Warning of Undeclared Allergens in Dietz and Watson Hot Dogs

NJLINCS Health Alert Network
Public Health Info
Distributed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

Subject: USDA-FSIS Warning of Undeclared Allergens in Dietz and Watson Hot Dogs
Date: 2/11/2008; 09:48:29
Message#: 100741-2-11-2008-PHIN
Contact Info: Alan L. Talarsky, NJDHSS/CEHS/Food and Drug Safety ProgramPhone: 609-588-3123; Email: at2@njlincs.net
Attachments: Dietz_and_Watson_Hot_Dogs.pdf

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for approximately 8,784 pounds of hot dog products because the products may contain non-fat dry milk and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the label. The products were produced at Dietz & Watson, Inc., a Philadelphia, Pa., establishment.This public health alert was initiated after a consumer complaint investigated by FSIS and Applegate Farms confirmed that the products were mislabeled. The products subject to this public health alert include:16-ounce packages of "Applegate Farms Certified Organic, the GREAT ORGANIC UNCURED HOT DOG." 16-ounce packages of "Applegate Farms Certified Organic STADIUM ORGANIC UNCURED BEEF HOT DOGS."Photos of these products are attached above.Each package also bears the establishment number "Est. 9574" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a use-by or freeze-by date of "JAN 15 08." The hot dog products were produced on Nov. 21, 2007, and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide. Based on product shelf life, these products would no longer have been sold in grocery stores after Jan. 15, 2008. However, these products could be in consumers' freezers and it is important that consumers look for them. FSIS has received one consumer complaint of an allergic reaction due to the consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction should contact a physician.Media with questions should contact Linda Boardman at Applegate Farms 1-800-587-5858, ext. 700. Consumers with questions should contact Gina Asoudegan at Applegate Farms 1-800-587-5858, ext. 800. No action is required of local health departments at this time for this recall. If any requests for assistance are received from the USDA, the Food and Drug Safety Program will contact you. For additional information regarding recalls, please click on the weblink below.