WASHINGTON, April 16, 2003--Whitts Barbecue, an Antioch, Tenn., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 16,000 pounds of ready-to-eat pork and beef barbecue products because of an undeclared allergen (whey), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products being recalled are cases containing:

• 5-lb. packages of "Whitts BARBECUE PORK BARBECUE with SAUCE Pit Cooked Over Hickory Coals," and
• 5-lb. packages of "Whitts BARBECUE BEEF BARBECUE with SAUCE Pit Cooked Over Hickory Coals."

The products were produced between Jan. 2 and April 14, and each package bears a date code between "1-2" and "4-14." The packages also bear the establishment code "EST. 7302" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

The products were distributed to restaurants and delis in Tennessee.

"Diners who are allergic to whey may wish to ask if their meals contain these products," said Dr. Garry L. McKee, FSIS administrator.

The problem was discovered through routine FSIS inspection.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall may contact Tony Pigue, assistant general manager, Whitts Barbecue, at (615) 351-3407.

Consumers with other food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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