BEF Foods recalls Bob Evans Maple Links, Maple Patties over misbranding

BEF Foods is recalling approximately 1,768,600lbs of Bob Evans Maple Links and Maple Patties in the US as they contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is not declared on the label.

Although MSG is not classified as an allergen, it can lead to a reaction in people with a sensitivity to MSG, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The problem was identified by BEF Foods during a label audit.

BEF Foods had reformulated the products in order to discontinue the use of a spice blend containing MSG, but during a label audit the company discovered that certain facilities were still using a spice blend containing MSG.

Produced at the facilities in Hillsdale, Michigan and Xenia, Ohio, between 4 April and 19 October 2012, the products bear the establishment number M-952 or M-6785 on the package.

The products subject to the recall are 12-oz packages of Bob Evans Maple Links with UPC numbers of 075900002300, 075900000085 and 075900002324, and 12-oz packages of Bob Evans Maple Patties with UPC numbers of 0759000025028, 075900000795 and 075900002522.

Fresh products carry a use-by date between 14 October 2012 and 4 December 2012, and frozen products feature any of the following Julian codes: 0264 through 0365, 1001 through 1365, and 2001 through 2293.

FSIS and BEF Foods have not received any reports of illnesses linked to the consumption of these products.

Consumers concerned about an adverse reaction have been asked to contact a healthcare provider.

This recall has been classified as Class III, which indicates a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.

BEF Foods, based in Ohio, US, produces sausage, refrigerated side dishes, and frozen convenience and foodservice items.