BEF Foods Recalls 1,768,600 lbs. of Bob Evans Sausages – Misbranded

BEF Foods Inc. of Columbus, OH has recalled about 1,768,600 pounds of Bob Evans Maple Links and Maple Patties because they are misbranded in that they contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is not declared on the label. The products were produced at establishments in Hillsdale, MI and Xenia, OH.

The products subject to recall include:

• 12-oz. packages of “Bob Evans Maple Links” with UPC numbers of “075900002300”, “075900000085” and “075900002324.”
• 12-oz. packages of “Bob Evans Maple Patties” with UPC numbers of “0759000025028” and “075900000795” and “075900002522.”

The products were produced between April 4, and Oct. 19, 2012, and will have the establishment number “M-952” or “M-6785” inkjetted on the side of the package. Product purchased fresh will have a use-by date between Oct. 14, 2012 and Dec. 4, 2012 listed. Instead of a use-by date, frozen products may be identified by any of the following Julian codes: 0264 through 0365, 1001 through 1365, and 2001 through 2293.

The problem was discovered by the company during a label audit. When the company reformulated their products, they discontinued the use of a spice blend containing MSG and removed MSG from the ingredient list on the label. During the label audit, the company discovered that the individual establishments were still using a spice blend containing MSG. MSG is not classified as an allergen, but can cause a reaction in people with a sensitivity to MSG.

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 (including at restaurants) to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and to ensure that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Media with questions about the recall should contact the company’s Director of Corporate Communications, Margaret Standing, at (614) 492-4921. Consumers should call the company’s guest relations line at 1-800-939-2338.