FSIS Issues Public Health Alert: Betterballen Frozen Meat and Poultry Products Contain Undeclared Sesame and Fish Allergens
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on November 6 for frozen, not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) meat and poultry products sold under the Betterballen brand, citing misbranding and undeclared allergens. The products contain sesame, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product labels. In addition, the beef product contains Worcestershire sauce that contains anchovy (fish), a known allergen, which is also not declared on the labels. People with allergies to sesame or fish could have reactions if they consume the products.
The products subject to the alert were produced on October 15, October 16 and October 27. They are: clear vacuum-packed packages of 6-piece 'Bami Rolls,' with 'BEST BY' dates of October 2027 and lot codes BR-2026-01 and BR-2026-02; and clear vacuum-packed packages of 12-piece 'Bitterballen,' with a 'BEST BY' date of October 2027 and lot code BB-1026-01. Bitterballen are a traditional Dutch fried meatball snack.
The products bear establishment number 'EST. M3177' or 'EST. P3177' inside the USDA mark of inspection, which consumers can use to identify them. FSIS said a recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. Because the frozen products carry best-by dates a year out, however, the agency is alerting consumers who may still have the items in their freezers to check the lot codes and establishment numbers on the packaging.
FSIS advises people with sesame or fish allergies not to eat the products. Consumers with food safety questions can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.
(Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service)
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Bitterballen（荷式炸肉丸）实拍图，正是本次警报涉及的产品之一。图片来自 Wikimedia Commons，CC0。 / Bitterballen, one of the products named in the alert. Image via Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
