Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites in "Cleopatra Candy" Mixed Nuts

• by New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets

ALBANY, NY (08/20/2009)(readMedia)-- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Cleopatra Candy Inc., located at 1135 E 95th Street, Brooklyn, New York is recalling "Cleopatra Candy" Mixed Nuts 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 "Cleopatra Candy" Mixed Nuts are packaged in an uncoded, 4 oz. plastic bag and is distributed in metropolitan New York and New Jersey. This packaged product also contains undeclared dried apricots, pineapple, papaya, banana chips and raisins. 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 "Cleopatra Candy" Mixed Nuts should contact Nael Burqawi of Cleopatra Candy at (718) 649-8298.

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