Joseph Epstein Food Enterprises Recalls Turkey Meatball Products Due To Misbranding

WASHINGTON – Joseph Epstein Food Enterprises, Inc., an East Rutherford, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 190 pounds of turkey meatball products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The label declares the product as “gluten-free,” a false negative claim.

The Mama Mancini’s gluten-free turkey meatball items were produced on Oct. 19, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels]

  • 22-oz. cartons of “Mama Mancini’s Slow Cooked Italian Style Sauce and Turkey Meatballs – Gluten Free.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-21734” inside the USDA mark of inspection, product code 4740 and expiration date “Use by 12/10/15.” These items were shipped to retail locations in New Jersey.

The problem was discovered during the establishment’s third party laboratory testing; the product was found to contain an excess of the maximum allowable 20 ppm of gluten. The establishment notified FSIS of the problem.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness 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 with questions about the recall can contact Mr. Matt Brown, President, at (917) 705-7514. Media with questions about the recall can contact Mr. Carl Wolf at (973) 985-0280.

Source: USDA FSIS