharjavan also weighed in on the recall. "Food-related recalls can be deadly if not adequately publicized and there is no faster way to spread information than through social media," he said. "This is why I believe that iRecalls.com is such a valuable resource. It helps spread the news quickly using the power of social media.

For more information regarding recalls on everything from cars to food to consumer products, the general public is encouraged to visit http://www.iRecalls.com and create a free account.

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