Undeclared Sulfites in “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets

CONTACT: FOR RELEASE:
Jessica Chittenden Immediately, Monday
518-457-3136 September 10, 2007

***CONSUMER ALERT***
Undeclared Sulfites in “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Hoque & Sons Inc, located at 56-16 56th St, Maspeth, NY 11378 is recalling “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets” due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets” is packaged in a 5.81 ounce plastic wrapped tray coded MFD 02 07 07 EXP 050708. The product was sold in Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey and New York.

Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this problem. Consumers who have purchased “Baby Elephant Brand Mango Sheets” should return it to the place of purchase.

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Jessica A. Chittenden
Director of Communications
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
10B Airline Dr., Albany, NY 12235
518-457-3136