My subscription to US Food and Drug Administration missives usually returns horrific or, at least, disturbing cases of food or drug recalls.
However, I never knew 1) that processed, prepackaged turkey and cheese sandwiches normally contain anchovy flavoring and, more surprisingly, 2) that some people are allergic to anchovies.
Fresh Grill Recalls Smoked Turkey & Jack Cheese Sandwiches Due to Undeclared Anchovies
Contact:
Fresh Grill
714-444-2126FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Santa Ana, CA -- November 21, 2006 -- On 10-12-2006 Fresh Grill of Santa Ana, California recalled 2056 units of SMOKED TURKEY & JACK CHEESE because it may have contained undeclared anchovies. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to anchovies run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
SMOKED TURKEY & JACK CHEESE is distributed in Southern California at 7-Eleven convenience stores.
On 10-12-2006 the wording "NATURAL FLAVORING, ANCHOVIES" was added to the label information on the product.
"No illnesses have been reported to date.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-714-444-2126.
I am well-aware of shellfish allergies but had not been familiar with those who suffer hypersensitivity reactions from (not just simply abhorrence of) anchovies.
They probably have Worcestershire sauce in them. It's made with anchovies, and is darn tasty with cheese : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worcestershire_Sauce
Yep, several members of my family cannot eat any kind of fish - freshwater or salt - or shellfish unless they want to break out in hives and eczema.