Agency Alerting Consumers, Assisting In Progresso Soup Recall

HARTFORD — In cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture, Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection food inspectors will be checking stores statewide to ensure that Progresso Italian Wedding Soup, 18.5-ounce cans and 15.25-ounce microwavable bowls, produced by the General Mills Company, are removed from sale. General Mills has recalled this product because it may contain beef produced by Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co. of Chino, Calif. Hallmark/Westland initiated a beef recall on February 17 based on reports that meat produced by the company was not completely and properly inspected by the USDA.

“Families should check their cabinets for this widely distributed, popular product, and return unopened cans to the store for a full refund,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, said. “Anyone who has open cans or ‘bowls’ subject to the recall should throw the containers and food away.”

To date, no illnesses have been reported; however, consumers should not consume these products, even if they appear to be normal. This recall is classified as Class II, which means there is a remote probability that the recalled beef would cause adverse health effects if consumed.

Specific codes of the soup subject to recall are:

*18.5-ounce cans of Progresso Italian Wedding Soup, “Best if Used By” dates from 12OCT9 to 08NOV9, UPC# 41196-91505, CODE: 22511, GROUP: 1286

*15.25-ounce Microwave Bowl of Progresso Italian Wedding Soup, “Best if Used By” dates from 12OCT9 to 08NOV9, UPC#: 41196-40339, CODE: 11311, GROUP: 1286.

Consumers who are not sure if a product is subject to the recall should throw it out or return it as a precaution.

For more information, e call General Mills at 800-200-9377, the FDA at 888-SAFEFOOD or the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6160.W