OTTAWA, August 18, 2009 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Uncle T Foods Ltd. are warning people with sensitivity to sulphites not to consume Huipu brand Dried Pachyrhizus (Sweet Potato) described below. This product contains sulphites which are not declared on the label.
All codes of the Huipu brand Dried Pachyrhizus (Sweet Potato), product of China, sold in 350 g packages bearing UPC 6 922601 400949, are affected by this alert. This product is known to have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. However, it may have been distributed nationally.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.
Consumption of this product may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with sensitivity to sulphites.
The importer, Uncle T Foods Ltd. , Richmond, BC , is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).
For information on sulphites, one of the nine most common food allergens, visit the Food Allergens web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/sulphe.shtml
For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.
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Media Inquiries:
CFIA Media Relations
613-773-6600