California Firm Recalls Turkey Burger Product Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

The product bears the establishment number “P-157” inside the USDA mark of inspection. -Includes statement from Foster Farms-

Involves “Foster Farms, Ready to Cook, Boneless Mediterranean Style White Turkey Burgers”

(WASHINGTON DC) - Foster Farms, a Turlock, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,040 pounds of a turkey burger product because of misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product contains a seasoning mix with hydrolyzed soy protein, a known allergen, not declared on the label.

The following product is subject to recall:

10-lb. cases containing 30 5.33-oz. “Foster Farms, Ready to Cook, Boneless Mediterranean Style White Turkey Burgers” with the case code “96384” and the following Julian dates: “1362,” “2027,” “2033,” “2039,” “2040,” “2046,” “2054,” “2125,” “2129,” “2130” and “2131.”

The product bears the establishment number “P-157” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on various dates between December 28, 2011, and May 10, 2012, and were sold for institutional use in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

The problem was discovered during a routine label review by FSIS and occurred as a result of the company receiving a spice mix from its supplier after an ingredient reformulation request by the company to have the hydrolyzed soy ingredient removed. The reformulation included soy, which was not declared on the turkey burger label. FSIS and the company have not received any reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of the products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company’s consumer affairs manager, Teresa Lenz, at (209) 394-6914, ext. 4369. Media with questions about the recall should contact the company’s director of advertising and public relations, Ira Brill, at (209) 394-6914, ext. 6891.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. “Ask Karen” live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

Mediterranean Turkey Burger Food Service Recall Statement

May 18, 2012

Foster Farms has initiated a voluntary Class II recall of Mediterranean Turkey Burgers (#96384, 5.33 oz.), produced for 14 Food Service customers. Class II recalls are classified by the USDA as representing low risk for adverse health consequences. The recall applies to 1,504 10-pound cases produced between December 28, 2011 and May 10, 2012, which contained soy (an allergen) as an undeclared seasoning ingredient. There have been no reported illnesses related to this product. The recall applies only to turkey burgers produced for Food Service customers. Foster Farms wishes to reassure consumers that Foster Farms-branded turkey burgers sold in grocery and club stores are not affected.

For more information, Food Service customers can call 800-338-0374. Consumers should contact the company’s consumer affairs manager, Teresa Lenz, at (209) 394-6914, ext. 4369. Media should contact the company’s director of advertising and public relations, Ira Brill, at (209) 394-6914, ext. 6891.