The following products are subject to recall:
• 5-lb. steamer tin pans of “VOCCI ITALIAN FOODS BEEF LASAGNA” bearing the establishment number “EST. 5789” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
• 20-lb. cases containing four, 5-lb. steamer tin pans of “VOCCI ITALIAN FOODS BEEF LASAGNA” bearing the establishment number “EST. 5789” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.
The products were produced on various dates between Nov. 16, 2012 and May 8, 2013 and were sold to foodservice institutions in the Kansas City, Kan. and Kansas City, Mo. metropolitan area. The product is intended for use in restaurants or institutional food operations; it is not sold in retail grocery stores.
The problem was discovered by an FSIS inspector who conducted a label review prompted by the April 30, 2013, release of FSIS Notice 29-13. FSIS took the step of issuing the notice in an effort to protect vulnerable consumers after observing an increase in the number of products recalled from 2008 through 2012 due to the presence of undeclared allergens or other ingredients. FSIS personnel are responsible for verifying that establishments are actively labeling the eight most common food allergens.
FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.
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 should contact Chuk Lowry, a company consumer contact, at 816-221-2026.
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.
