ALLERGY ALERT- SARA LEE COFFEE CAKE

Sara Lee Bakery Group, Inc. 8400 Maryland Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63105

For more information, contact Matt Hall, (314) 259-7223

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SARA LEE® ISSUES ALLERGY ALERT FOR SELECT BUTTER STREUSEL COFFEE CAKES

ST. LOUIS (March 28, 2003) - Sara Lee Bakery Group is voluntarily recalling specifically coded 11.5-ounce frozen Sara Lee® Butter Streusel Coffee Cake because a limited number of cartons may contain a different variety of cake, which is topped with pecans. Consumption of pecans by people who have an allergy or sensitivity to pecans may result in a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. This product only poses a potential hazard to pecan-sensitive individuals. The cakes are safe for all other people to enjoy, and no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported.

The recall is limited to Sara Lee® Butter Streusel Coffee Cake bearing the production code 04093029XX, with XX representing 15, 16, 17, or 18.

The production code can be found printed on the end flap of the package, opposite the tear-strip that is used to open the carton. This recall does not apply to any other Sara Lee® bakery products. No other Sara Lee® Butter Streusel Coffee Cakes are subject to this recall. The Butter Streusel Coffee Cake affected by this voluntary recall was distributed to retail grocery stores across the country, except to stores in the following states: California, Oregon, and Washington. The Butter Streusel Coffee Cake with the production codes listed above is being removed from store shelves.

The company has received inquiries from some consumers in the Midwest who have purchased cartons of the Butter Streusel Coffee Cake containing another coffee cake variety that is topped with pecans. Consumers who have recently purchased the Butter Streusel Coffee Cake and are concerned about the inclusion of pecans should check their freezers for the production code dates listed above. Consumers may return the cakes affected by this recall to grocery retailers for a full refund. Consumers who have any questions should call Sara Lee Bakery Group toll-free at (800) 323-7117 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Sara Lee Bakery Group is working together with the FDA in undertaking a voluntary recall of this product and also has notified the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.