The State - News from June 21, 1988

State health officials said Hostess Gem Donuts with the code number 538164, dated for sale by June 18, 1988, should not be consumed because they may be contaminated with trichloroethane, a chemical solvent. The doughnuts are made by the Continental Baking Co. of Los Angeles, a subsidiary of the Ralston Purina Co., which has ordered removal of the tainted batch from distribution and sale. The doughnuts were produced at a time that repairs were made, with the use of trichloroethane, to flooring near a doughnut cooling line, the state Department of Health Services said. State investigators found that fumes were absorbed by some of the doughnuts, although not at a level considered a health hazard. The affected doughnuts were distributed to restaurants, catering vendors and grocery stores throughout Southern California and Arizona. Exposure to trichloroethane may cause nausea and a burning or tingling sensation to the tongue.