PRESS RELEASE

October 26, 2000

WESTERN FAMILY FOODS, INC. ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL OF WESTERN FAMILY 
AND SHURFINE BRANDS OF TACO SHELLS, TOSTADA SHELLS, TORTILLA CHIPS, AND 
NACHO CHIPS FROM GROCERY STORES.

Tests indicate presence of an unapproved variety of corn.  

Western Family Foods, Inc.
Portland, OR

On October 12, 2000,  Western Family Foods issued a voluntary recall of Western 
Family brand taco shells and tostada shells, and Shurfine brand taco shells, 
tortilla chips, and nacho chips manufactured by Mission Foods of Irving, TX.  
This action was in response to a reported link between StarLink Bt corn and 
one other brand of taco shells, also manufactured by Mission Foods.  StarLink 
Bt corn has not been approved for food use.  The purpose of the voluntary recall 
was to stop the sale of these products to retailers and to remove them from 
retail shelves.  As of October 12, 2000 there was no direct evidence that 
StarLink Bt corn was in any Western Family brand or Shurfine brand products.  

On October 25, 2000, the news services reported that testing initiated by a 
biotech watch group indicated the presence of StarLink Bt corn in samples of 
Western Family brand taco shells.  Western Family's first priority is the 
health, safety, and peace of mind of our consumers.  Therefore, Western Family 
Foods is issuing this press release to notify consumers of the voluntary recall 
of the products listed below.  Western Family Foods is working in cooperation 
with Mission Foods, the FDA, and state and local health authorities.  The 
recalled products are:

Western FamilyÒ Taco Shells - 12 ct.  UPC No. 15400-00238
Western FamilyÒ Super Taco Shells - 10 ct.   UPC No.  15400-00201
Western FamilyÒ Tostada Shells - 10 ct.  UPC No.  15400-02658
ShurfineÒ Taco Shells - 12 ct.  UPC No. 15400-86064
ShurfineÒ Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips - 16 oz.  UPC No.  15400-83892
ShurfineÒ Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips - 40 oz.  UPC No. 15400-85553
ShurfineÒ Round Nacho Chips - 40 oz   UPC No.  15400-85554
ShurfineÒ Nacho Cheese Round Chips - 40 oz.  UPC No.  15400-85555

Not all of these products are available in all geographic areas that Western 
Family Foods services.  The distribution clause on all of the recalled 
products reads: Distributed By Western Family Foods, Inc.  

There have been no reported incidences of illness or allergic reaction caused by 
any of these products.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated:  
"EPA does not have any evidence that food containing StarLink corn will cause 
any allergic reaction in people, and the agency believes the risks, if any, are 
extremely low."  Consumers who have any of these products are urged to destroy 
them or return them to the retailer where purchased for a refund.  

Western Family Foods distributes private label grocery products in 23 states 
throughout the U.S. to over 3,000 independent grocery retailers.  

Additional inquiries should be addressed to Roy Besand, Vice President of Quality 
Assurance at Western Family Foods (503) 639-6300.  


10/26/00