Public Advisory: Imported Non-Dairy Products Containing Undeclared Milk Ingredients

August 11, 2006

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is advising consumers with milk allergies and those caring for persons with milk allergies, to use caution when purchasing or offering imported products such as instant coffee, tea or dry cereal mixes from some Asian countries. Tthere may be a risk of undeclared milk ingredients in these products.

An ongoing investigation by the CFIA has determined that various imported instant coffee and instant tea premixes, as well as instant cereal products declare “non-dairy creamer” in their ingredient list but contain milk ingredients.

Undeclared milk usually does not represent a hazard to the majority of consumers; however, for those sensitive or allergic to milk ingredients, consumption of affected products could result in a serious or life-threatening reaction.

The CFIA is working with Canadian importers to identify all affected products that were distributed in Canada. The importers of these products are voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. As the presence of milk protein is not declared on the label, these recalls are accompanied by an Allergy Alert.

All public warnings and Allergy Alerts are distributed to the media, and are also posted on the CFIA’s Web site. Internet users can subscribe to receive these notices, which provide specific information to assist consumers in identifying potentially hazardous products. The CFIA encourages those consumers with allergies and sensitivities to take advantage of this service.

For a complete list of the affected products identified to date, and for more information on identifying potentially hazardous products, visit the Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts section of the CFIA’s Web site: www.inspection.gc.ca.

Consumers and industry can also call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).