MONROVIA, Calif., May 27, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Trader Joe's has pulled all Royal Hollandia Belle Blanche Goat Gouda, imported from Holland, from sale upon notification by our supplier that it may contain undeclared lysozyme made from egg whites. Lysozyme is an enzyme from egg whites that is used to control the growth of bacteria. People who have an allergy to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. We pulled this product because it is mislabeled and could be a serious issue for people with allergies to eggs. There is no danger to people who are not allergic to eggs.
We take the safety of our customers and the integrity of our products very seriously. These are the steps we took:
-- Immediately upon hearing from our supplier, we directed all stores to take off sale and destroy all codes of Royal Hollandia Belle Blanche Goat Gouda. (The cheese was sold in Trader Joe's West coast stores only.)
-- We sent to our stores signs to post prominently in the cheese section to alert all customers to refrain from eating any Belle Blanche Goat Gouda and to return any of the cheese they may have at home to any Trader Joe's for a full refund.
-- We discontinued the sale of Royal Hollandia Belle Blanche Goat Gouda until further notice.