ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

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RECENT RECALL UNDERSCORES ALLERGENIC RISK ASSOCIATED WITH PEANUTS

Auburn, Feb. 12---For millions of consumers, peanuts are the No. 1 snack food, but a recent nationwide recall of several food products underscores the fact all peanuts must be carefully labeled.

That's because peanuts, in addition to being the No. 1 snack food, also are rated the No. 1 food allergen. This explains why manufacturers recently recalled several food products after it was determined they may contain nuts not listed in the ingredients.

Extension Food Scientist Jean Weese, says processors made a wise choice in recalling these products.

"Some people are so allergic to peanuts that even being exposed to a food that was packaged in the same room as peanut-related products can cause severe allergic reactions which can lead to death in some instances," says Weese.

Peanut allergies don't concern only food processors. Several airlines have discontinued serving peanut products out of concern the confined atmosphere in passenger planes will increase the risk of exposure.

While many people find it difficult to believemicroscopic amounts of peanut residue could cause so much suffering, Weese says the threat is real.

"I once worked with a school that avoided bringing in any peanut products because one student suffered from a peanut allergy," Weese says. "There was the possibility the protein residue from the product would become airborne and eventually come in contact with the student."

Experts are sure the allergenic problems in peanuts can be traced to a protein which, they believe, can be removed through genetic engineering. Unfortunately for scientists, the protein first has to be identified before it can be removed, and for now, that substance hasn't been identified.

The most recent recall, Weese says, probably stemmed from an oversight and was not a deliberate attempt to mislead consumers.

The products recalled included two kinds of chocolates and a brand of butter cookies.

Elite Confections USA recalled two versions of the company's milk chocolate coins because of suspicion they may contain peanut residue.

Two types of the coins were recalled: one is sold in boxes of 24 mesh bags, each of which are wrapped in goldfoil and labeled "Elite milk chocolate coins." The other is "Presidents Gold Coins," sold in plastic bags of coins. These products also bear the label "Elite Milk Chocolate Coins."

It's believed the products were manufactured between April and November last year. Consumers may return the products for a complete refund.

Also included in the recall are Allegro butter cookies. These cookies failed to carry a listing for hazelnuts, which also have been known to cause allergic reactions. Imported by Dangold Inc. of New York, the cookies came in 7-ounce boxes and were sold before November.

Dangold officials believe all of the cookies have been removed from store shelves. However, the cookies have no expiration date so the federal government wants to alert consumers who still may have the products in their home.

The company will pay a full refund to individuals who return the product.