Japanese Meat Processor Expands Recall In Cyanide Scare

October 26, 2008 5:28 p.m. EST

Tokyo, Japan (AHN) - Japan's No. 2 meat processor has planned to expand its meat recall decision after millions of wieners and other products were taken off the shelves across the country on cyanide contamination scare.

Itoham Foods Inc. recalled 2.67 million packs of sausages and pizza sold across the country following discovery of the poisonous chemical, cyanide, in the well water used at one of its plants.

The Japan-based company, which manufacture and sale of processed meat products, raw meat and other food products, said in an independent inspection of the underground water used at a factory near Tokyo found cyanide levels up to three times the recommended limit set by the authorities.

Under the latest announcement, the company has decided to recall more than 600 thousand packages made for other companies.

The company also mentions on its Web site that the influence of the products contaminated with the chemical, if eaten, may not pose threat to human body.

Itoham has recalled products manufactured and processed from September 18 to October 15 and it will cost the company around $3 million (300 million yen).

The firm took the step following the emergence of several contamination cases of different products including withdrawal of instant noodles from the market after two Japanese manufacturers found insecticide in the packs.

Itoham said it is investigating the packs for contamination and will announce whether cyanogen tainted the products, on Oct. 30.