Berni-brand pesto items recalled in Canada

Ottawa -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it has expanded an allergy alert concerning the presence of cashews in some Berni-band pesto products.

The CFIA said its public warning issued last week has been expanded to include an additional product -- Berni brand Pesto al Basilico sold in a 520-gram jar.

Officials at the federal agency are warning people with allergies to cashews the labels on the affected products declare cashews with a French term "anacardes" that isn't commonly recognized in Canada.

The recalled Berni items, all products of Italy, are Pesto al Pomodoro, bearing UPC 8 73186 00006 1 and 8 032589 960132; Pesto al Basilico with UPC 8 73186 00000 9 and 8 032589 960217; Pesto al Basilico, bearing UPC 8 73186
00001 6 and 8 032589 960170.

The products were distributed across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, as well as possibly distributed nationally.

The importer, Aurora Importing and Distributing Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling the products from the marketplace.

Consumers wishing more information can call the CFIA at 800-442-2342.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.