A popular canned tomato pasta product has been taken off the Island's supermarket shelves this week after it was discovered it contained beef ravioli instead of cheese.

In the US, the maker of Chef Boyardee Ravioli voluntarily recalled 386,000 pounds of cheese ravioli because it contained an allergen - soy protein - that was not listed on the label which could cause allergic reactions to people people sensitive to soy products.

The ravioli was distributed to several countries outside of the US, including Bermuda.

Health officials said that people with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy protein run the risk of possible allergic reactions if they eat the ravioli.

The ravioli recall involves 15-ounce cans, labelled "Chef Boyardee 99 percent Fat Free Cheese Ravioli in Tomato Sauce", but which mistakenly contain beef ravioli.

It was the second recall in a week by the parent company, ConAgra Grocery Products Co., a subsidiary of ConAgra Foods Inc., one of the largest US food processors.

Last Thursday, it recalled 408,000 pounds of Healthy Choice Old Fashion Chicken Noodle Soup - because it contained an allergen - whey protein - that was not listed on the label.

It is understood that the soup is also widely distributed throughout Bermuda's grocery stores.

In order for consumers to identify the suspect cans of ravioli, manufactures said the bottom of each can carries the establishment code "794" followed by the case code "J17101 RF".

It was made on October 17, 2001.

Like the soup recall, ConAgra identified the labelling problem after consumer complaints. Local grocers and Government's Consumer Affairs Department advised consumers to return the ravioli or soup to the store where it was purchased.

People with questions about the recall can contact the Consumer Affairs Department at 297-7927.