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                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.6

                            BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

This Business Loan Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of the date
set forth below between Union Bank of California, N.A. ("Bank") and Authentic
Specialty Foods, Inc., a Texas corporation ("Authentic"), and La Victoria
Foods, Inc., a California corporation ("Victoria"), (each a "Borrower" and
collectively as "Borrowers") with respect to each and every extension of credit
(whether one or more, collectively referred to as the "Loan") from Bank to
Borrower. In consideration of the Loan, Bank and Borrowers agree to the
following terms and conditions:

1.   THE LOAN.

     1.1  The Note. The Loan is evidenced by one or more promissory notes or
     other evidences of indebtedness, including each amendment, extension,
     renewal or replacement thereof, which are incorporated herein by this
     reference (whether one or more, collectively referred to as the "Note").

          Wherever "N/A" appears in a blank in this Agreement, it means the
     Subsection in which it appears is deemed deleted from this Agreement.

     1.2  Unused Commitment Fee. On the last calendar day of the third month
     following the execution of this Agreement and on the last calendar day of
     each three-month period thereafter until and including September 30, 1998,
     or the earlier termination of the Loan, Borrowers shall pay to Bank a fee
     that in total equals one quarter of one percent (.25%) per year on the
     average unused portion of the Loan for the preceding quarter computed on
     the basis of actual days elapsed of a year of 360 days.

     1.3  Collateral. The payment and performance of all obligations of Borrower
     under the Loan Documents are and shall be during the term of the Loan
     secured by a perfected security interest in such real or personal property
     collateral as is required by Bank and each security interest shall rank in
     first priority unless otherwise specified in writing by Bank.

2.   CONDITIONS TO AVAILABILITY OF THE LOAN. Before Bank is obligated to
disburse all or any portion of the Loan, Bank must have received (a) the Note
and every other document required by Bank in connection with the Loan, each of
which must be in form and substance satisfactory to Bank (together with this
Agreement, referred to as the "Loan Documents"), (b) confirmation of the
perfection of its security interest in any collateral for the Loan, and (c)
payment of any fee required in connection with the Loan.

3.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants (and each
request for a disbursement of the proceeds of the Loan shall be deemed a
representation and warranty made on the date of such request) that:

     3.1  Borrowers are duly organized, existing, and in good standing under
     the laws of the states of their organization, respectively, and are duly
     qualified to conduct business in each jurisdiction in which their
     businesses are conducted, except where the failure to so qualify would not
     have a material adverse effect on the Borrowers or on the ability of the
     Borrowers to perform their obligations under this Agreement.

     3.2  The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents
     executed by Borrower are within Borrower's power, have been duly
     authorized, are legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower, and are
     not in conflict with the terms of any charter, bylaw, or other
     organization papers of Borrower or with any law, indenture, material
     agreement or undertaking to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower
     is bound or affected;

     3.3  All financial statements and other financial information submitted by
     Borrower to Bank are true and correct in all material respects, and there
     has been no material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition
     since the date of the latest of such financial statements;

     3.4  Borrower has complied with all laws and regulations affecting
     Borrower, including without limitation, each applicable fictitious
     business name statute;

     3.5  There is no event which is, or with notice or lapse of time or both
     would be, an Event of Default (as defined in Article 5);

     3.6  Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending credit for the
     purpose of, and no part of the Loan will be used, directly or indirectly,
     for purchasing or carrying margin stock within the meaning of Federal
     Reserve Board Regulation U; and

     3.7  Borrower is not aware of any fact, occurrence or circumstance which
     Borrower has not disclosed to Bank in writing which has, or could
     reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on Borrower's
     ability to repay the Loan or perform its obligations under the Loan
     Documents.

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4.   COVENANTS. Borrowers agree, so long as the Loan or any commitment to make
any advance under the Loan is outstanding and until full and final payment of
all sums outstanding under any Loan Document, that Borrowers will on a
consolidated basis;

     4.1  Maintain:

          (a) Tangible Net Worth for Authentic of at least $16,028,000 (As used
          herein "Tangible Net Worth" means net worth increased by 100% of net
          profit after taxes, indebtedness of Authentic subordinated to Bank
          and decreased by patents, licenses, trademarks, trade names, goodwill
          and other similar intangible assets, organizational expenses, and
          monies due from affiliates including officers, shareholders and
          directors);

          (b) A ratio of total liabilities to Tangible Net Worth for Authentic
          of not greater than 2.00:1.00 (As used herein "Tangible Net Worth"
          means net worth increased by indebtedness of Authentic subordinated to
          Bank and decreased by patents, licenses, trademarks, trade names, 
          goodwill and other similar intangible assets, organizational expenses,
          and monies due from affiliates including officers, shareholders and 
          directors);

          (c) A profit after taxes for Authentic of not less than $1.00, to be
          measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter of Authentic for the
          three month period immediately preceding the date of measurement;

All accounting terms used in this Agreement shall have the definitions given
them by generally accepted accounting principles, unless otherwise defined
herein.

     4.2  Give written notice to Bank within 15 days of the following:

          (a) Any litigation or arbitration proceeding affecting Borrower where
          the amount in controversy is $100,000 or more;

          (b) Any material dispute which may exist between Borrower and any
          government regulatory body or law enforcement body;

          (c) Any Event of Default or any event which, upon notice, or lapse of
          time, or both, would become an Event of Default;

          (d) Any other matter which has resulted or is likely to result in a
          material adverse change in Authentic's financial condition or
          operation; and

          (e) Any change in Borrower's name or the location of Borrower's
          principal place of business, or the location of any collateral for
          the Loan, or the establishment of any new place of business or the
          discontinuance of any existing place of business.

     4.3  Furnish to Bank an income statement, balance sheet, and statement of
     retained earnings, with supportive schedules ("Financial Statement"), and
     any other financial information requested by Bank, prepared in accordance
     with generally accepted accounting principles and in a form satisfactory to
     Bank as follows:

          (a) Within 60 days after the close of each quarter except for the
          final quarter of each fiscal year, Borrower's Financial Statement as
          of the close of such period;

          (b) 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, a copy of
          Authentic's annual Financial Statement prepared by an independent
          certified public accountant on an audited basis. Any independent
          certified public accountant who prepares Authentic's Financial
          Statement shall be selected by Authentic and reasonably satisfactory
          to Bank.

          (c) 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, as either part of
          the audited Financial Statements or presented separately, a copy of
          Consolidating and Consolidated Financial Statements of the operations
          of Borrowers. ("Consolidating" financial statements means financial
          statements which show the accounting of Victoria separately from the
          rest of Authentic on a consolidated basis, then sets forth current
          intercompany transactions, and finally, Consolidated figures);

          (d) Promptly upon request, any other financial information requested
          by Bank.

     4.4  Pay or reimburse Bank for all costs, expenses and fees incurred by
     Bank in preparing and documenting this Agreement and the Loan, and all
     amendments and modifications thereof, including but not limited to all
     filing and recording fees, costs of appraisals, insurance and attorney's
     fees, including the reasonable estimate of the allocated costs and expenses
     of in-house legal counsel and staff.

     4.5  Maintain and preserve Borrower's existence, present form of business
     and all rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in the
     normal course of its business, and keep all of Borrower's properties in
     good working order and condition.

     4.6  Maintain and keep in force insurance with companies acceptable to Bank
     and in such amounts and types, including without limitation fire and public
     liability insurance, as is usual in the business carried on by Borrower, or
     as Bank may reasonably request. Such insurance policies must be in form and
     substance satisfactory to Bank.

     4.7  Maintain adequate books, accounts and records and prepare all
     financial statements required hereunder in accordance with generally
     accepted accounting principles, and in compliance with the regulations of
     any governmental regulatory body having jurisdiction over Borrower or
     Borrower's business and permit employees or agents of Bank at any
     reasonable time after reasonable notice to inspect Borrower's assets and
     properties, and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts and records
     and make copies and memoranda thereof.

     4.8  At all times comply with, or cause to be complied with, all laws,
     statutes, rules, regulations, orders and directions of any governmental

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     authority having jurisdiction over Borrower or Borrower's business, and all
     material agreements to which Borrower is a party.

     4.9  Except as provided in this Agreement, or the Loan Documents, or in the
     ordinary course of its business as currently conducted, not make any loans
     or advances, become a guarantor or surety, pledge its credit or properties
     in any manner, or extend credit.

     4.10 Not sell or discount any account receivable or evidence of
     indebtedness, except to Bank; not borrow any money or become contingently
     liable for money borrowed, except pursuant to agreements made with Bank.

     4.11 Neither liquidate, dissolve, enter into any consolidation, merger,
     partnership, or other combination; nor convey, sell or lease all or the
     greater part of its assets or business.

     4.12 Not engage in any business activities or operations substantially
     different from or unrelated to present business activities and operations.

     4.13 Borrower will promptly, upon demand by Bank, take such further action
     and execute all such additional documents and instruments in connection
     with this Agreement as Bank in its reasonable discretion deems necessary,
     and promptly supply Bank with such other information concerning its
     affairs as Bank may request from time to time.

     4.14 Borrower's outstanding hereunder that have been used by the Borrowers
     for acquisitions of a business or businesses made after the date hereof
     shall not exceed at any time $5,000,000 in the aggregate without the
     Bank's prior consent.

5.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The occurrence of any of the following events ("Events
of Default") shall terminate any obligation on the part of Bank to make or
continue the Loan and automatically, unless otherwise provided under the Loan
Documents, shall make all sums of interest and principal and any other amounts
owing under the Loan immediately due and payable, without notice of default,
presentment or demand for payment, protest or notice of nonpayment or dishonor,
or any other notices or demands:

     5.1  Borrower shall default in the due and punctual payment of the
     principal of or the interest on the Note or any of the Loan Documents;

     5.2  Any default shall occur under the Note;

     5.3  Borrower shall default in the due performance or observance of any
     covenant or condition of the Loan Documents and, in the case of
     subsections 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10 only, such default shall
     continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days.

     5.4  Any guaranty or subordination agreement required hereunder is
     breached or becomes ineffective, or any guarantor or subordinating
     creditor dies or disavows or attempts to revoke or terminate such guaranty
     or subordination agreement; or

6.   MISCELLANEOUS.

     6.1  The rights, powers and remedies given to Bank hereunder shall be
     cumulative and not alternative and shall be in addition to all rights,
     powers, and remedies given to Bank by law against Borrower or any other
     person, including but not limited to Bank's rights of setoff or banker's
     lien.

     6.2  Any forbearance or failure or delay by Bank in exercising any right,
     power or remedy hereunder shall not be deemed a waiver thereof and any
     single or partial exercise of any right, power or remedy shall not
     preclude the further exercise thereof. No waiver shall be effective unless
     it is in writing and signed by an officer of Bank.

     6.3  The benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the successors and
     assigns of Bank and the permitted successors and assignees of Borrower,
     and any assignment by Borrower without Bank's consent shall be null and
     void.

     6.4  The Agreement and all other agreements and instruments required by
     Bank in connection herewith shall be governed by and construed according
     to the laws of the State of California.

     6.5  Should any one or more provisions of this Agreement be determined to
     be illegal or unenforceable, all other provisions nevertheless shall be
     effective. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this
     Agreement and the provisions of any note or reimbursement agreement
     evidencing any indebtedness hereunder, the provisions of such note or
     reimbursement agreement shall prevail.

     6.6  Except for documents and instruments specifically referenced herein,
     this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Bank and Borrower
     regarding the Loan and all prior communications, verbal or written,
     between Borrower and Bank shall be of no further effect or evidentiary
     value.

     6.7  The section and subsection headings herein are for convenience of
     reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

     6.8  This Agreement may be amended only in writing signed by all parties
     hereto.

     6.9  Borrower and Bank may execute one or more counterparts to this
     Agreement, each of which shall be deemed an original, but taken together
     shall be one and the same instrument.

     6.10 Any notices or other communications provided for or allowed hereunder
     shall be effective only when given by one of the following methods and
     addressed to the respective party at its address given with the signatures
     at the end of this Agreement and shall be considered to have been validly
     given: (a) upon delivery, if delivered personally; (b) upon receipt, if
     mailed, first class postage prepaid with the United States

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     Postal Service; (c) on the next business day if sent by overnight courier
     service of recognized standing; and (d) upon telephoned confirmation of
     receipt, if telecopied.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of
October 16, 1997.

Union Bank of California,              Authentic Specialty Foods, Inc. jt/w La
N.A. ("Bank")                          Victoria Foods, Inc. ("Borrower")


                                       Authentic Specialty Foods, Inc.


By:                                    By: /s/ SAMUEL E. HILLIN, JR.
    ------------------------------         -------------------------------------
Title: Vice President                  Title: Chief Financial Officer
Printed Name: Darr Woods               Printed Name: Samuel E. Hillin, Jr.



By: /s/ JON STRAYER
    ------------------------------
Title: Vice President                  La Victoria Foods, Inc.
Printed Name: Jon Strayer

                                       By:
                                           -------------------------------------
                                       Title:
                                              ----------------------------------
                                       Printed Name:
                                                     ---------------------------


Address where notices to Bank          Address where notices to Borrower
are to be sent:                        are to be sent:

445 South Figuarua Street,             1313 Avenue R
16th Floor                             Grand Prairie, Texas 75050 
Los Angeles, Ca 90071                  

Fax Number: (213) 236-7635             Fax Number: (214) 933-4120




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