Nick's of Calvert Recalls Meatball Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2016 Nicks of Calvert, a Prince Frederick, Md. establishment, is recalling approximately 305 pounds of ready to eat (RTE) meatball products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. More specifically, required information on where the product was produced or repackaged is absent from the labeling and the product contains eggs and milk, known allergens which are not declared on the product label. The following products are subject to recall: [ View Label (PDF Only)] 5-lb. clear plastic packages containing NICKS Fully Cooked Italian Style Meatballs. The product subject to recall does not bear a USDA mark of inspection; this is not required for product sold at retail that is labeled under the retail exemption. Other typical identification markings, including best before or use by dates or processing or repackaging dates are also absent from the product labels. The product was sold in retail locations in Maryland. The problem was discovered when Nicks of Calvert returned product to the official FSIS establishment that produced and originally packaged and labeled the product, where it was presented for reinspection. FSIS personnel observed that the products no longer contained the original label applied by the official FSIS establishment and that the new ingredient statement failed to declare the presence of milk and eggs. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls . Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Nick Ferrante III, Sales Manager, at (410) 414-7105. Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov . The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem .