CONSUMER ALERT: Undeclared Sulfites in "Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix"

• by New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets

ALBANY, NY (10/22/2009)(readMedia)-- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Agro Foods Inc., in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is recalling "Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled "Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix" are packaged in 24 ounce (680 gram), round plastic tubs and coded best before 12/10 in black ink on the product label. Known distribution of the product is the New York Metropolitan area.

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.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this product. Consumers who have purchased " Agro Sun Dried Fruits and Nuts Tropical Mix" should contact Agro Foods Inc. at 201-840-1566.

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