Food Lion News

7/6/2001

Salisbury, N.C. – Kash n’ Karry and Food Lion have asked the manufacturer of their private label 11 oz. white corn chips to start an investigation after the Food and Drug Administration found traces of a genetically-altered strain of corn called Starlink in the product made by Wise Foods Inc.

The FDA conducted the tests at the request of a shopper who purchased an 11 oz. bag of white corn tortilla chips in Florida. Although the FDA did not require it, Kash n’ Karry withdrew the 11 oz. white corn tortilla chips as a precautionary measure on June 26, when it was made aware of the FDA test results. Sister company Food Lion, which is also supplied an 11 oz. white corn tortilla chip by Wise, withdrew the product from its stores as well. Both companies are withdrawing the 11 oz. product indefinitely pending results from Wise’s internal investigation.

Both retailers also offer an 8 oz. size white corn tortilla chip. However, it is made by another manufacturer, and it is not involved in the withdrawal.

“On behalf of shoppers, we have asked Wise Foods to look into the FDA’s test results,” said James Ball, food safety and quality director for the companies.

Customers may direct their questions to Wise’s toll-free customer help-line, 1- 800- 426-7336.

Tampa, Fla.-based Kash n’ Karry operates more than 140 stores in West and Central Florida. Salisbury, N.C.-based Food Lion operates more than 1,100 stores throughout the Southeast. Both companies are divisions of Delhaize America, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delhaize Group (NYSE: DEG).

Contact: Tawn Earnest (704) 633-8250, Ext. 2185