Consumer Alert: Undeclared Sulfites In Dried Mushrooms

Contact:
Jessica Chittenden
518-457-3136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Brooklyn, NY -- August 3, 2006 -- New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick H. Brennan today alerted consumers that Korica International Inc., 98 Bay 35 Street, Brooklyn, New York 11214, is recalling certain "Dried Mushrooms" due to the presence of undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites may run the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled "Dried Mushrooms" are packaged in a 5-ounce, uncoded, plastic bag. They were sold nationwide. They are a product of China.

Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the product contained high levels of sulfites which were not declared on the label. The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics. Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

No illnesses have been reported to date to this Department in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased "Dried Mushrooms" should return them to the place of purchase.