Consumer Alert – Undeclared Sulfites in Preserved Fruits

According to the FDA on February 21, 2013, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine alerted consumers that Mandy Star Trading Inc. located at 351 Maujer Street in Brooklyn, NY, is recalling “Good Taste” brand preserved fruits due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product. The recalled “Good Taste” brand preserved fruits are packaged in a 14 oz. (400 gram), plastic bag. There is no apparent production code on the package, but a UPC code of 3 867320 507698 can be found on the back of the package. Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites. Consumers who have purchased “Good Taste” brand preserved fruits should contact Mandy Chen at Mandy Star Trading Inc. at (646) 204-5888. It is the responsibility of retail food distribution companies and services to follow FDA established safety and cleanliness protocols. If you believe that you or a member of your family has been sickened because of a violation, please contact Finkelstein & Partners immediately.