USDA issues health warning over meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Philippines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issues a health alert to the public regarding ready-to-eat meat and poultry products illegally imported from the Philippines.

The problem was discovered when FSIS conducted a routine inspection of a retailer and found meat and poultry products from the Philippines that were not allowed to be exported to the United States.

The Philippines is not a country that is allowed to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS continues to investigate how these products entered the country.

The FSIS is concerned that some of the products may be in consumer and restaurant pantries and on retailer shelves.

These items were delivered to restaurants and retail locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia.

Products for which there is a health warning:

• 150g can of “Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF”.
• 175g can of “Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF”.
• 260g can of “Argentina BRAND CORNED BEEF”.
• 150g can of “PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF”.
• 210g can of “PUREFOODS CORNED BEEF”.
• 150g can of CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF.
• 190g can of CHUNKEE CORNED BEEF.
• 7.43 oz jar of Lady’s Choice Chicken Spread.

The products for which a health warning exists do not contain any information about the manufacturer. Product images can be viewed here.

At the time of publication of this public health alert, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a medical condition should contact a healthcare professional.

Retailers who have purchased these products are urged not to sell them. Consumers and restaurants who have purchased these products are urged not to consume or serve them. Consumers are asked to double bag the product when disposing of it to reduce the possibility of animals getting access to the product, as the USDA cannot confirm whether the products have been properly heated to control pathogens that are dangerous to livestock and poultry.

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