Undeclared allergens found in two kinds of American chocolate raisins

Two kinds of chocolate raisins manufactured by See's Candies in the United States have been found to contain allergens, tree nuts and eggs, which were not declared on the products' food label.

A spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (June 28) advised consumers who are allergic to tree nuts or eggs to refrain from eating these products. The trade should also stop selling them immediately.

Products details are as follows:

(1) Product name: Milk Raisins
Manufacturer: See's Candies
Place of origin: USA
UPC number: 7 37666 08306 0

(2) Product name: Dark Raisins
Manufacturer: See's Candies
Place of origin: USA
UPC number: 7 37666 08305 3

"Upon notification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States that the above products were being recalled in America and that the affected batches have been imported to Hong Kong, the CFS contacted the local official dealer and alerted the trade of the incident. The CFS was informed by the official dealer that the affected products were only available for sale at three See's Candies retail stores in Hong Kong and they have already been taken off the shelf. For enquiries about the recall, members of the public may call the company at 2523 4977 during office hours," the spokesman said.

CFS staff have conducted checks at the retail stores and, so far, no affected products have been found. As the affected products were packaged for customers in boxes or bags at point of sale in the retail stores, consumers who recently bought any chocolate raisins of this brand and are unsure of the product details should stop eating it if they are allergic to tree nuts or eggs. People are advised to seek medical advice if they feel sick after consuming the products concerned.

"People who are allergic to tree nuts or eggs may have immunologic response like vomiting, diarrhoea and rash upon consumption of food containing those allergens. In severe cases anaphylactic shock may even develop. As for other members of the public, generally speaking, they would not be subject to such reactions when the food in question is consumed," the spokesman said.

So far the CFS has not received any reports of persons feeling unwell after consumption of the affected products. We will monitor the development of the incident and take appropriate actions as and when necessary.

Ends/Friday, June 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:10