USA: California Firm Recalls Pork Rinds Because Of Undeclared Ingredient

Fil-Am Specialty Foods, a Los Angeles, Calif., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,320 pounds of pork rinds because they contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is undeclared on the label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. MSG is used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods prepared at home, in restaurants, and by food processors. Some persons who have eaten foods containing MSG have reported adverse reactions.The pork rind products being recalled are 4 oz. packages of: Tropics brand " 'PHILIPPINE STYLE' CHICHARON (KAWALI)," "GROUND CHICHARON," and " 'PHILIPPINE STYLE' CHICHARON;" Gold Medal brand "GROUND CHICHARON," and " 'PHILIPPINE STYLE' CHICHARON;" and Amor Nino Foods Inc. brand " 'PHILIPPINE STYLE' CHICHARON KAWALI," regular and vinegar flavors.Each package bears a six digit code representing the date produced. Codes from "050100" through "063000" representing production dates from May 1 to June 30 and codes from "000701" through "000717" representing production dates from July 1 to July 17 are being recalled. In addition, "EST. 4828" appears in the USDA seal of inspection on each label. The products were distributed for retail sale in California and Hawaii."FSIS ensures that meat and poultry products are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled," said Thomas J. Billy, FSIS administrator. "Consumers who have concerns about MSG should return the product to the point of purchase."The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector at the establishment.Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Demetrio Manibog, Fil-Am Foods, at (323) 225-6130.Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at l-800-535-4555. The hotline can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday, and recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.