Seneca Foods recalling canned beets due to contamination worries

Tuesday, September 28th 2004, 11:44 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Seneca Foods Corp. is recalling 1 million canned beets because possible undercooking during processing has raised the chances of contamination by harmful microorganisms.

The recall applies to 15-ounce cans of sliced beets and no-salt sliced beets shipped from July 27 to Sept. 24 to much of the nation. Even if the beets don't appear or smell spoiled, they should not be eaten, the company said.

No illnesses have been reported so far, according to Marion-N.Y.-based Seneca Foods.

The beets are sold under a variety of labels, including Always Save, America's Choice, American Value, D&W, Dominick's, Flavorite, Food Club, Foodland, Friday, Goya, Green Valley, Harris-Teeter, Hill Country Fare, Kroger, Libby's, Ligo, Parade, Piggly Wiggly, Promos, Publix, Shop N Save, Shurfine, Southern Home, Stokely's, Sysco Classic, Thrifty Maid, US Blue and Wylwood.

Some 42,085 cases of recalled beets will be pulled from store shelves in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Subject to recall are cans with any combination of these codes:

_G4CG16 to 29 in the top line and either 3125D, 3125J, 3234D, 3234J, 5339D, 5339J, 3153D, 3153J, 3160D or 3160J in the bottom line;

_In the top line, H4CG18 to 31 and either 3125D, 3125J, 3234D, 3234J, 5339D, 5339J, 3153D, 3153J, 3160D or 3160J in the bottom line;

_In the top line, I4CG01 to 11 and either 3125D, 3125J, 3234D, 3234J, 5339D, 5339J, 3153D, 3153J, 3160D or 3160J in the bottom line;

_In the top line, H4EI04 to 11 and either 32292, 32342 or 31532 in the bottom line.

Consumers should return the canned beets to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers who would like additional information may call 1-866-336-8700.