M&K II Co., a Macomb, Mich., establishment, is recalling approximately 8,000 pounds of beef jerky products because they contain undeclared allergens, wheat and soy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The products subject to recall include 1-ounce and 3-ounce packages of "Firehouse Jerky Mild Beef Jerky Smoke Flavor Added." and "Firehouse Jerky Pepper Beef Jerky Smoke Flavor Added.”

Each package bears the establishment number "EST. 6935" or "EST. 10002" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The code number "6935" is ink jetted on the back of each package. These products were produced on various dates from January 28, 2010, through May 21, 2010, and were sent to Firehouse Foods, Inc., a distributor in Alsip, Ill., for further Internet and retail sales.

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a labeling review at the establishment. FSIS has received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Source: FSIS

Fuddruckers goes wild

Fuddruckers has added Fudds Exotics, all-natural, free-range, grass and grain-fed game burgers and wild-caught salmon filet that are 100% antibiotic and hormone free, to its menu. Fuddruckers ½-pound elk burgers are low in sodium and have 0 g of artificial trans fats.

Fudds Exotics offer Fuddruckers guests the taste and adventure of game and wild-caught salmon for $8-10 each. Starting this week, Fuddruckers also is running a Facebook contest for fans called Exotic Fridays, which gives many a chance to win a free $50 gift certificate to try one of each of Fudds Exotics just by posting an exotics icon on their Facebook profile.

All five of Fudds Exotics SM include: ½-pound Elk Burgers,  ½-pound Wild Boar Burgers (available this September to participating Fuddruckers), 7-ounce (available in November), 5-ounce Salmon Filets and ½-pound Buffalo Burgers.

Fuddruckers introduced Fudds Exotics, its new category of burgers, in May this year starting with buffalo burgers, which has become the restaurant’s best selling new product roll out in the company’s recent history.

Source: Fuddruckers

Hillshire Farms launches Fresh Taste Challenge

Hillshire Farm has launched the “Hillshire Farm Fresh Taste Challenge.” Calling upon moms to re-think their perceptions of how fresh lunchmeat can taste, Hillshire Farm is asking moms nationwide to “take the challenge” by simply trying any participating Hillshire Farm lunchmeat. Anyone who agrees that Hillshire Farm tastes fresher than they think pre-packaged lunchmeat tastes, can instantly download $5 in coupons at www.gomeat.com and, if not, can sign up for a $5 Grocery Gift Card.

“By launching the ‘Hillshire Farm Fresh Taste Challenge,’ we’re helping to reshape the way mom thinks about lunchmeat by exceeding her ‘fresh taste expectations.’ At Hillshire Farm we take tremendous pride in our premium quality lunchmeat, which is created with no by-products or artificial flavors. We’re literally betting that when moms taste Hillshire Farm, they will become believers in just how fresh lunchmeat can and should taste,” said Tim Roush, vice president lunch and dinner, Sara Lee North American Retail.
Hillshire Farm also is assembling the “Hillshire Farm Fresh Squad,” a group of fresh-obsessed experts who will provide ideas and solutions that will help moms across the country make lunchmeat sandwiches taste fresher than they ever thought possible. From appearing on television stations in major U.S. cities to offering tips on popular blogs and web sites, the “Fresh Squad” is focused on helping moms create the best lunches possible through the fresh taste of Hillshire Farm lunchmeat.

Additionally, timed to the start of the back to school season, the “Fresh Squad” will be deployed to find the blogs across the country that go above and beyond in providing valuable food and lunchtime tips to their followers. Blogs who meet the “Fresh Squad’s” criteria of offering content that exceeds expectations, will be recognized with “Fresh Blogs” designations.

Source: Sara Lee Corp.