From: The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network [faan@foodallergy.org] Sent: Monday, November 25, 2002 5:29 PM To: Satchell, Felicia B Subject: FAAN Product-Related Member Calls, November 10-22, 2002 As always, everyone who calls FAAN about a product is instructed to call the manufacturer if they haven't already done so. Near East Rice Pilaf and other Near East products - this e-mail is from (privacy) I spoke to the company (1-800-822-74230) yesterday and they say that all of the above products have potential cross-contamination with dairy and pine nuts and almonds. Tomric Make and Mold Chocolate Wafers - (privacy) called to tell us that Make and Mold chocolate wafers manufactured by Tomric of Buffalo, NY are no longer safe for those with peanut allergy. She used to use these for her child, however, she called the manufacturer today and was told that all flavors are manufactured on equipment shared with nuts. Kid's Cuisine Fun Nuggets - (privacy) called to say that her 4-year-old peanut-allergic daughter had a reaction immediately after eating Kid's Cuisine Fun Nuggets, a microwavable meal consisting of chicken nuggets and a sponge cake. The package contained a warning that the product contained milk, soy, wheat, and eggs. She said her daughter has eaten this product in the past without incident, however, this time the reaction was immediate and required an EpiPen and a trip to the emergency room. Her daughter had not eaten anything prior to eating the Kid's Cuisine. She contacted Unilever, the manufacturer, to report the reaction and she said they "kind of blew her off". She also contacted the FDA, whom she said was very attentive and said that they would investigate. Genisoy Soy Crisps - this e-mail is from (privacy): GeniSoy Products Co., Fairfield, CA. 94533, 1-888-436-4769 is now manufacturing their Soy Crisps in a facility that also manufactures nut products. They have begun putting an advisory label on the package. While I'm glad that they are willing to notify their customers this way, I am sad that such an excellent source of protein for my peanut and tree nut allergic son is now off limits. Kraft Creamy Ranch Dip - a member reported that the 8-oz. container of Kraft Creamy Ranch Dip and 16-oz. size of same dip have different ingredients. The larger size has soy. Lundberg Organic Brown Rice Pasta - this e-mail is from (privacy): My son who is anaphylactically allergic to wheat, barley, rye and spelt -- but is fine with rice and cheese -- had a dangerous allergic reaction last night after eating macaroni and cheese made with the Penne version of this product. He will miss a day of school today after last night's visit to the emergency room. There was nothing in his dinner but the pasta, cheese, milk and margarine. I am convinced that the product, which claims to be "100% brown rice, wheat free, gluten free" is contaminated in some way, and is dangerous. I have saved the box, for the lot number, and also the remainder of last night's dinner, and I would like to have it tested by a lab. I believe she may have already contacted FARRP. McDonald's Chicken Sandwich - (privacy) called to report her milk-allergic daughter had a reaction after eating the chicken patty. She had first checked the ingredients of the chicken patty and determined that it was milk-free. They said they could not be sure about the bun, so she only got the patty. After a couple of bites, her daughter started breaking out in hives. Later, she talked with the folks at McDonalds and found that the same fry vat is used for other products, including fish fillets, chicken nuggets, and another chicken product - all of which contain milk ingredients. Some breakfast items are also made in the same fry vat, but she doesn't know if those contain milk. Aunt Jemima French Toast Sticks by Aurora Foods - (privacy) called to tell us she bought this product because there were no peanut ingredients listed and no warning, but she called the manufacturer before using it. She was told that it is "made in the same building right next to a line with a peanut product". They told her they are going to start printing a warning on this product, but there is still some old product out on the shelves without a warning. Boar's Head Deli Meats - this e-mail is from (privacy): Did you know that Italian Roast Beef from the deli counter may not be safe for milk allergic individuals? Some are seasoned with parmesan cheese. I found this out when I contacted the Boarshead Company regarding the ingredients in their bologna. Boarshead Customer Service informed me that their bologna was safe, but the Italian Roast Beef, the Mortadella, and the Pesto Parmesan Ham should be avoided by individuals who are allergic to milk. Jimmy Dean Sausage - this e-mail is from (privacy): My 3 year old son has food allergies to wheat, eggs, and peanuts. I purchased a Jimmy Dean sausage since the ingredients sounded safe. However, just to be on the safe side, I called their 800 number. They assured me that that particular sausage had none of my son's allergens in it. I gave my son just a pinch of the sausage and within 35 minutes he reacted violently with his asthmatic coughing spasms and had difficult breathing. He also developed facial swelling and hives all over his body. Needless to say, we ended up in the doctor's office. Although the manufacturer assured me that the sausage was safe, I am certain that the sausage caused my son's reaction. Popcorn Factory 3-Flavor Popcorn - (privacy) called to say Popcorn Factory's (800-323-2676) 2-gallon, 3 flavor (plain, cheese, and caramel) doesn't have a precautionary statement on the container, however, the consumer representative for the company says it may contain nuts. _______________________________________ Debbie Scherrer, Member Communications The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network 10400 Eaton Place, Suite 107 Fairfax, VA 22030 1-800-929-4040 Phone: 703-691-3179 Fax: 703-691-2713 http://www.foodallergy.org/ _______________________________________