K. Heeps Recalls Pureed Meat Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Class I Recall 145-2015

Health Risk: High Dec 3, 2015

Congressional and Public Affairs

Richard J. McIntire

(202) 720-9113

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2015 – K. Heeps, Inc., an Allentown, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 152,010 pounds of roast beef products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain milk and wheat, known allergens which are not declared on the product label.

The frozen, pureed roast beef items were produced on various dates between Dec. 18, 2014, and Nov. 20, 2015. The following products are subject to recall:

4.5-lb. boxes containing 24, 3-ounce trays of “CafePuree MEAT VARIETY PACK”

4.5-lb. boxes containing 24, 3-ounce trays of “CafePuree SAVORY ROAST BEEF”

4.5-lb. boxes containing 24, 3-ounce trays of “SYSCO IMPERIAL MEAT VARIETY PACK”

4.5-lb. boxes containing 24, 3-ounce trays of “SYSCO SAVORY ROAST BEEF.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 9379” or “EST. 9379A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors in Pennsylvania and exported to Canada for institutional use.

The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during in-plant verification activities. A vegetable flavoring used in the products may contain the allergens.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction, injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Beau Heeps, company president, at (610) 530-8010.

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. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854 FREE) 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. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.